Pont de la Timbach

Pont de la Timbach is an 18th-century stone bridge in Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines, in the Haut-Rhin department of Alsace, spanning the Lièpvrette river. Its three pink sandstone arches form a quiet, well-proportioned structure that has anchored the village's landscape at the foot of the Vosges mountains for over two centuries.

What is the history behind the bridge?

The bridge was built in 1772, with the work formally accepted in 1777. The year 1772 is carved into the western parapet at the bridge's entrance, a mark still legible on the stone today. It was constructed to provide access toward Mont Hury, where coal deposits had been discovered in 1768. The crossing made it possible to move coal from the mining area down into the valley, a practical necessity during a period of active mining development around Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines and the surrounding Vosges valleys.

This corner of Alsace has long been tied to mineral extraction — the name of neighboring Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines itself points directly to a mining past. Pont de la Timbach stands as a tangible remnant of that era, when road infrastructure had to keep pace with expanding mine works.

What does the bridge look like?

The structure follows a classical, restrained style with no decorative excess. It rests on three basket-handle arches (anse de panier), and its deck follows a slight hog-back profile, rising gently toward the center rather than lying flat. The entire bridge is built from pink sandstone, the building material typical of the Vosges region, giving the stonework a warm, reddish tone that stands out especially in late-afternoon light.

The bridge sits on rue de la Timbach in Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines and still carries traffic across the Lièpvrette.

Is the bridge a protected monument?

Yes. Pont de la Timbach was listed as a monument historique in 2002, a designation that recognizes its historical and architectural value as evidence of the region's former mining activity and road engineering.

What else is there to see nearby?

Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines sits in the heart of the Vosges, in Alsace, surrounded by the forested hills and valleys typical of this part of France. The area draws hikers and visitors interested in the region's mining history, which has shaped its landscape and economy since the Middle Ages. The bridge itself, modest in size and set in a quiet riverside spot, makes for an easy stop on a walk through the village.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Pont de la Timbach built? It was built in 1772, with the work formally accepted in 1777.

Why was the bridge built? To provide access toward Mont Hury and to move coal discovered there in 1768 down to the valley.

What material is the bridge made of? It is built entirely from pink Vosges sandstone.

Is the bridge a listed monument? Yes, it has been registered as a monument historique since 2002.