Between La Bresse and the Ballon d’Alsace, Le Thillot is a Vosges town at the crossroads of the Moselle valley and the big passes. A small, quiet town with some lesser-known treasures.
Les Hautes Mynes: detailed guide
The Hautes Mynes of Le Thillot are one of the most singular heritage sites in the Vosges. These are former copper extraction galleries, worked from the 16th to the 18th century by the Dukes of Lorraine, who drew from them a strategic resource for cannon-casting and coinage.
Duration and format. Allow 1h30 for the guided tour, during which you enter the underground galleries equipped with a helmet and headlamp (both provided). The guide explains the extraction techniques of the era, the living conditions of miners (working by oil lamp, risks of collapse, pay), and the economic and political history tied to the site’s operation. Part of the visit takes place outside on the archaeological site, where remains of ore-processing workshops are visible.
Prices. Around 10 € per adult and 7 € per child (indicative, check with the site before visiting). Discounts for groups and large families.
Temperature in the galleries. The temperature is a constant 12 degrees Celsius year-round inside. Even in midsummer, a light jacket or fleece is essential. In winter, the contrast between outside temperatures (sometimes -5°C) and the galleries creates a particular atmosphere, almost comfortable after a few minutes of adjustment.
Practical advice. From age 8 according to the site’s recommendations. People with claustrophobia may find some passages uncomfortable, as the galleries are low and narrow in places. Closed shoes are compulsory (wet, uneven floor). Booking recommended in July-August and during school holidays. Free parking on site.
Architectural heritage: Saint Paul Collegiate and Les Plombs
The Saint Paul Collegiate Church is Le Thillot’s most visible monument. Built mainly in the 15th and 16th centuries, it presents a mix of Flamboyant Gothic and Lorraine Renaissance styles. The interior preserves 17th-century carved wooden choir stalls and regionally crafted stained glass windows. The bell tower is a fine visual landmark from the valley.
Les Plombs du Thillot. This locality, a few kilometres from the town, takes its name from former lead smelting and processing activities linked to the mining industry. Industrial remains from the 17th and 18th centuries survive here, integrated into the Hautes Mynes archaeological site.
The pedestrian old town. The centre of Le Thillot retains several pedestrianised streets with bourgeois buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries, witnesses to the town’s prosperity during the industrial era (textiles and metallurgy).
Hiking: forest trails and GR5 link
Le Thillot is the starting point or a staging post for several walking routes:
Le Thillot forest trails. A network of waymarked paths (yellow and red) leaves the town and climbs into the beech and fir forests covering the surrounding slopes. Several 2 to 4-hour loops reach viewpoints over the upper Moselle valley and the southern Vosges summits. Easy to moderate level.
GR5 link. The famous GR5, linking the Netherlands to Nice through the Vosges, passes near Le Thillot. A waymarked link allows you to join the GR5 from the town in about 45 minutes on foot. Once on the GR5, you can head towards the Ballon d’Alsace (3 to 4 hours north) or the southern Vosges (Bussang south in 2 hours).
Miners’ trail hike. A themed “Sentier des Mineurs” starts from the Hautes Mynes site and retraces the history of mining through explanatory panels along the route. A loop of around 5 km, easy level, 2 hours.
Cycling: Le Thillot on the Ballon d’Alsace circuit
Le Thillot is a natural staging post on the Ballon d’Alsace cyclosportive circuit, one of the great Vosges cycling classics. The Ballon d’Alsace climb from Le Thillot (Vosges side) is a historic pass: it was the first Alpine pass crossed in the Tour de France, in 1905. The ascent from Le Thillot is around 12 km for 700 m of elevation gain, with 8 to 9% ramps in the upper section.
For cyclists based in La Bresse, a classic loop links La Bresse to Le Thillot (descent via the D486, 15 km), climbs the Ballon d’Alsace, descends on the Alsace side and returns via the cols. Itinerary of 80 to 100 km depending on variants, 1500 to 2000 m D+.
Combining Le Thillot with Bussang and La Planche des Belles Filles
These three sites form an ideal triangle for a one or two-day circuit:
Bussang (10 km south of Le Thillot): Vosges village known for the Théâtre du Peuple, founded in 1895, one of the oldest popular theatres in Europe still in operation. The source of the Moselle (still a stream at this stage) is a few kilometres from the village. The Col de Bussang (731 m) marks the historic Lorraine-Alsace border.
La Planche des Belles Filles (45 km via Haute-Saône): summit made famous by the Tour de France since 2012. The panorama from the top (1148 m) over the Vosges and the Alsatian plain is exceptional.
Suggested 2-day itinerary. Day 1: Le Thillot (Hautes Mynes in the morning, Ballon d’Alsace in the afternoon). Day 2: Col de Bussang in the morning, La Planche des Belles Filles by bike or car, return via La Bresse.
Food
Le Thillot has kept several good charcuterie shops known for andouilles and sausages smoked with Vosges wood. Ideal for a picnic basket to take back to the chalet. The Tuesday morning market brings together local producers and food artisans.
Base vs excursion
Le Thillot can serve as a base for a budget nature stay, or simply a stopover in a Vosges loop. 30 min from La Bresse, 20 min from the Ballon d’Alsace, very handy central location.
Book a chalet in La Bresse as your base for exploring the whole southern Vosges area.
Getting there
From La Bresse, follow the D486 south via the Col des Croix (921 m). The pass road is generally clear from April to November; in winter it can be affected by snow, so check conditions. Total drive time: around 30 minutes.
From Remiremont (train station), Le Thillot is 25 km east via the N66/D486, about 25 minutes by car. No regular bus link to La Bresse.
Accommodation in Le Thillot
Le Thillot has several practical accommodation options for those wanting to base themselves in this part of the Vosges:
La Gare hotel (Logis de France): situated near the station and town centre. Double rooms from 60 to 70 € per night. Traditional Vosges restaurant, local dishes. Convenient for cyclists (bike storage on request).
Guesthouses: several addresses in the town and surrounding hamlets, run by local families. Convivial atmosphere, breakfast with regional produce. Rates from 55 to 75 € for a double room.
Staying in Le Thillot versus La Bresse: prices are 20 to 30% lower, guaranteed calm off-season, quick access to the Ballon d’Alsace and Haute-Saône. Drawback: no ski area within walking distance in winter.
See also
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the old Thillot mines?
Yes, the Hautes Mynes offer guided tours of the 16th to 18th century copper extraction galleries. An unusual, fascinating experience, from age 8.
How far from La Bresse?
About 30 minutes by car over the Col des Croix.
When is market day?
Tuesday morning in the town centre.
What are the Hautes Mynes' opening hours?
Mainly from May to September, with reduced opening in April and October. Closed in winter. Booking recommended.