Local market in Lièpvre
Discover the flavors, colors, and local crafts of Val d'Argent at its weekly markets. The local market in Lièpvre is held every Monday morning from 8 am to 12 pm on Place de la Mairie.
Plizio Visual Lab
Find this hearty meat pie at the traditional bakeries in town.
Try this pungent local cheese at the rustic mountain inns (Fermes-Auberges) nearby.
The classic blueberry tart of the Vosges, best enjoyed at a mountain refuge.
Numerous specialized shops in the center offer geological treasures from the region.
Look for local linen or patchwork fabrics as a souvenir of the area's rich textile history.
A quiet, publicly accessible botanical park with rich historical heritage.
Drive up to this mountain pass for quiet forest trails and old border history.
Water temperature…
Discover the flavors, colors, and local crafts of Val d'Argent at its weekly markets. The local market in Lièpvre is held every Monday morning from 8 am to 12 pm on Place de la Mairie.
In Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, the market is located in the city center at the Place des Tisserands. Food and clothing are available every Saturday from 7 am to 12 pm.
Explore the local flavors and products of Val d'Argent. The market in Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines takes place on Saturday mornings at Place du Général Bourgeois from 7 am to 12 pm.
Discover the local cinema screenings in the valley.
Develop your logic and team spirit with this escape game. Time is ticking against you, as you have only one hour to meet the challenge!
Explore the forest paths of the highest village in Alsace during this exciting Tétrail running event!
Meet local producers from Fréland and the surrounding area and discover their great local products at this evening market.
Lucas hops on his moped to flee from sorrow. In the forest, a deer runs for its life. Their paths are destined to cross.
A Sunday with a wonderful festive atmosphere: orchestras, catering, and refreshments await you for a convivial day of music and good vibes.
Join for a warm evening around the Saint John's bonfire, hosted by DJ Fristi, with refreshments and light snacks available on site!
Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines is positioned in the heart of the Vosges mountains in Alsace and has a fascinating legacy as one of Europe's premier mining centers. Since the 10th century, the extraction of silver, copper, and lead defined the region, earning it the moniker 'Val d'Argent' (Silver Valley). The town's unique history includes a period of being split between the Duchy of Lorraine and the Lords of Ribeaupierre, leading to a rich cultural tapestry where Catholics, Protestants, and Anabaptists, including the ancestors of the Amish, lived side by side. Following the decline of mining, the town reinvented itself as a major textile hub, particularly renowned for high-quality fabrics. Today, it is globally recognized as the host of 'Mineral & Gem', one of the world's largest trade fairs for minerals and gemstones. The town's architecture features a mix of traditional Alsatian houses, grand mansions, and historic factory buildings. Surrounded by the dense forests of the Vosges, it is a starting point for numerous trails, offering both a deep dive into industrial history and a gateway to pristine mountain nature.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 78 | 63 | 69 | 60 | 94 | 83 | 78 | 85 | 67 | 84 | 78 | 90 |
See what it looks like near Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines right now.
Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines › East · 3.3 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
(M) Begin your walking tour in the heart of the city at the Temple Réformé, exploring the local Protestant heritage. (Mid) Stroll through the charming streets to the Chapelle Sainte-Madeleine and Église des Chaînes, taking in the historical vibe. (Aft) Dedicate your afternoon to the Théâtre Municipal, marveling at its Italian architecture. (Eve) Conclude your day with a peaceful visit to the grandiose Église Saint-Louis as the sun sets over the valley.
A rainy morning in the Silver Valley begins with visits to historic churches that provide perfect shelter. At noon, the narrow streets glisten under the rain as we move from portal to portal. In the afternoon, we enjoy the dry and cultural atmosphere of the municipal theatre. The evening concludes with a short walk over shiny cobblestones, admiring the city lights reflecting in the damp air.
A frosty winter morning in Alsace begins with visits to quiet churches, where thick walls keep the biting cold at bay. At noon, the air is crisp and cold as we walk through the town. In the afternoon, we seek the warmth of the municipal theatre before the sun sets behind the mountains around 5 PM. The early twilight makes the evening especially atmospheric.
(M) Start your cycling adventure at the Chapelle Luthérienne, getting a feel for the region's spiritual history. (Mid) Pedal through the center visiting the Temple Réformé and Église Saint-Louis before heading south. (Aft) Follow the mining trails to the Tour des Mineurs, exploring the ancient silver extraction sites. (Eve) Finish your ride at the unique Église Saint-Pierre-sur-l'Hâte, resting in its peaceful historical surroundings.
A rainy bike tour through Val d'Argent requires extra caution on the wet roads towards the outskirts. In the morning, we visit chapels hidden in the valley mist. At noon, we take a break in the center, and in the afternoon, we cycle to the Miners' Tower, where the forest provides some extra cover. The evening ends with a careful descent back to town.
A winter bike tour through the Vosges requires warm gear and bright lights. In the morning, we cycle through the frosty valley to the distant chapels. At noon, we warm up in the central churches. In the afternoon, the path leads to the mining tower, keeping a close eye on the 5 PM sunset. The return ride takes place in the biting cold twilight.
(M) Drive to the tranquil Chapelle Saint-Blaise to start your day surrounded by nature, then head to the Château d'Échéry ruins. (Mid) Park in the city center to explore the Théâtre Municipal and the nearby Église des Chaînes on foot. (Aft) Take a short drive to the Tour des Mineurs to dive deep into the valley's famous silver mining history. (Eve) Conclude your driving tour at the historic Église Saint-Pierre-sur-l'Hâte, enjoying the evening calm.
A car trip through the rainy Val d'Argent offers comfortable views of the misty Vosges mountains. In the morning, we drive to the hilltop chapels and castles while the wipers set the rhythm. At noon, we explore the center on foot with umbrellas. In the afternoon, we head to the historic mining sites before ending the day cozy inside the vehicle.
A winter car tour through Val d'Argent offers spectacular views of snow-covered slopes. In the morning, we visit remote chapels and castles, watching for ice on mountain roads. At noon, the town center provides warm sanctuaries. In the afternoon, we visit the mining tower before the 5 PM twilight turns the valleys deep blue.
