Bird's eye perspective

Built in 1775-79, the buildings are arranged in a semi-circle, in emulation of château schemes conceived in the absolutist Baroque fashion, but there are also parallels with schemes for ideal cities from the 16th century. The strikingly grand scale is indicative of the gradual rise in the status of utilitarian building commissions during the period of the Enlightenment.

This engraving was made in 1804. The town meant to be built by the Saline Royale was never carried out. It would have completed the circle of the site.