Herpie mine, Mining ruins in Huez, France
Herpie mine is a coal extraction complex located at about 2,200 meters elevation on the slopes of Alpe d'Huez, with multiple tunnel openings and remnants of mining infrastructure still visible. A pylon-supported cable system spanning 24 kilometers once moved coal and supplies from the lower valley up to the site, connecting it to Bourg-d'Oisans.
The mine was established in 1880 to extract coal for regional energy needs. Operations ceased in 1950 after an avalanche killed twelve workers, leading to permanent closure.
Mining shaped the identity of surrounding villages, as farmers left their fields to work underground and support regional industries. The site became a focal point where local communities gathered, traded, and built their livelihoods.
The site sits at high elevation and is best reached during warmer months when snow has melted and paths are passable. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and bring weather protection, as conditions can change rapidly at this altitude.
Workers ate in a dining hall built on Roman foundations, which sheltered and fed up to 80 people during their shifts. This structure reveals how ancient and modern uses layered upon the same location.
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