From the Great Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains to the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, the Production of Open-pan Salt in France

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Saline Royale (in French)
La Grande Saline de Salins-les-Bains (in French)

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1982
Size of heritage: 10 ha
- Buffer zone: 585 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 5,876°
Latitude: 46,938°

Summary

The Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, near Besançon, was built by Claude Nicolas Ledoux. Its construction, begun in 1775 during the reign of Louis XVI, was the first major achievement of industrial architecture, reflecting the ideal of progress of the Enlightenment. The vast, semicircular complex was designed to permit a rational and hierarchical organization of work and was to have been followed by the building of an ideal city, a project that was never realized.

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From the Great Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains to the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, the Production of Open-pan Salt

The UNESCO World Heritage site "From the Great Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains to the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, the Production of Open-pan Salt" is located in the eastern part of France, specifically at coordinates N46 56 15 E5 52 35. This site is a testament to the historical significance and technological advancements in the production of salt during the 18th and 19th centuries.

History

The history of this UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to the Middle Ages when the extraction of salt became a vital economic activity in the region. Salins-les-Bains, the first part of the site, was established in the 13th century and quickly became one of the most important saltworks in Europe. The salt was extracted from underground brine sources and processed using the open-pan method, which involved evaporating the water to obtain the salt crystals.

In the 18th century, the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans was constructed under the direction of architect Claude-Nicolas Ledoux. This architectural masterpiece was designed as a self-contained industrial complex, with buildings and infrastructure specifically tailored to the production of salt. The site featured a semicircular layout, with the central building known as the "Pavillon du Directeur" serving as the administrative hub.

During the French Revolution, the saltworks were nationalized and continued to operate until the early 20th century. However, with the advent of modern salt production techniques, the traditional open-pan method became obsolete, leading to the closure of the saltworks in 1962.

Current State

Today, the Great Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains and the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans have been meticulously preserved and restored, allowing visitors to experience the rich history and architectural grandeur of these sites.

The Great Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains, now a museum, offers a fascinating insight into the salt production process. Visitors can explore the underground galleries, where brine was extracted, as well as the various buildings that housed the different stages of salt production. The museum showcases the tools, machinery, and techniques used by salt workers throughout the centuries, providing a comprehensive understanding of this once vital industry.

Address
Distance: 4,9 mi
RUE EDGAR FAURE
39600 PORT LESNEY
France

Time Information

Checkout: - Checkin: 15:30
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

FlashMob Salins-Les-Bains le 29/05/2012

Published: May 23, 2012
Length: 51:39 min
Rating: 1 of 5
Author: DavidGRILLON

FlashMob Salins-Les-Bains le 29/05/2012.

Bande Annonce Le plus Grand Cabaret de Franche Comté #2

Published: August 11, 2014
Length: 47:14 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Jennifer SOARES

Les Méthys et ADP ainsi que RJ Robot Digital de Tavaux sont présélectionnées pour le plus grand cabaret de Franche-Comté qui se déroulera le 6 septembre 2014 à salins-Les-Bains. Un évèneme...