The Saline Royale d’Arc-et-Senans
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, the Saline Royale at Arc-et-Senans is an 18th century Royal factory destined for the production of salt in the Doubs region.
History of the Saline Royale (Royal Saltworks) at Arc-et-Senans
This masterpiece by architect Claude-Nicolas Ledoux was built during the reign of Louis XV between 1775 and 1779 and was the first great achievement of industrial architecture.
The Saline Royale was a purpose-built factory where almost all the workers lived on-site. It comprised a semi-circle of 11 buildings, five of which housed workshops and worker accommodation. It was one of the largest saltworks in Europe at the time and was operated in association with the one at Salins les Bains by means of two 21km-long pipelines which brought the brine from Salins. Rendered obsolete by new techniques, the Saline Royale closed down in 1895.
La Saline Royale at Arc-et-Senans today
Nowadays the Saline Royale houses three museums. The first is devoted to the history of salt and its production. The second is dedicated to Claude-Nicolas Ledoux with more than 50 models of his works. The third traces the history of the Royal Saltworks from its closure in 1895 to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
Every cultural season features exhibitions, a garden festival, concerts, research residencies, activities for children and symposia.
OPENING DATES
The Royal Saltworks can be visited without a guide, with a guide or with an audio-guide (youngsters can discover the site in a fun way with a specially adapted trail).
Dogs on a lead are allowed in the grounds of the Saltworks but not inside the buildings.
The site is open from 1 March to 30 November.
Not far from the Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Senans
The Grande Saline at Salins-les-Bains, which became famous during the Middle Ages for producing and selling salt."
Our selection of accommodations
Our new accommodations
Guest house
La Rmise de Surcey
in ETERNOZ-VALLEE-DU-LISON - Doubs