Grande Saline

The Grande Saline was in use for more than 1,200 years, from the 8th century to 1962. Listed to the World Heritage by UNESCO, this site, unique, is also one the most ancient factory in France. Very well-preserved, it explains to visitors the salt production activity thanks to the technical elements remaining. On the underground gallery, built on the 13th century to protect the salt, called white gold, visitors discover an hydraulic pump dated from the 19th century, still functionning. This impressive gallery looks more like a cathedral than a factory... Then, on the evaporation room, discover the hard work conditions of the saltworkers who gathered the salt in a stuffy atmosphere : the tools, the carts containing salt and the pan of evaporation, last one in France, remind this hard work.