Paimpont Ironworks

As early as 1656, a forge with a blast furnace was built in the forest of Paimpont, around 40 kilometres west of Rennes, as the location offered the best conditions for an ironworks: good iron ore, a water system already built by monks and sufficient wood from the forest. Agricultural and domestic tools were made from iron and cast iron. The facilities were modernised in the first half of the 19th century: Two new blast furnaces were built, one for charcoal and one for coking coal, a rolling mill, a foundry and a coking plant. Iron production was increased considerably and the product range was expanded to include railway rails. The arsenals of Brest and Rennes were also supplied. In its heyday, between 250 and 400 people worked on the site. Foreign competition led to the two blast furnaces being blown out in 1884, but production in the foundry continued until 1954, marking the end of over 300 years of metallurgical operations.

In 2001, part of the preserved historical facilities were placed under a preservation order. Since 2005, they have been restored by the owner with the support of the State, the Regional Council of Brittany, the Departmental Council of Ille et Vilaine, the Mission of Stéphane Bern (Loto du patrimoine) and patrons.

Visitors can explore the site and its history via an audio guide in various languages.