FAQ
Quickly find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our mineralogy event in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines.
- OPENING
From Wednesday 26 to Sunday 30 June 2024.
The show is open to the general public on Saturday and Sunday.
On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the access is restricted to professional visitors.
The show is open from 9 AM to 6 PM. The last tickets are sold one hour before closing time. Visitors cannot access the event outside of opening times.
The PRO Early Access Pass grants access before the event opens to professionals on Thursday and Friday.
There are no one-day tickets for Wednesday. The PRO Early Access Pass is the only ticket that grants you access to the event on Wednesday. It allows you to access the event for 5 days, from Wednesday to Sunday. It is personal and non-transferable. Only professionals can purchase one.
From Wednesday 25 to Sunday 29 June 2025.
- ACCESS
- By plane, via the international airports of Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, Strasbourg or Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden
- By train, to Sélestat or Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, then by bus
- By bus, by taking a TER bus from Sélestat or Saint-Dié-des-Vosges. With the TER bus, stop at Super U (supermarket), then walk approximately 6 minutes to Zone GEM and 10 minutes to Zone MINERAL
- By car, to one of the parking lots of the event
Disabled visitors may use a wheelchair, by bringing their own equipment or by renting a wheelchair on site from the logistics desk in Zone MINERAL (please make a reservation).
Two-wheeled vehicles (bikes, scooters, hoverboards, skateboards) are strictly prohibited for visitors.
- PARKING
Four-wheeled vehicles and motorbikes are guided towards the event’s official parking lots when they arrive in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, both from the lower part of town (from Sélestat, A35) and the higher part of town (from Saint-Dié or Le Bonhomme). Parking lots are signaled with arrows. A parking fee of €5 per vehicle and €10 for campers and vehicles with a trailer applies.
The parking lots are not guarded, so the organizers kindly ask you to avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle. We may not be held responsible in case of a theft.
Other parking spaces may be made available by locals on their properties. The fees and conditions on these parking spaces are set by private individuals, and the organizers are not responsible for them.
Parking lots in the lower part of town (PA, PB and PC) are served by shuttles that take visitors to the town center, to Place Keufer (2-minute walk to Zone GEM and 6-minute walk to Zone MINERAL).
Parking lots in the higher part of the town (PN and PO) are served by a mini-shuttle that has a drop-off at parking lot PH (Place de Gaulle).
Parking lots PK and PM are close enough to walk to Zone MINERAL (from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the parking lot).
Check the interactive map or the parking map to efficiently locate the parking lots. Remember to identify the parking lot on which you parked to easily find your vehicle on your way back (a ticket with the parking lot number is printed when you pay for your parking fee).
The parking lots are only open between 8 AM and 7 PM. No vehicle may stay after hours as the parking lots are fenced.
Campers may park on any parking lot for €10 during daytime. Overnight stay is not allowed.
If you’re looking to book a space for your camper for one or several nights, please contact the local campsite Les Reflets du Val d’Argent, or other campsites in the area.
- Stay
The Val d’Argent offers a diversity of accommodations, mostly holiday rentals (bed and breakfasts, guest rooms, AirBnB, etc.) and a few hotels.
To find an accommodation in the Val d’Argent (in the villages of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines, Lièpvre and Rombach-le-Franc), or contact the tourist office.
More information for campers .
- Eating
Catering is available in the different areas of the event. For more details, check the maps.
Restaurants and food stalls are managed by local associations and offer a variety of dishes, from Alsatian delicacies to warm and cold food, sandwiches and snacks.
With 7 food stalls in Zone MINERAL and 2 more in Zone GEM, the choice is yours.
After leaving the event, take a tasty break at one of the restaurants of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines or in the Val d’Argent. Don’t forget to book a table.
Yes, all food stalls offer vegetarian options.
