Salt Granaries (Les Greniers à Sel)
About Salt Granaries (Les Greniers à Sel)
Two 17th-century stone warehouses built in 1670 under Jean-Baptiste Colbert to store salt for the royal Gabelle tax and the Newfoundland cod fishing industry. Originally three buildings stood here; the third, built in 1699, burned down in 1892. The remaining granaries feature distinctive chestnut wood roof frames crafted by marine carpenters, resembling an inverted ship's hull similar to the nearby Église Sainte-Catherine. Together they could hold up to 10,000 tons of salt. Listed as Historic Monuments since 1916, they now serve as municipal cultural venues hosting exhibitions, concerts, and festivals. Interior access is only available during scheduled events - check with the Honfleur Tourist Office for current programming. The exterior can be admired freely year-round from the Enclos quarter near the old harbor.
Interesting Facts
The granaries were built using stones recycled from Honfleur's medieval fortifications. When the city walls were demolished to make way for expansion, their massive limestone blocks found new purpose in these warehouses, giving them their distinctively thick and fortress-like walls.
The two surviving buildings have different names and sizes: the Grand Grenier (Aubert et Balley) measures 43.5 by 11.5 meters with 500 square meters of floor space, while the Petit Grenier (du Dauphin) is 30 by 12.6 meters with 381 square meters. Despite the size difference, both share the same architectural style.
The City of Honfleur acquired the granaries over nearly 150 years in three separate transactions: the first purchase in 1806, the second in 1949, and the final acquisition in 1952. This gradual process reflected their changing value from abandoned industrial buildings to recognized cultural heritage.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
9-11 Rue de la Ville, 14600 Honfleur, France
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