The mines were originally exploited starting in 1560 under the authority of the Dukes of Lorraine.
Mining operations ceased in 1761, leaving behind a complex network of galleries preserved by the mountain's geology.
The site utilizes 'fire-setting' evidence, a historical technique where rocks were heated and rapidly cooled to fracture them.
The subterranean galleries reach depths that require visitors to wear specialized helmets provided by the site.
Extensive archaeological work has been conducted on the site since the 1990s to stabilize and document the tunnels.
The copper extracted here was used primarily for casting bronze cannons and minting coinage in the region.
The Copper Mines of Le Thillot, or 'Hautes-Mynes,' comprise a 16th-century industrial site developed by the Dukes of Lorraine. Visitors explore underground galleries carved by hand into the Vosges mountains to extract copper ore. The site features an archaeological museum detailing the history of mining techniques and the lives of 16th-century miners. The subterranean tour requires walking through restored tunnels at a constant temperature of approximately 10 degrees Celsius. The site is a significant example of early modern European industrial heritage. Archaeological excavations at the site have uncovered original tools and timber support structures preserved for centuries. It remains one of the few places in France where Renaissance-era mining engineering is accessible to the public.
The entrance to the mine galleries offers a stark contrast between the natural landscape and the historic stone masonry.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes suitable for uneven, damp ground.
Bring a warm jacket, as the temperature inside the mines remains cold year-round.
Reserve your tour spot in advance, as group sizes for underground access are strictly limited.
Do not attempt to enter the galleries without a registered guide, as the internal network is vast and safety-regulated.
Closed on certain days during the off-season; full operations typically run from spring through late autumn.
Visitors must wear the provided safety helmets and follow the guide's instructions at all times in the mines; touching the tunnel walls is prohibited to protect fragile geological features.