- TICKETS
General public admission (weekend only):
One-day ticket for one person: €12
Two-day Pass (Saturday and Sunday): €18
Discounted one-day ticket: €8 (on presentation of credentials)
- 10- to 18-year-old children: identity card
- Students: valid student card
- Disabled visitors: disability card
Discounted weekend ticket: €12 (on presentation of credentials)
Children under 10 years old with an adult: free
Groups for one day (at least 12 visitors): €8 per visitor
Groups for the weekend (at least 12 visitors): €12 per visitor
Parking space + shuttle: €5 per vehicle (€10 per camper, overnight stay prohibited)
Professional admission:
- PRO Early Access Pass: €55 (access from Wednesday)
- B2B Pass (Thursday to Sunday): €42
- One-day ticket (Thursday or Friday): €30
- One-day ticket for a group (at least 12 visitors, Thursday or Friday): €22 per visitor
- Children under 10 years old with an adult: free
- Buy them online on presale: to save time when you visit.
Professional visitors ticketing
When you arrive and show the ticket you bought online (either printed or on your smartphone, with the QR code on the ticket clearly visible), it will be scanned and you will receive an admission bracelet to wear during the whole validity period of your ticket.
- During the event, from one of the 6 ticket desks at the entrance, by cash or payment card.
Discounted rates ONLY apply ON PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS when your ticket is scanned:
- 10- to 18-year-old children (an ID may be requested)
- students (show a valid student card)
- disabled visitors (show a disability card)
If you cannot show valid credentials, you won’t be granted access to the event, and you will be required to pay for a ticket at full price. No refund will be made, nor will it be possible to pay the difference. Make sure to prepare your credentials when you arrive, and show them to the agent in charge of ticket control.
Whether you bought your ticket on presale or on site, you will receive an admission bracelet when you first enter the event. Access to the different areas will ONLY be possible by showing your admission bracelet. Wear it on your wrist for the whole validity period of your ticket.
For instance, if you bought a B2B Pass (valid from Thursday to Sunday), you will have to wear your bracelet for 4 days.
A bracelet that is torn or not worn around your wrist will be invalid, and you won’t be allowed inside.
It is not possible to exchange or to get a refund for a ticket bought online or on site. Should the event be canceled, you will be informed of the process to get a refund and/or deferment to the next Mineral & Gem show.
- PROFESSIONAL VISITORS
Anyone who can attest of working in the field of mineralogy or gemology, either in a company or as a member of an association, and who can show credentials (VAT number, company registration certificate or number, association membership card, business card, etc.). Freelancers who can attest of their situation can also access the event during business days.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are dedicated to wholesale.
Exhibitors are allowed to offer retail sales on their booth if they want to, but it is rarely done.
Non-professionals (spouse, assistant, trainee…) can come with a professional visitor during these days by paying the same entrance fee. The admission for accompanying children under 10 years old is free, even during business days.
There are no discounted rates on tickets for the days dedicated to professional trade (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). Discounted rates only apply to weekend tickets.
- LOGISTICS AND LOADING
One area dedicated to loading (ZC on the map) is accessible to light vehicles in Zone MINERAL (close to entrance 1).
Rate: €10/hour. Deposit: €100.
There is no luggage storage inside the event.
A logistics area is dedicated to package shipping for all visitors, with our partners Alpha Cargo and Heppner .
The logistics area is outside the event, in Zone MINERAL, next to entrance 3, in front of the number 15 of Rue Kroeber Imlin.
- PAYMENT ON SITE
Mineral & Gem gathers each year exhibitors coming from over 54 countries. Because different countries have different payment methods and currencies, payment by cash and in euros is the most commonly used method.
More and more exhibitors take payments from payment cards. However, this is not the case for all.
The official shop of the event takes payments in card and cash.
To buy your ticket from the ticket desks, we recommend you use a contactless payment card as a fast payment method. Cash is also accepted.
- If you buy your tickets online, send an email to marketing@sainte-marie-mineral.com or use the Weezevent platform via your order confirmation email.
- If you buy your tickets from the ticket desks, send us an email to compta@spl-eva.com and mention which ticket you bought, the payment method, the company name, its address and your VAT or company registration number (for professional visitors).
