Salins-les-Bains: 350g of salt per litre and the Grande Saline designated UNESCO World Heritage

Water with a salt content of 350g/L

The water exploited at Salins is among the most concentrated in salt in Europe: 350g of salt per litre, ten times more than seawater (35g/L). This exceptional concentration is what brought historical prosperity to the town, and what today forms the heart of its thermal offering.

For modern thermal treatments, the water is diluted to achieve the desired concentration according to the cure (treatments, baths, underwater showers).

Thermes Salins-les-Bains

The modern thermal establishment, fully renovated in 2009, welcomes two types of visitor:

Spa guests on prescribed cures (rheumatology, respiratory conditions, gynaecology), covered by medical prescription.

Wellness visitors, for a day thermal pass with open access, aquatic circuit and relaxation area.

The aquatic circuit comprises heated indoor and outdoor pools at approximately 32°C, jacuzzis, neck jets, massage jets, sauna and hammam.

The Grande Saline UNESCO site

Visible on foot from the town centre, the Grande Saline is the historic salt extraction facility. The site, operational from the Middle Ages until 1962, retains its underground galleries (200m in length, accessible to visitors) and its salt pans (giant cauldrons in which water was evaporated).

The guided tour lasts approximately 1 hour 15 minutes and explores the salt economy: royal tax (the “gabelle”), trade and working conditions of the salt workers. Admission approximately €9 per adult.

Who it suits

Salins-les-Bains is designed for:

Spa guests on medical prescription (three-week cures, covered by social security).

Wellness visitors for a day thermal visit, to complement a Jura stay.

Heritage tourists, combining the Grande Saline UNESCO site and the historic town.

Access

Salins is approximately 40 minutes from Dole, 1 hour from Besançon, 2 hours from Lyon or Geneva. Access by car via the A36-A39. The town is also accessible by train (TER station on the Dole-Mouchard line).

When to visit

The thermal centre is open year-round. High tourism season runs from May to September, with peak attendance in July-August for visits to the Saline. In low season (November to March), attendance is quieter, ideal for a weekend wellness retreat in peace.

Planning a stay in Salins-les-Bains

AEC Collection selects and represents quality accommodations in the Jura and Franche-Comté regions. Day thermal passes can be purchased directly at the Thermes, and the Grande Saline can be booked via the local tourist office, particularly during high season.