He was a talented architect in the neoclassical period (from the second half of the 18th century to the start of the 19th century). Ledoux rejected complexity and artifice, taking his inspiration from Antiquity, with simple and perfect volumes as well as precise and balanced geometry. He vested his designs with a vision that combines the well-being of mankind with the sustainable use of nature and a sound and practical approach to the organisation of work.
Admired by French King Louis XV, he went on to design many buildings. In the Franche-Comté region, he built the Royal Salt-works in Arc et Senans, at the gateway to the Jura in the neighbouring Doubs department. However, his career was interrupted by the Revolution. Utopia then became an escape for this artist, as he went on to devote himself to illustrating and explaining the theory of his work.
From this architectural heritage, the Jura General Council has chosen three monumental buildings:
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The Circles Pavilion
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The Bourneville Gate
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The Canon Forge (the Aire du Jura boiler room)
At the rest area, they form part of a privileged setting, surrounded by forest and looking out eastwards over the near slopes of the Revermont foothills. Here there is harmony between the buildings, the people of the Jura and nature.