There are no ATMs within the event, but you can get cash from 5 locations (banks) in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines. Check out the interactive map to locate them. To save time and to avoid the queue at the ATMs, we recommend you come with cash on you.
Due to the crowd, ATMs may end up out of cash, especially during the weekend. We work closely with the local banks to find a solution to this inconvenience.
Please note that we cannot accept card payments in exchange for cash at the event ticket desks.
We recommend that you change your money before you come. There are no currency exchange counters on site or in town.
No, there is no WiFi network accessible to the visitors.
- EXHIBITORS
The full list of exhibitors of the upcoming edition is posted online in early June on our website. In the meantime, you can check the exhibitors list of the previous edition on the dedicated page .
Due to data safety measures, this type of information is unfortunately confidential and cannot be published. Check the exhibitors list, you may find how to contact them.
If you want to become an exhibitor in our show, please send an email to info@sainte-marie-mineral.com
- GOODIES
The shop is at the center of Zone MINERAL, in front of the Theater, on the roundabout (information desk). You can buy goodies, wearables, souvenirs and gifts. Payment cards and cash are accepted.
Please note, however, that due to the regulations applying to fairs and shows, there can be no exchange or refund. All sales are final.
- SERVICES
It is, of course, at the heart of the event:
- In Zone MINERAL, in front of the Theater, on the roundabout, in the tent that hosts the official shop.
- In Zone GEM, at the exhibitors desk in Salle Prestige.
Catalogues and maps are available for free at every ticket desk.
Subject to availability, children from 2 to 12 years old can be admitted at the kindergarten De Lattre (Zone MINERAL) from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Daycare is free, but only available from Wednesday to Sunday. Please provide lunch. A complimentary snack is included.
If you are still on site, head to the information desk.
Otherwise, contact us!
The Red Cross and the FFSS (French first aid federation) are on the event to heal you.
If you are able to walk, go to the aid station:
- Zone MINERAL: in Pavillon Osmont (Zone PO, close to entrance 4)
- Zone GEM: outside, on the Place des Tisserands, at the right of Salle Prestige (SP)
If you are unable to walk, contact an organizer (we wear red, blue or black vests, or T-shirts with the logo of the event) or alert our colleagues at the information or ticket desks. We will call for help with our walkie-talkies and you will be cared for as quickly as possible.
Water fountains
June is particularly hot, so fresh water fountains are available for free on both Zones to fill your reusable bottles and cups. Locate them on the map !
- For the comfort of all visitors -human and animal-, the organization recommends that you avoid bringing your dog. Indeed, we would like to draw your attention to the heat of the paved surfaces, as the event takes place mainly on tarmac, and to the heavy flow of visitors in the aisles. Dogs are only admitted if they are kept on a leash or carried. Please bring your own means of picking up after them. Category 1 or 2 dogs will only be accepted at the discretion of the security service. The organization cannot be held responsible for any accident involving a pet.
- When will the event take place in 2024?
From Wednesday 26 to Sunday 30 June 2024.
The show is open to the general public on Saturday and Sunday.
On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the access is restricted to professional visitors.
- What are the opening hours?
The show is open from 9 AM to 6 PM. The last tickets are sold one hour before closing time. Visitors cannot access the event outside of opening times.
- How can I access the event from Wednesday?
The PRO Early Access Pass grants access before the event opens to professionals on Thursday and Friday.
There are no one-day tickets for Wednesday. The PRO Early Access Pass is the only ticket that grants you access to the event on Wednesday. It allows you to access the event for 5 days, from Wednesday to Sunday. It is personal and non-transferable. Only professionals can purchase one.
- When will the event take place in 2025?
From Wednesday 25 to Sunday 29 June 2025.
- How to get there
By plane, via the international airports of Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, Strasbourg or Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden.
By train, to Sélestat or Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, then by bus.
By bus, by taking a TER bus from Sélestat or Saint-Dié-des-Vosges. With the TER bus, stop at Super U (supermarket), then walk approximately 6 minutes to Zone GEM and 10 minutes to Zone MINERAL.
By car, to one of the parking lots of the event.
- How can I move around inside the event?
