Forges de Syam, Historical smithy in Syam, France
The Forges de Syam is a smithy located where the Ain and Saine rivers meet, featuring traditional metalworking facilities and machinery from the 19th century. The site contains furnaces, rolling mills, and tools that reflect techniques developed over many generations of craft work.
The forge complex began operations in the 16th century and grew into a major production center over time. By the 18th century it was supplying large markets with forged goods under the Péry family management.
The name reflects its location where two rivers meet, and the Jobez family shaped daily life by building a workers community with a school, dispensary, and library around the forges. This created a complete settlement where industrial work and community services were inseparable.
The site is best explored on foot since the different workshops and machines are spread across several connected areas. It helps to allow time for watching the machinery and understanding how each piece functions.
Many of the original machines and tools still function, showing how craft techniques evolved over two centuries. Visitors can watch these machines operate and see firsthand how metalworking methods changed.
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