Usine de la Suze, Historical distillery in Maisons-Alfort, France
The Usine de la Suze is a factory in Maisons-Alfort that once produced a herbal aperitif beverage. The building features a concrete facade with names and coats of arms of cities where the company operated.
The distillery was founded in Paris in 1795 and moved to Alfort in 1875, where it expanded into a modern operation. An architect redesigned the facility in 1933 as a typical example of industrial architecture from that era.
The factory takes its name from the gentian plant that has long been cultivated in the region. The facade displays coats of arms from cities where the company maintained storage and distribution points.
The building sits near the Ecole Veterinaire de Maisons-Alfort metro station, making it easily accessible. The protected facade can be viewed from outside and displays the craftsmanship of industrial architecture from that period.
The company produced a gentian-based aperitif that became known throughout France. A former owner even built a stadium for the workers, showing how prosperous the business had become.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.