Disabled visitors may use a wheelchair, by bringing their own equipment or by renting a wheelchair on site from the logistics desk in Zone MINERAL (please make a reservation).
Two-wheeled vehicles (bikes, scooters, hoverboards, skateboards) are strictly prohibited for visitors.
I have trouble getting around, where can I park?
Due to a lack of parking spaces close to the event, parking lots for disabled visitors (P16 for Zone MINERAL and P6 for Zone GEM) are restricted to physically disabled visitors. You will be required to show a disability card or disability sticker on the vehicle. These parking spaces cannot be booked in advance. Our teams are doing their best to park all vehicles in a satisfactory manner, but you may be asked to wait, depending on the parking spaces availability.
Toilets are available to disabled visitors, and identified as disabled toilets on the event maps.
- Where can I park?
Four-wheeled vehicles and motorbikes are guided towards the event’s official parking lots when they arrive in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, both from the lower part of town (from Sélestat, A35) and the higher part of town (from Saint-Dié or Le Bonhomme). Parking lots are signaled with arrows. A parking fee of €5 per vehicle and €10 for campers (ancre vers question sur les camping-cars) and vehicles with a trailer applies.
The parking lots are not guarded, so the organizers kindly ask you to avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle. We may not be held responsible in case of a theft.
Other parking spaces may be made available by locals on their properties. The fees and conditions on these parking spaces are set by private individuals, and the organizers are not responsible for them.
How do the parking lot shuttles work?
Parking lots in the lower part of town are served by shuttles that take visitors to the town center, to Place Keufer (2-minute walk to Zone GEM and 6-minute walk to Zone MINERAL). Parking lots in the higher part of town are close enough to walk to Zone MINERAL (from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the parking lot). Minibuses serve regular round trips from the P8 parking lot (Château d’eau).
Check the interactive map or the parking map to efficiently locate the parking lots. Remember to identify the parking lot on which you parked to easily find your vehicle on your way back (a ticket with the parking lot number is printed when you pay for your parking fee).
- What are the parking lots opening hours?
The parking lots are only open between 8 AM and 7 PM. No vehicle may stay after hours as the parking lots are fenced.
- Is there a parking lot for campers?
Campers may park on the P19 parking lot for €10 during daytime. Overnight stay is not allowed.
If you’re looking to book a space for your camper for one or several nights, please contact the local campsite Les Reflets du Val d’Argent, or other campsites in the area.
Where can I stay during Mineral & Gem?
The Val d’Argent offers a diversity of accommodations, mostly holiday rentals (bed and breakfasts, guest rooms, AirBnB, etc.) and a few hotels.
To find an accommodation in the Val d’Argent (in the villages of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines, Lièpvre and Rombach-le-Franc), check this guide or contact the tourist office.
More information for campers in parking section.
- Where can I eat during the event?
Catering is available in the different areas of the event. For more details, check the maps.
Restaurants and food stalls are managed by local associations and offer a variety of dishes, from Alsatian delicacies to warm and cold food, sandwiches and snacks.
With 7 food stalls in Zone MINERAL and 2 more in Zone GEM, the choice is yours.
After leaving the event, take a tasty break at one of the restaurants of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines or in the Val d’Argent. Don’t forget to book a table.
- Are there vegetarian dishes?
Yes, all food stalls offer vegetarian options.
- How much do tickets cost?
General public admission (weekend only):
- One-day ticket for one person: €12
- Two-day Pass (Saturday and Sunday): €18
- Discounted one-day ticket: €8 (on presentation of credentials)
- 10- to 18-year-old children: identity card
- Students: valid student card
- Disabled visitors: disability card
Discounted weekend ticket: €12 (on presentation of credentials)
- Children under 10 years old with an adult: free
- Groups for one day (at least 12 visitors): €8 per visitor
- Groups for the weekend (at least 12 visitors): €12 per visitor
- Parking space + shuttle: €5 per vehicle (€10 per camper, overnight stay prohibited)
Professional admission:
- PRO Early Access Pass: €55 (access from Wednesday)
- B2B Pass (Thursday to Sunday): €42
- One-day ticket (Thursday or Friday): €30
- One-day ticket for a group (at least 12 visitors, Thursday or Friday): €22 per visitor
- Children under 10 years old with an adult: free
- Where and when can I buy my tickets?
