Salindres is a town in Gard, in the Occitanie region, 8 km northeast of Alès.
Within the natural region of the Cévennes, its territory of 11 km² is now included in the agglomeration of Alès. However, it has retained a green character with 65% agricultural areas.
The village developed in the Middle Ages, depending on the seigniory of Rousson. Then, several families succeeded each other at the head of this fief which became an autonomous seigneury. It was in the 19th century that the history of the town changed. The exploitation of various ores present in the subsoil led to the establishment in 1855 of a factory which, in 1860, became the first unit in the world to produce aluminium. Belonging to the Péchiney group, located north of the town, this factory has been modernized over the decades and at the beginning of this century passed under the Belgian flag. In the meantime, other establishments specializing in chemistry and industry have set up.
This major economic center has made Salindres a real small town in the countryside which now has nearly 3400 inhabitants. Its leisure offer deserves attention on the edge of the Cévennes hills...
It is to the south of the city that the major heritage element of Salindres is located. This is the Becamel tower (also known as the Becmil keep). Its origin dates back to the 12th century, when it was erected by the Templars who wanted to install a signal tower. They are then numerous in the regions bordering the Mediterranean: first built to signal the dangers coming from the sea, they are then used, during the feudal era, during wars between local lords, to warn of danger. From the 13th century, the noble family of Becmil took possession of the premises and transformed the tower into a veritable fortified house. Over the centuries, sometimes serving as a refuge for the population (during the war of the Camisards for example), the site eventually fell into ruins. The tower was recently renovated and now this testimony to the town's ancient past, surrounded by pine forests, has become a very pleasant place to walk.
In the town, in addition to a few houses of character testifying to the rise of the local bourgeoisie in the 19th century or the persistence of rural populations and activities, note the Saint-André church, remodeled in the 19th century and whose interior paintings and frescoes have recently been renovated. We also note that the capitals of the pillars have also benefited from an enhancement.
As for the Protestant temple, it dates from the 20th century and symbolizes the rich history of the reformed religion in the Cévennes region.
On the cultural side, shows and artistic workshops are offered throughout the year at the social and cultural center of "La cour des miracles": contact on +33 4 66 85 61 21. Nearby, was inaugurated in 2009 the municipal media library which regularly schedules exhibitions, readings and meetings: inquire on +33 4 66 60 54 90.
For sports enthusiasts, the Frigoulou complex, route de Célas, includes a swimming pool with open-air pool open from the beginning of June to end of August. Price: 2 and 2.50 euros. Information on +33 4 66 85 62 54.
Tennis courts are also accessible (reservation on +33 6 98 28 74 81) and a synthetic football pitch. In addition, pétanque courts are available on Place Foch and Avenue de Provence. Finally, on rue de Cambis, there is a skate park awaiting fans...
For family outings, go to the southern entrance to the town at the Parc des Isnards (which includes playgrounds) or in the Fauconnier's garden. Without forgetting the paths and pine forests that surround the Becamel tower... Information on +33 4 66 85 60 13.
For hiking enthusiasts, in addition to paths on the territory of the town itself which highlight its cultivated and wooded areas, paths are possible from Salindres towards Alès of course but also the green foothills of the Cévennes. Maps and information on +33 4 66 52 32 15.
Every Friday morning, the market highlights local products.
In mid-July, over five days, town festival with bullfighting, musical, fairground and firework displays.
