Salins-les-Bains

Salins-les-Bains in the Jura département is one of France's most historically significant salt-producing cities, whose ancient saline springs rising from deep Triassic salt-bearing formations have been exploited for salt production since at least the sixth century BCE, when the Celtic Sequani tribe began extracting salt from these remarkable brines in one of Europe's most productive natural salt sources, a production history recognised alongside the nearby Arc-et-Senans Royal Saltworks as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oligomineral spring water of Salins, distinct from the concentrated brine used for salt production, is enjoyed within a long thermal tradition associated with relaxation at a thermal establishment in a historic city whose medieval salt-tax gates, magnificent Grande Saline museum in the original industrial salt works, and beautiful Jura townscape create one of the richest and most historically coherent environments for a thermal stay in all of France. The salt heritage, the Jura wine tradition including the unique Vin Jaune of Château-Chalon nearby, and the spectacular landscape of the Reculées valleys give Salins an exceptional depth of character.