In Alsace, we know the Wine Route, we know Strasbourg and its cathedral, but it would be well advised during a visit to the region to take a tour in the Val de Lièpvre in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines. Mines and textiles have permanently marked the history of this region, an exceptional legacy that has left its mark, both in the cultural heritage and in the landscape.
Since the sixteenth century, money has been extracted here, precious ore that even earned its name in the valley, nicknamed the Silver Valley. This trip to the center of the Earth begins at the Tellure Leisure Park, which traces the adventure of this rush to money. Here, revive the descent into the heart of the sixteenth century galleries in the xxth century during an exciting and accessible visit to all or, for the most reckless, during a speleo immersion that will plunge you to some 120 meters deep! There is no doubt that this escapade will give rise to vocations at small and large, the exhibition Mineral and Gem seems to be very suitable to sharpen its knowledge of beautiful stones. Every year in June, this international fair brings together the end of the end of the merchants, tailors, collectors and artisans of precious stones. An excursion that takes turns as treasure hunt, strolls between fossils, art jewels, precious stones and exceptional minerals from the bowels of the Earth.
The other side of the Val de Lièpvre, of course, is the textile industry that has made the region's wealth in the second half of the eighteenth century. Several centuries of tradition that left visible traces, particularly through the European Carrefour du Patchwork, an event that attracts several thousand aficionados of needle and simple curious every year in September. As we often know, Sainte-Marie aux Mines is one of the cradles of the Amish movement, known for its beautiful patchwork and quilting productions. Would you like to get there? This is an opportunity to follow an initiation and, who knows? to find his vocation. To give body to your wildest inspirations, go to Espace Arts et Textiles. A former renowned factory, it unites magnificent pieces, of excellent quality and guaranteed 100% French. The readers of Zola's novel of the ladies will find it a little bit, strolling in the middle of the muslin, taffetas, organza, ribbons, lace and other coupons that your little fairy fingers will undoubtedly sublimate.
Practical Information:
TOURIST BOARD DU VAL D 'ARGENT. 86 Wilson Street - 68160 Sainte-Marie aux Mines √ 03 89 58 80 50 - Internet Site - Low Season: open Monday to Saturday until 5 p. m. High season: Monday to Saturday from 9 a. m. to 12 p. m. and from 2 p. m. to 6 p. m. Sunday from 10 a. m. to 1 p. m. Wifi access. Shop (minerals and jewelry).
MINERAL & GEM SAINTE-MARIE-AUX-MINES. 114 rue de Lattre-de-Tassigny - 68160 Sainte-Marie aux Mines √ 03 89 73 53 52- Internet site - June 26-29, 2014. Entry: 9 €. Free for children under 12. Child: 5 €. Adult Weekend Pass: 13 €; Reduced student rate, unemployed 5 €; Groups from 12 people: 5 € for one day, 8 € for 2 days.
TELLER TOURIST PARK. Place-said Tellure - 68160 Sainte-Marie aux Mines ╩ 03 89 49 98 30 - Website - Open from 29/03 to 11/11. Open all year by reservation for groups, seminars. Low season: open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a. m. to 6 p. m. High season: every day from 10 a. m. to 7 p. m. Adult: € 12 (museum visit only: 8 €). Child (up to 12 years): 9 €. Group: 8 €. «Sports tours» from € 20 to € 40. Mineral exhibition. Guided tour. Shop. Little restaurant.
PATCHWORK CROSSROADS - INITIATIVES AND EVENTS. 5 Krœber-Imlin Street - 68160 Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines ╩ 03 89 58 33 10 - Website - European Highway of Patchwork from September 18-21, 2014. Free for children under 14 and for disabled people. Pass 1 day 13 €, 2 days 24 €, 4 days 29 €; Group rate from 20 people: Pass/person 1 day 12 €, 2 days 22.50 €, 4 days 27.50 €.
SPACE ARTS AND TEXTILES. 5, Kroeber-Imlin Street - 68160 Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines ╩ 03 89 58 80 32 - Internet Site - Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a. m. to 6 p. m. Sunday from 2 p. m. to 6 p. m. During the exhibitions. Closed on Monday and Sunday outside of exhibitions.
