The history of mining is already present in Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines's name: the addition “aux-Mines” refers to the former extraction of silver and other metals in Grandmont, La Herrschaft and La Stimbach. The Carreau minier du Samson is also part of this historical heritage and has been protected as a historic monument since 18 October 1989.
Renting a holiday apartment in Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines can be part of planning your stay.
Culture
One of the notable sites is the Chapelle Saint-Blaise. It was restored and had its rooftop bell tower reinstated; a large part of the restoration work was carried out by volunteers.
The Villa Burrus was built in the early 1930s by André Burrus, a tobacco industrialist in Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines and cousin of Maurice Burrus. The building is surrounded by a 3.2-hectare park with several dozen tree species and themed gardens. These include gardens with aromatic and medicinal plants, a vegetable garden and a rose garden. The villa is freely accessible. By arrangement, the guided tour “Laissez-vous conter le patrimoine des Burrus” is also offered as part of the tours of the Pays d’Art et d’Histoire du Val d’Argent.
The Église Saint-Nicolas houses the first organ installed in the Val d’Argent; it was installed by Joseph Callinet in 1834. The church dates back to a building constructed in 1762. Its onion-shaped bell tower represents the Lorraine side of the valley. From 1824 onwards, a larger nave and a larger choir were built according to plans by the Colmar architect Jean Benjamin Kuhlmann.
The machinery has been preserved in the Scierie Vincent to show visitors the former production process. The original tools have also been preserved and are protected as historic monuments.
History
Northwest of the village, the Château fort de Haut-Echery stands on a rocky spur. The castle was founded by the Duke of Lorraine, who granted it as a fief to the nobles of Echery; it was first mentioned in 1250. Today it is a ruin and is not accessible. Only the chapel's retaining wall with its sturdy buttresses is visible.
The historical economic activity in Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines, supported by the availability of water, included numerous mills as well as papermaking, spinning and fabric dyeing. The historic infrastructure also includes the Pont de la Timbach, a classic, simple bridge with three basket arches made of pink sandstone. Its construction was made necessary by the discovery of coal mines in the Hury massif in 1768.
Visit
At the Etang de pêche de Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines, fishing is only possible in the presence of a staff member. The site is open to the public exclusively on Wednesdays, and fishing equipment is provided on site. Guests can also make use of a refreshment bar.
