Syam is a commune of the Jura in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region, 7 km south-east of Champagnole.
Although modest in area (nearly 7 km²), the territory of the locality which ranges from 521 to 794 m of altitude is crossed by three rivers: the Saine and the Lemme which throw themselves in Ain.
First village lumberjacks producing charcoal, Syam becomes over the centuries also famous for its agricultural land, but it is his forges established in the eighteenth century that make his celebrity. A working class town was built next to the factory at the end of the 19th century, and it was not until 2009 that the last unit closed.
The whole site like the amazing Palladian castle built by one of the owners in the 19th century and of course its green environment make the locality of about 200 inhabitants a stage of interest on the edge of the Regional Natural Park of Haut Jura.
The former site of the forges is the first heritage asset of the village, proving in fact a city in the city.
Industrial activity began in the eighteenth century, with the production of fake and wheel hoops. In 1810, the factory was bought by businessman Claude Jobez, specialized in the marketing of Comtois clocks, and his son-in-law Etienne Monnier. They are building a new production site with a reverberatory furnace and production will soon increase to 400 and 800 tons of cast iron. A nail shop completed the whole in 1864 to face the competition. Claude Jobez's grandson, Alphonse Jobez, heir to Fourier's ideas, created in the last quarter of the 19th century a city for the workers, equipped with a school, a dispensary and even a labor office. post. The twentieth century will be more complicated: the nails are closed in 1914 and the company must specialize more and more over the decades (small parts for the locksmith, the automobile...). The forges of Syam finally close their doors in 2009. Partially protected as historical monuments, the city can be visited via explanatory panels. The eco-museum that was established on the site has unfortunately not lasted.
To see then, the castle or rather the villa "Palladian" erected in 1828 in the heart of a park by the architect Champonnois the eldest on behalf of the iron masters owners of the plant. It was inspired by the style of Andrea Palladio (XVI), one of the masters of the Italian Renaissance. The interior, on the other hand, is of neoclassical style, the whole constituting an exceptional testimony of architectural and decorative daring. The current owners who have set up guest rooms and regularly organize receptions and concerts offer free tours with audio-guides in the afternoons from May to September (except Mondays and Tuesdays). The visit is guided by the owners in July and August (appointment at 14:30 and 16:00). Information on +33 3 84 51 64 14.
Finally, still in terms of heritage, we will appreciate the impressive viaduct overlooking the road to Champagnole and spans the course of Ain 52 m high.
Then place to activities "nature": many hiking trails or mountain bikes include Syam on their route, including the village, the forges, but also the natural wealth of the territory (forests, springs, gorges of the Saine). Maps and information on +33 3 84 87 08 88.
The town is also one of the doors of the Regional Natural Park of Haut-Jura which regularly program hikes, exhibitions, workshops and other activities on the themes of the environment and heritage. Inquire at +33 3 84 34 12 30.
Finally, for a fishing trip, contact +33 3 84 24 86 96 to know the developed sites and the regulations to be respected.
