Travel around the Val d’Argent: a territory shaped by a fascinating mining and textile history Explore its history in depth through the former mines, silent witnesses of a rich mining activity. Don’t forget to visit the Tellure mining park for a captivating immersion into the history of the valley. A unique experience! Alsace: enjoy its charms, from great wines to gastronomy Discover Alsace, an exquisite fusion of exceptional wines and culinary delicacies. Along the unmissable Wine Route, the Alsatian wine tasting will dazzle you with refined white wines. The local specialties, sauerkraut and kougelhopf, are a tasty treat on markets and at the best tables. In the Vosges Mountains, farm inns serve a rustic and authentic cuisine, celebrating local flavors. On the other hand, the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg will let you dive in medieval history as you dominate the surroundings. In Alsace, the art of living flourishes in each drink, each bite and each moment, capturing the essence of a region where pleasure and heritage harmoniously intertwine. The enchanted towns and villages of Alsace Stroll around the charming towns of Alsace, where Germanic influences beautifully meet traditional folklore. In Colmar, Bartholdi’s heritage flourishes, a reminder of the birthplace of the Statue of Liberty, while the “Little Venice” will charm you with its atypical water canals. Strasbourg unveils the magic of the Petite France, and the majesty of its cathedral. Sélestat boasts its medieval treasures, while Kaysersberg seduces visitors with is authentic charm. Every street, every frontage tells of a unique story, immersing visitors into the enchanting atmosphere of Alsace, where history, architecture and tradition intertwine. The Vosges Mountains: outdoor activities for everyone 15 minutes away from Mineral & Gem, the Bagenelles Pass will seduce you with its tracks and its undulating panoramas. The Lac Blanc Resort offers a variety of activities, from hikes to an adventure park, to a barefoot path and a bike park, for unforgettable moments at the heart of the Vosges nature.
The green hills offer a peaceful haven to visitors, with more than 180 miles of tracks dedicated to hiking and mountain biking. Adventure lovers can also give a try to speleology or join sportive events such as trail running, cross-country skiing, track skiing, sledging or snowshoeing at the Bagenelles Resort, at the entrance to the Peak Route. The local farm inns sell fresh products, offering an authentic experience of the region’s gastronomy. The valley brims with amazing panoramas, including the emblematic peaks and scenery of the Bagenelles Pass, the Brézouard, the Petit Haut Pass, the Fouchy Pass and the Haycot. Engaged in an approach for a sensible and protected tourism, the Val d’Argent is a dynamic valley which harmoniously combines its industrial past to the natural beauty of its environment. A place where history, nature and activities reunite to offer a complete and unforgettable tourist experience.
The valley’s textile history dates back to the 16th century, with weaving and dyeing workshops, and thousands of textile manufactures which flourished until the 1970s–1980s. Emblematic events such as the Fashion and Fabric Show since 1973 and the European Patchwork Meeting since 1995 preserve the tradition and textile heritage of the region. The green scenery of the Val d’Argent was sculpted by the presence of Mennonites, whose influence is present in patchwork and in the local culture: the valley is said to be a world cradle of Amish.
Nested in the valley, the town of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines is the Capital of Mineralogy, an honorific title that highlights its essential role in the mineralogy world. The Val d’Argent, spreading over the towns of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines, Lièpvre and Rombach-le-Franc, is also certified “Land of Art and History.” Taking advantage of its rich mining history, Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines nowadays offers an immersive experience through tours of its former mines. Among them, the wonderful Tellure mining park, open from April to November, offers activities for everyone: classic tour, mine city, speleology, via ferrata and escape game, all of which can be discovered on their website or at the Val d’Argent tourist office. Mine enthusiasts can also look into two other underground adventures: visit the Saint-Louis Eisenthür silver mine, or discover the silver and arsenic veins in the Gabe-Gottes mine. Contact the local associations who strive to preserve this mining heritage: the ASEPAM and the Archéo-Mine Association. To learn more about the experiences available to you, check the Val d’Argent tourist office’s list of activities.
