Salins-les-Bains is a village in the Jura department in Burgundy-Franche-Comté region, about 40 km south of Besançon.
The city developed in a basin at the bottom of the valley of the Furious, a stream flowing from the Loue and its prosperity was forged from the antiquity on the production of salt. A "white gold" which was also the spearhead of the commune near Arc-et-Senans, in the Doubs, the two production units being connected by a 21 km "salmon pipeline" Salt water or brine).
In the 19th century, industrial units (plasterers, sawmills, earthenware factories) were added, and in 1854 a spa establishment was opened, which in turn exploited the mineral wealth of the city's waters. This is why the very name of the city which derived its etymological origin from the word "salt" was completed in 1926 to become Salins-les-Bains.
In the twentieth century, the municipality that counted more than 8,000 inhabitants in 1800 experienced a real decline: the saline closed its doors in 1962 and the earthenware stopped their activity in 1995.
While the population is now only about 3,000 inhabitants, the city concentrates its activity on thermalism and tourism, whether linked to its industrial past or to the green natural heritage of the region.
No stage or stay in Salins-les-Bains without obviously beginning with the visit of the old salt, that is to say the factory that exploited salt production. Different techniques have been used over the centuries to obtain salt by artificial evaporation (unlike open salt marshes, such as by the sea, and whose lowest operating cost was due to the salt mines of Franche-Comté).
Occupying formerly more than 15,000 square meters in the city center, Salina was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009 as an original industrial unit prior to the 19th century. Henceforth, only a part of the buildings, including a carriage, towers, an underground gallery, remained. The tour is guided and gives free admission to the dedicated museum. Open all year. Information and reservations at +33 3 84 73 10 92. Price: 7,50 and 4 euros (children, students).
Still in terms of architectural heritage, it is worth dwelling at the town hall (XVIII), of classical style, but which used to shelter a court of justice.
On the religious level, the Saint-Anatoile collegiate church (13th century, Gothic style Burgundy), with its facade decorated with two windows of flamboyant style, its carved oak door and its defensive bell tower is to be seen, like the Notre-Dame chapel Liberator, built in the 17th century after the city was spared from the plague. Its dome with a lantern tower is exemplary. Inside, a lead statue of Notre-Dame and 15th-century polychrome wooden statues are preserved.
Return to civilian heritage with the Apothicairerie, a pharmacy of the seventeenth century still furnished and equipped with technical elements (alembic, jars, surgical instruments, faience...) and ornamental 17th and 18th centuries. Rue de la République, one will appreciate the numerous private mansions of the 19th century (after a fire in the center in 1825), neo-classical style, in gray stone, and which testify to the wealth of the bourgeoisie then.
Always in town, impossible not to notice the twenty fountains proving all that the city owes to its water! Some are genuine sculptures, the oldest of the sixteenth century.
Guided tours of the city are organized and leaflets available. Please contact us on +33 3 84 73 01 34.
Finally, the military fort was the fort of Saint-André, built in the 10th and then reorganized by Vauban, which culminates at 600 m and the fort Belin, dating from the 19th century but having been built on the site of a medieval castle, culminating in 580 m, dominate the city.
These two sites are hiking goals, as is also the Mont Poupet, 800 m above sea level, now popular with paragliding enthusiasts. Many points of view mark the path that goes up there.
In general, 200 km of hiking or mountain biking trails have been built on Salins-les-Bains and its surroundings. There is also a "chemin des gabelous" (customs) linking the city to Arc-et-Senans. For more information, please call +33 3 84 73 01 34.
Always in the open air, the discovery of paragliding is possible (including for people with reduced mobility). Contact at +33 6 32 90 84 91. And for the youngest, an acrobatic park offers sporting and fun routes. For further information: +33 9 73 12 26 18.
But no question of leaving Salins-les-Bains without admiring the architecture of the spa (managed by the city) and even take advantage of the opportunity for a few pleasures (jacuzzi...) or care, failing to follow a cure For therapeutic purposes. Information on +33 3 84 73 04 63.
In May, from Thursday of the Ascension to the Sunday following, the Four Days of Salins mix commercial entertainment and shows for all audiences.
In May always, the festival Chansons en Fête offers shows of French song.
It is chamber music, on the other hand, that is honored in July at Salines en Musique.
In August, animations around science and astronomy are proposed with La Tête dans les Etoiles.
The Journées du Livre, finally, are organized in September and bring together many authors who have come to meet the public.
In a different way, the terroir of the region is honored Thursday and Saturday morning in the market, in the city center.
