Sucrerie de Francières, Sugar and spirits factory in Francières, France
Sucrerie de Francières is a sugar and spirits factory in northern France, with four-story red brick buildings arranged along the RD 1017 road. The site includes several connected structures with machinery and storage areas that document the entire production process.
The facility was founded in 1829 by César-Auguste Thirial and started as a sugar processing plant for local beet crops. After 1855, a distillery for beet alcohol was added, transforming the plant into a dual-purpose industrial works.
The site bears the name of its founding family and displays in its brick facades the work culture of the 19th century. Visitors can explore today the machinery and production areas that shaped the daily lives of workers.
The site is easily accessible on foot from the village and sits near the main road connecting Paris to Lille. A visitor center offers guided tours and exhibitions, with special activities for children during the week.
The red brick buildings were once connected by underground tunnels to ease the transport of raw materials between production areas. These hidden passages remain visible today and offer a fascinating glimpse into the industrial logistics of the 19th century.
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