Between La Bresse, Bussang and the Ballon d’Alsace, Le Thillot lies at the junction of the RN66 and RD486 in the upper Moselle valley. Its main visitor attraction is clearly identified: Les Hautes-Mynes, former copper mines now open to the public. The town is also the starting point for several officially published walking, cycling and mountain-bike routes.
Les Hautes-Mynes: Le Thillot’s major heritage site
The Dukes of Lorraine began mining copper here in 1560. Activity peaked in the 17th century and continued until 1761. Archaeological research has documented the drilling methods and hydraulic machinery. The site also presents Le Thillot as the first place in Europe where black powder was used in mining.
The visit has three complementary parts:
- the Hautes-Mynes museum, with archives, tools, models, videos and archaeological equipment;
- an approximately 1 km discovery circuit, above ground and in the Saint-Thomas and Saint-Charles galleries;
- the guided Rouge-Montagne visit, which enters about 300 m into the underground network.
Vosges Tourisme lists the site as a protected historic monument. Reception and ticketing are at 47 rue de la Gare, 88160 Le Thillot.
Visiting the mines in 2026: duration, price and equipment
The full museum, discovery circuit and Rouge-Montagne ticket is listed in 2026 at €11 per adult, €8.50 for ages 5–17 and €9.50 at the reduced rate. Entry is free below age 5, but does not include Rouge-Montagne. The price page states 2 hours 15 minutes; the official FAQ advises allowing about 2 hours 30 minutes in total.
Rouge-Montagne requires a minimum age of 5 years and a minimum height of one metre. An adapted circuit lets younger children visit two other galleries. The site also specifies:
- underground temperatures of approximately 8 to 9°C;
- closed shoes and warm clothing;
- helmets and lights supplied on site;
- routes unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs;
- no baby carrier in Rouge-Montagne because of the narrow galleries.
From 1 April to 30 September, the site advertises daily opening from 10 am to 7 pm, with the last mine departure at 4:30 pm, or 5 pm in July and August. Other periods follow a different calendar. Booking by phone on +33 3 29 25 03 33 is strongly recommended; check current hours and prices on the official website before travelling.
Easy walks starting in Le Thillot
Two family walks have an official information sheet and downloadable route.
Circuit de la Vierge
The Circuit de la Vierge starts at the sports hall car park, close to the Hautes-Mynes museum. The sheet gives 4 km, 84 m of elevation gain and about 1 hour 30 minutes, rated easy. It reaches the Notre-Dame de la Libération statue and its views over Le Thillot, Ramonchamp and the Le Ménil valley. Some sections are not waymarked, so carry the sheet or track.
Circuit de Chaillon
The Circuit de Chaillon starts behind the church and cemetery. It covers 3.5 km, gains 126 m and takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. The official sheet rates it easy and lists an orientation table, picnic area and small pond at the Chaillon summit.
Vosges Tourisme also publishes a 4.4 km pushchair circuit, taking about 2 hours, from the Étang de Chaume. Download the latest track before each outing and follow any updates on the ground.
Voie du Tacot, family cycling and mountain biking
The Voie du Tacot is a 5 km multi-use trail with 110 m of elevation gain, starting next to the museum. Five interpretation panels explain the history of this former exchange route between the Vosges and Haute-Saône from 1912 onwards. The tourist office lists it for walking, cycling, roller skating and pushchairs, away from the busy road.
For mountain bikes, official route no. 14, La Vierge du Thillot, also begins at the museum: 6 km, 180 m of elevation gain and blue level. Vosges Tourisme provides the GPX track.
The tourist information office at 11 avenue de Verdun sells maps and cycling routes and provides three chargers for Bosch e-bike batteries.
Le Thillot on the cycling approach to the Ballon d’Alsace
Le Thillot is a stop on the Vosges approach, but it is not the start of the official cycling profile. From Le Thillot, the RN66 leads to Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle, where the measured climb begins opposite the tourist office and follows the D465.
Destination Ballon d’Alsace publishes a profile of 9 km, 621 m of elevation gain and a 6.9% average gradient, with gradients from 5.5 to 8%. The Tour de France describes the Ballon d’Alsace as the first major col crossed by its riders, in 1905.
From La Bresse, the total distance changes with the exact start and return route. Plot a precise course instead of relying on a generic loop. Compare all three official sides in our Ballon d’Alsace cycling guide. For other high-altitude roads, see the Vosges Route des Crêtes.
Market, tourist information and access
The weekly market takes place on Saturdays from 8 am to 12:30 pm in 2026, on the town hall square. The location may move for specific events; the tourist office listing carries the latest notice.
Le Thillot tourist office is on the RN66 at 11 avenue de Verdun. It provides documentation in French, English, German and Dutch. The Remiremont-bound stop for Fluo route 002 Remiremont–Bussang is about 110 m away.
The RN66 follows the valley towards Remiremont and Bussang, while the RD486 serves the La Bresse and Gérardmer axis. Check current road conditions, works and diversions on the day of travel.
Planning a day in Le Thillot
A practical day can pair Les Hautes-Mynes with one short official walk. The Circuit de la Vierge starts close to the museum; the Voie du Tacot offers a gentler walking or cycling option. Building the day around these published start points reduces unnecessary transfers.
Bussang, the Ballon d’Alsace, Ballon de Servance and La Planche des Belles Filles are among the destinations promoted in the area. They require separate itineraries, so check the map and conditions instead of combining them into an unpublished loop.
For accommodation, check live availability instead of relying on an old price: where to stay in La Bresse and available chalets.
See also
This page was fully checked on 15 July 2026. For opening hours, prices, transport and routes, information from operators and public bodies takes priority.
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Frequently asked questions
What can you do in Le Thillot?
Visit Les Hautes-Mynes, walk the Vierge or Chaillon circuits, follow the Voie du Tacot and browse the Saturday morning market.
How long should you allow for Les Hautes-Mynes?
The price table lists 2 hours 15 minutes for the full visit, while the official FAQ recommends allowing about 2 hours 30 minutes including the museum and routes.
What is the minimum age for the mine visit?
Rouge-Montagne is open from age 5 and a minimum height of one metre. Younger children can enter two galleries on an adapted route, but not Rouge-Montagne.
Which day is Le Thillot market?
The weekly market runs on Saturday morning, from 8 am to 12:30 pm in 2026, on the town hall square unless the council announces a temporary relocation.
How do you ride to the Ballon d'Alsace from Le Thillot?
Le Thillot is an approach stop. The official profile starts in Saint-Maurice-sur-Moselle: 9 km, 621 m of elevation gain and a 6.9% average gradient.
Can you reach Le Thillot without a car?
Fluo route 002 runs between Remiremont and Bussang and serves Le Thillot. The Remiremont-bound stop is about 110 m from the tourist information office.