Papeterie Darblay, Paper factory in Corbeil-Essonnes, France.
Papeterie Darblay is a paper factory in Corbeil-Essonnes featuring connected brick buildings, extensive glass windows, and skylights that brought natural light to the production halls. Underground tunnels ran beneath the site to link different areas and facilitate the movement of materials.
The factory was founded in 1878 and grew into one of France's largest paper producers by the late 1800s. It expanded rapidly to meet rising demand, becoming a major industrial operation in the region.
The Director's House from 1885 reveals how factory owners lived and worked in relation to the production site. It shows the social divisions that existed in industrial workplaces of that era.
The site is partially open to visitors today and offers views of the old factory layout with its various buildings and interconnected spaces. Wear comfortable shoes since the ground is uneven in places and some areas may be slippery.
The factory had a direct railway connection to a nearby port that allowed massive quantities of raw materials to arrive and finished paper rolls to be shipped out without delay. This transportation link was crucial to the operation's ability to supply markets across the country.
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