Buy them online on presale: to save time when you visit.
Professional visitors ticketing
When you arrive and show the ticket you bought online (either printed or on your smartphone, with the QR code on the ticket clearly visible), it will be scanned and you will receive an admission bracelet (ancre vers “que sont les bracelets”) to wear during the whole validity period of your ticket.
During the event, from one of the 6 ticket desks at the entrance (lien vers page plan interactif), by cash or payment card.
- I bought a discounted ticket online, which credentials should I show when it is scanned on site?
Discounted rates ONLY apply ON PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS when your ticket is scanned:
- 10- to 18-year-old children (an ID may be requested)
- students (show a valid student card)
- disabled visitors (show a disability card)
If you cannot show valid credentials, you won’t be granted access to the event, and you will be required to pay for a ticket at full price. No refund will be made, nor will it be possible to pay the difference. Make sure to prepare your credentials when you arrive, and show them to the agent in charge of ticket control.
- What are the admission bracelets?
Whether you bought your ticket on presale or on site, you will receive an admission bracelet when you first enter the event. Access to the different areas will ONLY be possible by showing your admission bracelet. Wear it on your wrist for the whole validity period of your ticket.
For instance, if you bought a B2B Pass (valid from Thursday to Sunday), you will have to wear your bracelet for 4 days.
A bracelet that is torn or not worn around your wrist will be invalid, and you won’t be allowed inside.
- Cancellation and refund policy
It is not possible to exchange or to get a refund for a ticket bought online or on site. Should the event be canceled, you will be informed of the process to get a refund and/or deferment to the next Mineral & Gem show.
- Who are professional visitors?
Anyone who can attest of working in the field of mineralogy or gemology, either in a company or as a member of an association, and who can show credentials (VAT number, company registration certificate or number, association membership card, business card, etc.). Freelancers who can attest of their situation can also access the event during business days.
- Can I buy at retail on business days?
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are dedicated to wholesale.
Exhibitors are allowed to offer retail sales on their booth if they want to, but it is rarely done.
- I am a professional. Can a family member or a colleague come with me on business days?
Non-professionals (spouse, assistant, trainee…) can come with a professional visitor during these days by paying the same entrance fee. The admission for accompanying children under 10 years old is free, even during business days.
- I am a professional visitor and disabled. Is there a discounted rate for me?
There are no discounted rates on tickets for the days dedicated to professional trade (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). Discounted rates only apply to weekend tickets.
- I bought a lot, or made bulky purchases. How can I load them in my vehicle?
One area dedicated to loading (ZC on the map) (lien plan interactif) is accessible to light vehicles in Zone MINERAL (close to entrance 1).
Rate: €10/hour. Deposit: €100.
There is no luggage storage inside the event.
- How can I send my purchases by carrier?
A logistics area (lien plan interactif) is dedicated to package shipping for all visitors, with our partners Alpha Cargo and Heppner.
The logistics area is outside the event, in Zone MINERAL, next to entrance 3, in front of the number 15 of Rue Kroeber Imlin.
- Which payment methods are accepted by the exhibitors?
Mineral & Gem gathers each year exhibitors coming from over 54 countries. Because different countries have different payment methods and currencies, payment by cash and in euros is the most commonly used method.
More and more exhibitors take payments from payment cards. However, this is not the case for all.
The official shop of the event takes payments in card and cash.
- Which payment methods are accepted by the ticket desks?
To buy your ticket from the ticket desks, we recommend you use a contactless payment card as a fast payment method. Cash is also accepted.
Can I get an invoice for my tickets?
- If you buy your tickets online, send an email to marketing@sainte-marie-mineral.com or use the Weezevent platform via your order confirmation email.
