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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The tilery of Vaire-le-Petit, located in the village of Vaire (Doubs), rue de Roche, on the edge of the Doubs River, was built in 1681. This industrial site, dedicated to the manufacture of tiles and bricks, illustrates the typical 17th century local craft activity. Its architecture, especially the hangar of shaping and drying, is distinguished by a high roof with croupes supported by a structure on poles, characteristic of the tiles of the era. The building, partially preserved, bears witness to traditional production techniques and expertise in architectural ceramics.

In 1888, the tilery ceased its original activity and was transformed into an agricultural shed. This conversion marked a break in its use, although the main structure, with its drying windows, was preserved. Despite the demolition of the original oven, the remaining hangar offers a rare example of the rural industrial heritage of the Great East. Protection of the site was formalized in 2001, with the listing of historical monuments of all remaining buildings, as well as the soil of the plot containing possible archaeological remains.

Today, the tilery of Vaire-le-Petit, although closed to the public for regular visits, remains a material testimony of the economic and social history of Burgundy-Franche-Comté. Its ranking reflects the importance attached to the preservation of old industrial sites, often threatened by oblivion or modern transformation. The building, located at 4 chemin de Roche, embodies both the region's artisanal past and the contemporary challenges of rural heritage conservation.

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