Salins-les-Bains Saltworks
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
The Salins-les-Bains Saltworks are a historic complex of two ancient salt production sites located in Salins-les-Bains in the Jura department of France. These saltworks are among the oldest known industrial salt production sites, with activity dating back approximately 7,000 years. The site illustrates the evolution of salt extraction techniques, particularly the evaporation of brine by fire, a method used since the Neolithic period. The saltworks exploited deep underground salt deposits accessed through wells that tapped into natural saline springs. During the Middle Ages, the salt industry was economically vital, with thousands of workers engaged in extracting salt and managing the large-scale wood supply required for heating the brine. The site was operated through several saltworks including the Grande Saline and Petite Saline, which were managed by various owners ranging from religious institutions to the Counts of Burgundy. The industrial importance of Salins-les-Bains declined in the 18th century with the construction of the Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Senans, which processed brine piped over 21 kilometers from Salins. The Salins-les-Bains Saltworks were closed in 1962 and have since become a significant cultural and tourist site, recognized by UNESCO as part of the World Heritage list in 2009 alongside the Royal Saltworks. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of the salt production facilities and learn about the centuries-old tradition of salt manufacturing in this region.
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Tip: Visit during spring and early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. It is recommended to book tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Guided tours provide deeper insights into the historical salt extraction methods and the site's heritage. Check the official website for current opening hours and special events.
Interesting facts
- •The saltworks have been in operation for about 7,000 years, illustrating one of the longest continuous industrial salt production histories in the world.
- •The site was crucial for the economy of the Duchy of Burgundy during the Middle Ages, producing approximately 3,000 tons of salt annually.
- •Brine was transported via a 21-kilometer pipeline (saumoduc) from Salins-les-Bains to the Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Senans in the late 18th century.
- •The salt extraction method involved evaporation of brine by fire, known as 'ignigène' salt production, a technique dating back to prehistoric times.
- •The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing since 2009, recognized for its historical and technological significance.
History
Salt extraction at Salins-les-Bains dates back to the Neolithic era, making it one of the oldest known salt production sites in Europe.
The saltworks were documented since the early Middle Ages and became a major economic resource for the Duchy of Burgundy, producing thousands of tons of salt annually.
During the Middle Ages, the site consisted of several saltworks managed by both secular and religious owners.
In the 16th century, the saltworks came under Habsburg control, and in the 17th century, ownership was consolidated into a single administration.
The decline of the site began in the late 18th century with the construction of the Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Senans, which centralized salt production.
The Salins-les-Bains facilities ceased operations in 1962 and were later preserved as a heritage site.
Contact
Phone: 03 81 54 45 00
