Sucrerie de Francières

Founded in 1829, the Francières sugar factory is one of the oldest sugar factories in northern France. The first buildings of the sugar factory, which can still be seen today, were built by César Thirial, a local farmer who ran the factory until 1833. It was then bought by Louis Crespel-Dellisse, a wealthy sugar manufacturer, who integrated it into his network of factories. From 1859 to 1884, it had several directors before being taken over by its current owner, who ceased industrial operations in 1969 but maintained agricultural activity on the site.
Throughout its history, the sugar factory has undergone the major industrial, architectural and social changes of the 19th and 20th centuries, which are still visible today. Visitors can discover a 34-metre-high brick chimney, several early 19th-century halls, two distilleries and the oldest lime kiln in Europe, which was used for sugar production. The site also includes the manor house, Art Deco offices and workers' houses, which bear witness to the social life of the hamlet.
The factory has been a listed building since June 1999.
It houses an information centre on the sugar industry and agricultural raw materials, which was founded and is managed by its association, the ASSF. Visitors can discover the history of the place, the sugar industry and the people who shaped it. The ASSF has also renovated several other symbolic areas of the factory: the school, the chapel and the laboratory.