Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, Mining commune in Haut-Rhin, France
Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines is a commune located in the Haut-Rhin department in the Alsace region. The settlement spreads through a V-shaped valley formed by the Lièpvrette River, with surrounding Vosges mountains creating varied elevations across the territory.
The area gained prominence during the Middle Ages as a mining settlement and was first documented in written records in 1317. Mineral extraction remained central to the region's development for centuries afterward.
The international Mineral Show draws 900 exhibitors from 60 countries, featuring exhibitions of natural stones, mining products, and geological discoveries.
Visitors should allow time to explore the valley and its surroundings, keeping in mind that the terrain varies with elevation changes. The location is best experienced by walking through the different areas and taking in the landscape.
The settlement hosts a major mineral exhibition each year that attracts collectors and geology enthusiasts from across the globe. Thousands of exhibitors showcase natural stones and geological specimens that draw international visitors to this quiet valley.
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