The Lieu Unique

From the castle ramparts, you can see the beautiful blue-and-gold domed tower on the quayside opposite you. It belongs to the former factory of the famous Lefèvre-Utile biscuit factory, known as “LU” and its ever-fashionable “petit beurre”, a butter cookie known to all French people. Today, “LU” stands for “Lieu Unique,” which translates to “Unique Place.” Besides being the best possible reuse for these famous initials, since 2000, it has also served as an open stage and a centre for artistic exploration of all kinds. A place of diversity, conviviality, and utopian creations. It is indeed a unique place. If you fancy a visit, the ground floor offers a room retracing the factory’s history, but above all it enables access to the Gyrorama at the top! You might be wondering what on earth this is! Well, it’s a mechanised viewpoint equipped with a rudder, which allows you to enjoy the panoramic view of your choice! We’re not Jules Verne’s offspring for nothing! If you go there, be sure to check out what’s going on at the back of the building, on la Biscuiterie street. There you’ll find the Grenier du siècle, which translates as the Attic of the century, also known as the Year 2000 wall. This incredible project is kind of a giant time capsule, designed for the turn of the century, at the end of 1999. Thousands of people took part in creating this impressive collection, depositing the object of their choice. Like an impenetrable mausoleum, the memories of the 20th century are sealed away and will not be opened to the public until the first of January 2100. One wonders what our descendants will think of their findings. In the meantime, you can take a look at this magnificent sanctuary waiting to be explored, through a glass wall.