- If you buy your tickets from the ticket desks, send us an email to compta@spl-eva.com and mention which ticket you bought, the payment method, the company name, its address and your VAT or company registration number (for professional visitors).
- Where can I withdraw cash?
There are no ATMs within the event, but you can get cash from 5 locations (banks) in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines. Check out the interactive map to locate them. To save time and to avoid the queue at the ATMs, we recommend you come with cash on you.
Due to the crowd, ATMs may end up out of cash, especially during the weekend. We work closely with the local banks to find a solution to this inconvenience.
Please note that we cannot accept card payments in exchange for cash at the event ticket desks.
- Where can I change my money?
We recommend that you change your money before you come. There are no currency exchange counters on site or in town.
- Is there a public WiFi connection during the event?
No, there is no WiFi network accessible to the visitors.
Where can I find the exhibitors list?
The full list of exhibitors of the upcoming edition is posted online in early June on our website. In the meantime, you can check the exhibitors list of the previous edition on the dedicated page.
- How can I get the contact details of the exhibitors (email address, phone number…)?
Due to data safety measures, this type of information is unfortunately confidential and cannot be published. Check the exhibitors list, you may find how to contact them.
- How can I become an exhibitor in Mineral & Gem?
If you want to become an exhibitor in our show, please send an email to info@sainte-marie-mineral.com
- How can I buy goodies of the event on site?
The shop is at the center of Zone MINERAL, in front of the Theater, on the roundabout (information desk). You can buy goodies, wearables, souvenirs and gifts. Payment cards and cash are accepted.
Please note, however, that due to the regulations applying to fairs and shows, there can be no exchange or refund. All sales are final.
- How can I buy goodies outside of the event?
An online shop is available all year round (except during the event)! If you have any questions, please contact us by e-mail via the contact form.
- Where is the information desk?
It is, of course, at the heart of the event:
- In Zone MINERAL, in front of the Theater, on the roundabout, in the tent that hosts the official shop.
- In Zone GEM, at the exhibitors desk in Salle Prestige.
- Where can I get maps and catalogues?
Catalogues and maps are available for free at every ticket desk.
- Is there a daycare service for my children during the event?
Subject to availability, children from 2 to 12 years old can be admitted at the kindergarten De Lattre (Zone MINERAL) from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Daycare is free, but only available from Wednesday to Sunday. Please provide lunch. A complimentary snack is included.
- I lost or found an object at the event. What should I do?
If you are still on site, head to the information desk.
Otherwise, contact us!
- Is there an aid station? What should I do if I get hurt?
The Red Cross and the FFSS (French first aid federation) are on the event to heal you.
If you are able to walk, go to the aid station:
- Zone MINERAL: in Pavillon Osmont (Zone PO, close to entrance 4)
- Zone GEM: outside, on the Place des Tisserands, at the right of Salle Prestige (SP)
If you are unable to walk, contact an organizer (we wear red, blue or black vests, or T-shirts with the logo of the event) or alert our colleagues at the information or ticket desks. We will call for help with our walkie-talkies and you will be cared for as quickly as possible.
- Water fountains
June is particularly hot, so fresh water fountains are available for free on both Zones to fill your reusable bottles and cups. Locate them on the map !
- Can I come with my dog?
For the comfort of all visitors -human and animal-, the organization recommends that you avoid bringing your dog. Indeed, we would like to draw your attention to the heat of the paved surfaces, as the event takes place mainly on tarmac, and to the heavy flow of visitors in the aisles. Dogs are only admitted if they are kept on a leash or carried. Please bring your own means of picking up after them. Category 1 or 2 dogs will only be accepted at the discretion of the security service. The organization cannot be held responsible for any accident involving a pet.
MINERAL & GEM
EXHIBITORS
TICKETS
- © Mineral & Gem. All rights reserved. 2024.
PROGRAMMATION
MINERAL & GEM
EXPOSANTS
BILLETTERIE
- Particuliers
- Professionnels
- Mineral & Gem. Tous droits réservés. 2024.
KARTENVORVERKAUF
- Mineral & Gem. Tous droits réservés. 2024.