Here, history resounds at every step, highlighting the incredible charm of this old abbey city that owes its name to veins of silver that ensured the abbey's wealth from the 12th to 14th centuries.
Nestled away from the Orb Valley in the heart of the Mare Valley, Villemagne-l'Argentière boasts numerous Historical Monument sites.

The glimmer of past splendour
Among its most remarkable sites are the abbey, where the gardens come to life for the friendly Fête de la Moisson (Harvest Festival); The 12th century monastery tower, known as the Tower of Mirande, stands on the Place du Presbytère, having served as a fortification tower, watchtower and bell tower. The Saint-Majan Church, a former abbey with fascinating furniture including relics of Saint-Majan, tops of columns from the High Middle Ages and medieval altar tables. And of course, the 13th century Hotel des Monnaies. An exceptional architectural monument remarkably restored as well as the 12th century St. Gregory Church and the 13th century Romanesque Hauts-Cantons Archaeological Museum. To bring your visit to a pleasant close, cool off along the Mare River, a summertime swimmers’ respite, or take a walk to the curious sloping little bridge Pont du Diable, rising 1 kilometre down the road from Saint-Gervais-sur-Mare. Dare to escape to the hamlet of La Gure some 2 kilometres away to see a bread oven constructed in the Middle Ages by Benedictine monks living in the Villemagne Abbey.

Villemagne-l'Argentière Tourist Information - www.ot-lamaloulesbains.fr (04 67 95 09 23)