Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans
The Royal Saltworks is found near Besancon, in the chaux forest in the Franche-Comté region of France.
Construction of the Royal Saltworks began in 1775, on orders from Louis XV, and was an early attempt to group industrial buildings in a rational layout. The semi-circular plan for the layout of the buildings thus followed the organisation of the work that was to be carried out on the site.
The project was in part funded by a salt-tax that was levied on everyone over 8 years old in France. The salt was used for several things, including food storage, agriculture and glass production. The tax was extremely unpopular, and the building it funded suitably grandiose. The building continued to manufacture salt until 1895, then fell to ruin until 1927 when it was bought by the local department. Several phases of reconstruction and renovation followed.
The word 'bombastic' springs to mind - the Royal Saltworks buildings are interesting rather than beautiful (in my humble opinion) but they are well worth a visit. Many of the buildings follow a simple classical, columned, design while others are more decorated.
Nowadays the body that run the saltworks, the Institut Claude-Nicolas Ledoux, run large exhibitions at the site with a different theme each year, in addition to the permanent exhibitions based on the salt treatment carried out at the plant, and the plan and layout of the buildings.
The buildings are surrounded by attractive gardens and parkland, and the whole is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans (Franche-Comte, Doubs) travel, gites and hotels
Best Prices on Hotels in Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans - Guaranteed
(see guarantee details) Reserve online, pay at the hotel
The Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans hotels listed feature descriptions, guest reviews, ratings, location maps, online booking etc. as well as the 'best-price' guarantee. The search for hotels in Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans is provided by booking.com. General holiday / vacation options- See Franche-Comte gites for Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans holiday rentals Holidays nearbyLooking for something close by? See a wide choice of hotels, holiday villages and holiday rentals at: Places to Stay near Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans Car HireFind locations offering car hire nearby at Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans car hire VisitSee Visit Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans for places to visit near Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans including: a detailed map, villages in bloom and most beautiful villages DiscussAsk questions or leave a comment about Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans in our Franche-Comte forum Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans property for saleSee Franche-Comte property for sale
|
|
||||||||||||
Tourist Classifications for Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans
- Listed UNESCO World Heritage Site
Places to visit near Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
15 km: Arbois (Town in Jura) 35 km: Besancon (Town of art and history) 14 km: Salins-les-Bains (Recommended stopover town)
See also Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans (version Francais)
