Saulnier mill, Watermill at Menier chocolate factory in Noisiel, France
The Saulnier mill is a factory building with innovative iron construction beside the Menier chocolate factory in Noisiel. The structure combines cast iron and brick components with a metal frame that harnesses water power for production.
The building was constructed in 1872 under architect Jules Saulnier and introduced new construction methods that were later copied. It marked a turning point in factory architecture by showing how iron and masonry could work together.
The mill was the heart of chocolate production, showing how industrial work was organized during that era. Visitors can see today how machinery and craftsmanship were closely connected in the manufacturing process.
The site sits east of Paris along the Marne River and is most easily reached by public transport. The best time to visit is when daylight highlights the geometric brick patterns on the building's facades.
The facades display intricate patterns made from colored bricks that blend technical precision with decorative art. These ornaments were not purely aesthetic but also served to highlight the building's structure and stability.
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