Royal Saltworks graduation tower

The Royal Saltworks graduation tower in Arc-et-Senans is an industrial structure from the 18th century that concentrated salt water through natural evaporation. The system used wood bundles arranged at height and received water transported from distant springs through a long aqueduct system.

The structure was built between 1775 and 1779 under architect Claude Nicolas Ledoux and formed part of a larger salt production complex. The project represented new thinking in industrial design and demonstrated advanced engineering techniques of the period.

The structure reveals how salt production shaped the region's economy and justified major investment in infrastructure. Walking through the site shows how this trade was central to the area's development and prosperity.

The site is accessible and inviting for walking tours where you can explore the scale and construction of the building. The location has good pathways, making it comfortable to visit at your own pace throughout the grounds.

A remarkable engineering feat was the long water system that brought salt water from distant springs and formed the backbone of operations. This connection between remote sources and the factory reveals how ambitious the entire salt operation truly was.

Location: Arc-et-Senans

Architects: Claude Nicolas Ledoux

GPS coordinates: 47.02970,5.78990

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:21