The Saline Royale, UNESCO site, museums and gardens.

The Royal Salt Works of Arc-et-Senans has plenty of surprises in store! First and foremost, this UNESCO-listed heritage feature is an architectural masterpiece. As for its two museums, they reveal the many sides to this unclassifiable site. One retraces the history of salt, the other shines a spotlight on the visionary ingenuity of its architect, Nicolas Ledoux. Then there are the gardens, and you can make the magic last by spending a night at the hotel located in the heart of this listed site!

La Saline Royale, œuvre de Nicolas Ledoux BFC Tourisme

Coucher de soleil sur la Saline Royale AMB_Phototheque__Bourgogne-Franche-Comte_Tourisme-

La maison du directeur et ses colonnes Alain Doire - BFC Tourisme

Entrée de la saline royale d'Arc-et-Senans AMB_Phototheque__Bourgogne-Franche-Comte_Tourisme-

Listed by UNESCO!

An architectural masterpiece

Above all, the Saline Royale is an outstanding piece of architecture that was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1982. The majestic 18th-century building created at the request of Louis XV looks more like a palace than a factory. Don't be fooled. This site is indeed a salt works.

In fact, at the time, salt tax was a major source of income for the Crown. It was therefore in the government's interest to produce as much salt as possible!

A visionary architect

Behind this incredible semi-circular building lies the work of utopian architect Claude Nicolas Ledoux. Standing before it, you're simply awe-struck! He definitely succeeded in his challenge to come up with an "architectural design capable of moving people through a dialogue with the senses"!

Saline Royale tour practical info

Did you know?

An ideal town!

Nicolas Ledoux went way beyond the salt works project requested by the king. He designed an entire town! Innovative and spectacular, his project aimed to enhance the workers' living conditions.

According to Ledoux, his future ideal town had everything necessary for a happy life: a hospital, a university, and even a "temple of virtue".

The ambitious project was presented to the king, but Louis XV was unfortunately unsympathetic to the dreams of Ledoux, whose plans for the ideal town were then scrapped. All the same, Ledoux succeeded in creating a marvelous piece of architecture.

A complete tour

Museums and gardens

Besides the monument, the royal salt works conceal many other gems!

A permanent exhibition about the history of salt, extremely rich and well designed, with information on the origins of salt, salt production, the salt trade and salt usage.
The permanent exhibition on Nicolas Ledoux is an absolute must-see. This is the only museum in Europe to be devoted to an architect. It features some superb models of the different buildings that he designed.
Next, head for the landscaped park and vegetable gardens alongside the buildings, before sipping a drink on the café terrace as you enjoy the stunning view of the harmonious semi-circular arrangement.

Do not miss this chance to visit one of the region's key attractions!
Every year, it hosts new exhibitions and the gardens are beautiful.
In summer, the best time to enjoy the gardens is at the morning opening. In winter, the skating rink is fabulous!
Pierre

Spend the night at a UNESCO-listed site!

You can even sleep at the Saline Royale! Within the site enclosure is a 3-star hotel where 31 rooms beckon you for the unique experience of staying overnight, or longer!

Book your room