Cartoucherie de Bourg-lès-Valence, Industrial heritage site in Bourg-lès-Valence, France.
Cartoucherie de Bourg-lès-Valence is an industrial site with notable 19th-century buildings, including a distinctive chimney and several interconnected structures spread across the grounds. The complex encompasses gardens, workshops, and exhibition spaces that together form a cohesive industrial ensemble.
The site was built in 1855 as a textile factory and converted into a national ammunition factory by the French government in 1874. During World War I, it became a major production facility, playing a key role in France's military industry for decades.
The former ammunition factory now hosts artists and filmmakers who work in the studios and use the grounds for exhibitions and screenings. This transformation shows how a site with a military past became a living hub for creative work.
The site sits on Rue de Chony and the gardens are accessible during regular hours for visitors. Interior access depends on special events and exhibitions that take place throughout the year.
During World War I, the factory was largely staffed by women workers who produced ammunition in intensive shifts. These workers played a crucial role in wartime production, though their contributions are often overlooked in historical accounts.
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