Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines: Mining History and Cultural Heritage

Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines offers several ways to enjoy a culturally focused stay, including mining history, religious architecture and former industries. If you are looking for a hotel in Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines, these themes can help you tailor your stay to your interests. Each historic site and building offers a different perspective.

Mining history and its traces

The suffix “aux-Mines” refers to the former mining of silver and other metals in Grandmont, La Herrschaft and La Stimbach. The Carreau minier du Samson has been protected as a historic monument since 18 October 1989. The Pont de la Timbach is also linked to mining: the simple bridge has three basket-handle arches made of pink sandstone. Its construction became necessary following the discovery of coal mines in the Hury massif in 1768. The name, monument and bridge thus reveal different aspects of mining history—from former mining activity to a structure whose construction was made necessary by it.

Church architecture and organ history

The history of Église Saint-Nicolas goes back to a church built in 1762. From 1824, a larger nave and choir were built to plans by Colmar architect Jean Benjamin Kuhlmann. Its onion-shaped bell tower reflects the Lorraine side of the valley. The church also has a special musical connection: it houses the first organ installed in the Val d’Argent. Joseph Callinet installed it in 1834. These dates provide a timeline of different aspects of the church, from the earlier building to its extension and organ.

Former industries and preserved machinery

The historic economic activity in Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines, supported by the area's water resources, included numerous mills as well as papermaking, spinning and fabric dyeing. The Scierie Vincent offers a distinct insight into a former production process: its machinery has been preserved so visitors can follow the stages of work as they were carried out at the time. The original tools have also been preserved and are protected as historic monuments. If you are planning a visit, check in advance what visiting options are available.

Villa Burrus and its park

Villa Burrus was built in the early 1930s by André Burrus, a tobacco industrialist in Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines and cousin of Maurice Burrus. It is surrounded by a 3.2-hectare park. The park has several dozen tree species and themed gardens, including gardens with aromatic and medicinal plants, a vegetable garden and a rose garden. The garden design may change over time. The villa is freely accessible; by appointment, a guided tour on the theme “Laissez-vous conter le patrimoine des Burrus” is offered as part of the Pays d’Art et d’Histoire du Val d’Argent tours. Check access arrangements before your trip.

Other sites and visiting conditions

The Château fort de Haut-Echery lies northwest of the village on a rocky spur and is now a ruin. It is described as inaccessible; check local conditions before planning to approach it. Only the chapel’s retaining wall, with its sturdy buttresses, is visible. The ruin thus differs from buildings whose recorded history focuses mainly on their architecture or former use.

In 2023, special conditions applied at the Étang de pêche de Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines: the site was open to the public only on Wednesdays, and fishing was permitted only in the presence of a staff member. Fishing equipment was provided on site, and a refreshment bar was also available to guests. Check the current opening days and conditions before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Hunawihr, Neuf-Brisach, Murbach, Heimsbrunn, Battenheim, Nambsheim, Kingersheim, Gunsbach.

For the broader travel overview: Haut-Rhin.