The mine
new houses
A perfect representation of the 19th-century Industrial Revolution, the Neuves-Maisons Mine welcomes visitors to the heart of its secure galleries to discover the iron miner's trade. The galleries open to the public are those dating back to the 19th century and offer insight into iron mining operations at the beginning of their development in Lorraine: all the work was done by hand, using the skills gradually acquired by the first miners. The tour covers the technical and practical aspects of mining, but also explores the social and human dimensions of the miners' lives at the time, from their working conditions and daily lives to their social and union struggles. Hands-on activities are offered during the tour to help visitors better understand the experience of the workers of yesteryear. The tour's presentation is tailored to suit all ages: young and old alike can immerse themselves in the unique world of 19th-century iron miners and grasp the importance of the iron and steel industry for the Lorraine region. An audio guide complements the guided tour and provides free access to the Steelworks Park. Narrated by former steelworkers, the audio guide helps visitors understand all the stages of transforming iron ore into steel: the mine-to-factory route, the blast furnace, the converter, and the rolling mills—each element represents a different sector of the plant. In 2026, the tour expands: the Zublin, a former ore accumulator built in the 1930s to serve the mine, has stood proudly on the heights of Neuves-Maisons ever since. Saved from destruction when the mine closed, then protected as a Historic Monument and renovated to restore its former glory, this industrial building opens to the public in February 2026. Inside, visitors will discover a genuine industrial building, designed specifically for the operation of the mine and the railway line that connects it to the factory. Part of the old tanks of this imposing accumulator have been preserved, in order to maintain its historical and technical aspect.
