Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans by Thibault Magnien
The site of Arc et Senans is actually composed of two elements; The first one is the Saline Royale (Royal Saltworks) situated in Arc et Senans. It has been built during the 18th century by the famous French architect Claude-Nicolas Ledoux and is a great testimony of an Enlightenment project on one hand, and of an industrialized planned city, designed for a specific task, salt treatment, on the other hand. The city has been planned as a 'Perfect city' with all the building necessary for its people from school to church passing by hospital and accommodations.
The second element is the great saltwork situated in Salins les Bains, 20km from Arc et Senans. In this city you will be able to experience the guided visit of the museum that begins under the ground, with the salt mine and finish outside, in the furnace room where salt blocks were treated.