When you have finished all your reading, filled in 1000 crossword puzzles, walked all the hiking trails in the region and visited the most confidential museums in the area, it is time to imagine other visits during the holidays. Industrial tourism attracts more and more curious people, eager to discover behind the scenes of major French industries such as the operation of a local factory. I’Business and Discovery Association announces 15 million visitors each year on the 2,000 sites it lists. We have selected five industrial sites that are worth a visit and may be near your vacation spot.
Closer to the giants of the seas under construction
Saint-Nazaire, Loire-Atlantique
The giant liners designed by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique have been the pride of Saint-Nazaire for more than seventy years, and, despite the intense industrial activity, it is possible to observe their construction very closely. Visits commented are indeed organized by the tourist office. Half a dozen time slots are offered every day in summer, by reservation. Visitors discover most of the stages, enter the cutting workshop and even enter the spectacular assembly hold surmounted by its two huge gantries. It is not possible, however, to board a liner under construction. The visit, which is not accessible to children under 7, attracts more than 45,000 people each year, 15% of whom are foreigners. Prices: from 9.50 to 19 euros for two hours. More than 120 liners have already left the shipyards of Saint-Nazaire, at an average rate of two per year.
Provence by tube
Manosque, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Since 2012, L’Occitane en Provence’s research and development laboratory has been based in Manosque, in the heart of the region which brings together the plants used in the formulations that have made the brand so successful. Visitors before registered online can benefit from a one-hour guided tour to understand the manufacturing process of beauty products, creams and perfumes. The laboratories, production workshops and product packaging are visible behind large bay windows. The guide also highlights the flagship plants of the products, in particular on their production condition such as lavender and helichrysum. Price: 6 euros per adult, free for children under 16.
Visit of the Airbus workshops
Toulouse, Haute-Garonne
More than 20,000 employees work in the huge Airbus workshops stretching over 700 hectares on the outskirts of Toulouse. The aeronautics giant offers enthusiasts two 1.5 hour tours to showcase its unique know-how: a guided bus tour with the highlight being the discovery of the A350 assembly line (available in English and in French) and the possibility of boarding an A400 M and a visit intended for children between 6 and 12 years old with a commentary adapted to the youngest It is essential to book the visit at least 24 hours in advance and to provide information personal to enter this sensitive place. Prices: 16 euros for a full price and 13 euros for a reduced price.
The secrets of making socks
Montceau-les-Mines, Saone-et-Loire
Labeled Living Heritage Company, the Manufacture de Bonneterie Perrin is the last French family business specializing in the manufacture of socks and tights. She opens her doors, on reservation, to visitors to allow them to discover all aspects of sock making, from graphic design to creation, from knitting to pairing and from finishing to shipping. And if the actual visit is not possible due to a lack of participants (5 minimum) or during the summer closure (until August 15), a virtual reality headset allows you to discover the factory and the work of the workers almost in real conditions. Attention, children under 3 years old are not allowed in the workshops due to the noise of the machines. Price: 6 euros per adult, free for children under 12.
The underside of bottling mineral water
Volvic, Puy-de-Dome
Nothing could be more refreshing as a visit this summer than to a Volvic mineral water bottling plant, in the heart of the Auvergne volcano region. During a 1h30 guided tour, visitors discover the entire production chain, from drilling to bottling. After passing through a small museum where a film is shown on the history of the source since its discovery and some explanatory panels, it is possible to enter (on reservation) in the bottling plant. But beware, there is only one visit per day (at 2 p.m.) and some restrictions such as the minimum age of 7 years old to access it. Price: 3 euros.