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.
Grande Saline
Salins-les-Bains
France
History and tradition
UNESCO World Heritage
46.937077, 5.87681
Address
Grande Saline
3 Place des Salines
39110
Salins-les-Bains
France
Opening hours
Monday - Sunday:
9:30-18:00
Monday - Sunday:
10:00-12:00, 14:00-17:30
,
Monday - Sunday:
10:00-12:00, 14:00-17:30
,
Monday - Sunday:
10:00-12:00, 14:00-17:30
,
Monday - Sunday:
9:30-18:00
Monday - Sunday:
9:30-19:00
Monday - Sunday:
9:30-18:00
Monday - Sunday:
10:00-12:00, 14:00-17:30
,
Monday - Sunday:
9:30-18:00
Closed on
Currently and upcoming
Event
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Discover the powerful magic of the saltworks, awakened by a symphony of lights and a gripping story! Light installations and colorful staging invite you to immerse yourself in the history of the ...
Event
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Unlock the secrets of salt with this fun-filled science workshop! Through 4 fascinating experiments, your little explorers will learn how salt dissolves, crystallizes, separates from pepper and reacts ...
Event
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Discover the art of modelling with your family! Take inspiration from the collections of the City of Salins and follow in the footsteps of two famous Salins ceramists: Max and Julie Claudet. Ages 5 ...
Event
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Set off on an adventure and explore the wells of the Grande Saline in search of salt water to make White Gold! A fun guided tour, followed by salt water evaporation and a workshop to draw salt like ...