When we visited the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans we were not really aware of what we were going to see. We were somewhat surprised to discover a site much broader in concept than the title might imply. It comprises a planned town of the late 18th century which was developed around a factory to produce salt from nearby saline deposits in the Jura using wood from local forests as the fuel. As a product of the Enlightenment it is set out on “rational” grounds in a semi circle (although in its original concept it was to be a full circle). Some of the buildings (photo) follow classical designs. A lot of reconstruction has taken place – it was badly damaged by fire in 1918 and a dynamite explosion in 1926. A number of the buildings (each had a very specific purpose in the overall design and that of the “Overseer” is a fine structure) are open and contain exhibitions showing the history and production processes.

The site presents an interesting example of 2 different WHS themes, Town Planning and Industrial Architecture, whose development can be traced across other eras and countries elsewhere in the list (eg New Lanark and Brasilia!). It is for that reason, in my opinion that Arc-et-Senans, justifies its inscription. Michelin may only give it 1* and it is true that the buildings and exhibits taken individually are nothing special but, taken as a whole, and as part of the wider concept, it is well worth visiting.