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Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Senans

Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Senans

Claude-Nicolas Ledoux

Photo: Rolf Süssbrich · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Location
Arc-et-Senans, Doubs, France
Client / Owner
Louis XV
Year
Completed 1779
Access
Tickets required

The Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Senans was designed by Claude-Nicolas Ledoux for the state salt monopoly run by the ferme générale, with an edict signed by Louis XV. The infobox and text agree that construction began in 1775. However, the edict is dated 1773, the lead says Louis XVI commissioned it, and the body has Ledoux presenting his plan to Louis XV in 1774.

The article describes Enlightenment-inspired industrial architecture with palatial features, including Doric columns, and gives no materials. The two saltworks buildings are each 262 feet (80 m) long, 92 feet (28 m) wide and 66 feet (20 m) high.

Production ended in 1895. Lightning destroyed the chapel in 1918, and buildings were dynamited in 1926. Doubs acquired the site in 1927. UNESCO listed it in 1982. It now hosts cultural events and exhibitions. The article gives no hours.

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