Located at the confluence of the Auvézère and Blame, the forge of Ans in Boissières d’Ans (today Cubjac-Auvézère-Val d’Ans) was one of the most important in Périgord. Under the impetus of several families of renowned forge masters, it experienced great activity and delivered many cast iron guns for the navy to royalty, then to the Republic and the Empire. It was at the end of 2008 that the site of the forge was registered as historical monuments . The blast furnaces are the only remaining element of the old forge facilities
– Marie-Dominique PRIVE
Dominique Marsac, co-president of the association La Route des canals tells us the story of this remarkable site.
“The story begins in 1691. We are under Louis XIV. He was a great warrior. France was constantly at war. guns. The Dordogne was very advanced on these technologies…”
The activity of the forge stopped around 1870 -1871 and employed between 400 and 800 people.
For lovers of heritage and archeology, the Forge d’Ans is a private domain but the route des canons regularly organizes “open house” operations. Follow their news here.