Color Addict
- From 1 to 30 may 2024
- 8B Rue de la République, Le Bocal
- Arts and crafts exhibition and sale - multi-disciplinary and colourful ! - Like light, colour has a major impact on our mood and well-being. It reflects our emotions and gives off vibrations that influence our relationships with others. - So this exhibition is undoubtedly a cure for the winter blues. Let it infuse, and the pleasure of the eyes and the sensuality of the material will act as the best of treatments. An essential visit for your plumage and your antlers. - Featuring : - Inna BACHELIER - I'm fascinated by the beauty of products made from macramé, which gives me great freedom to create and experiment. - Léa BALDUCCI - Through my watercolours on textiles, I invite you on a journey towards well-being, a rediscovery of yourself at the heart of your emotions. - Valérie BOURGOIN - The material of leather first led me to equestrian harnessing. Then the profession of leatherworker became an obvious choice ! - Marguerite CAILLÉ - Méli-mélo de laine feutrée is a whole world of cute little characters, for gifts or just for fun. - Chlotilde COLLARDEY - I draw my inspiration from the flower-filled countryside in the heart of the Loue valley. - Marjorie MARTINS - I've been fascinated by the world of minerals ever since I was a child, and at the age of 14 I entered the Edgar Faure high school in Morteau to learn jewellery making. - Alexandre SARRAZIN - My creations are based on shapes taken from nature and art, to create modern, timeless pieces. - Le Bocal is an exhibition space dedicated to arts and crafts. Every month, from April to December, it presents a different theme, highlighting the many facets of the craft. - The gallery, run by an association under the 1901 law, is a 95m² space in the heart of this town, whose history is divided between rock salt mining and a tradition of creating hand-painted ceramic tableware.
Animation Culinaire
- On 22 may 2024
- 3 place des salines, Grande Saline
- With Boulange des Granges, discover the main principles of bread-making and make your own bread with Salins salt. - The event will be followed by a tasting session. Get ready ! - Duration : approx. 1h30 - Please book at least one week in advance
Fête de fin de Saison d'Althaïr
- On 1 june 2024
- Rue Charles Magnin, Salle Notre-Dame
- The Althaïr association invites you to its end-of-season party. - On the programme : demonstrations, discovery workshops, refreshments… - Seated massages, medicinal plant stand, zumba, astrology, participative fresco, surprise stand, etc. - Details of the programme on the website. - Free event, open to all.
Initiation au Hip-Hop
- On 8 june 2024
- Local Althaïr, Place des Alliés
- Workshop for children aged 7 to 12. - A fun way to discover urban dance. - Registration required before June 2. - Althaïr Association
Stage Danse du Tournoiement
- On 16 june 2024
- Local Althaïr, Place des Alliés
- Led by Sacha Steurer, a qualified contemporary dance teacher, dancer and author. - Open to all, no pre-requisites. - Registration required. - Suggested by Althaïr
Apéro Avec V.U.E.
- On 18 june 2024
- 3 Place des Salines, La Grande Saline
- Join us for an evening of culinary and heritage discoveries … - Aperitif at the Saltworks : a culinary voyage across four continents, to discover the salty treasures and heritage of our planet. - Picnic from the Place Lux to enjoy the view of the Saltworks. The packed lunch (provided) includes regional specialities. - Please book at least one week in advance.
Fête de la Musique Salins
- On 21 june 2024
- Place des Salines, Place du Pardessus
- Upcoming programme
Le Maître des Sources
- From 22 to 23 june 2024
- 3 place des salines, La Grande Saline
- From 7 years - As part of the Journées du Patrimoine de Pays et des Moulins, discover one of the emblematic trades of the Grande Saline : conroyeur. His job ? To separate fresh water from salt water to harvest even more salt. - Put on your boots, roll up your sleeves… It's your turn to play with the springs ! - Don't forget to bring your waterproof boots ! - Duration : 45 minutes
Restaurant Éphémère
- From 8 to 19 july 2024
- Fort Saint André
- Enjoy a unique experience and let our chef surprise you, taking in the view of Salins-les-Bains by night and the coolness of the Fort on a summer's evening. - By reservation only. Prices on request. Free parking. - Unique menu changes every week.
La Ruée Vers l'or Blanc
- From 8 july to 23 august 2024
- La Grande Saline, Place des Salines
- Our guides will take you on a journey of discovery through the heart of a unique monument, with facilities that are still in operation, to immerse you in history and find out everything there is to know about Jura salt ! - Explore the old salt production areas by going down the two salt water extraction shafts to discover the 18th and 19th century pumping installations that are still in operation, then visit the evaporation building to understand how salt was harvested in Salins : the last salt pan in France, the tools, the carts full of salt will plunge you into the atmosphere of a unique profession, that of the salt worker. - The visit is followed by a demonstration of salt water evaporation, a game to help you understand the secrets of salt production and how it has been used throughout history, and a salt-pulling workshop to reproduce the skills of the old workers. - Visit and workshop for children aged 6 to 12 only (accompanied by at least one adult). - Workshop on reservation