Country of Art and History

The Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park is a living territory. Very early on, Man found ways to exploit its water, wood, stone and subsoil, to develop industries and crafts. The Park’s historical background is also eventful due to the world conflicts.

The “City or Country of Art and History” label attributed by the Ministry of Culture and of Communication rewards territories and towns which, conscious of the stakes involved in the appropriation of their architecture and heritage by the inhabitants, undertake an active mission of knowledge, conservation, mediation and support of architectural and environmental quality. This heritage concerns city buildings, natural, industrial, and marine heritages, as well as residents’ memory. In other words, every element that constitute the identity of a city or a country, its past and its dynamism.

Pays de Guebwiller

Labelled “City or Country of Art and History” in 2004, the Guebwiller Region enjoys exceptional heritage. This territory is renowned for its architectural jewels – from the Middle Ages until the eighteenth century, and for its textile industry – from the nineteenth century. Its varied landscapes, plains, vineyards, mountains, valleys offer a great natural wealth. cc-guebwiller.fr

Pays du Val d’Argent

Labelled in 2005, peopled as early as the eighth century, the Val d’Argent developed around two major activities: silver mining and textile. Val d’Argent landscapes are marked by a particular geographical position, a central situation, a divided valley, a fractured subsoil, and an omnipresent forest. The Lièpvrette River is a major feature in the Val d’Argent, conencting the two towns together, and acting as border from the medieval times. Water – raw material necessary for the mining and textile industries – has contributed to the Val d’Argent’s economic development since the sixteenth century. valdsilver.com

City of Mulhouse

First Alsatian city to be labelled “City or Country of Art and History”, Mulhouse joined the network of 181 cities or counties labelled in France. This label sets Mulhouse apart, its attractive features unfolding along the districts through a rich built and natural heritage. Mulhouse counts 17 buildings listed or classified as Historical Monuments. Among them, the old City Hall whose beauty was praised by Montaigne in the late sixteenth century, and beautiful eighteenth century private mansions – such as the Maison Loewenfels. Mulhouse also enjoys a rich natural heritage – mostly from the nineteenth century, such as the Zoological and Botanical Park, the Square Steinbach or the Salvator Park with its great variety of trees. The city proposes guided tours to discover or rediscover its history and heritage. mulhouse.fr