COTEAU DE LA VIERGE

The Coteau de la Vierge overlooks Plombières-les-Bains, offering a lovely view of the town. The small neo-Gothic Saint Joseph chapel, built in 1858, can be seen here. The interior is decorated with a marble altar and 3 statues of Sainte-Barbe, Saint-François and Notre-Dame de Plombières. The walls are covered with ex-voto statues thanking the Virgin Mary for her protection. On this hillside is the Virgin Mary protector of Plombières les Bains, known as Notre Dame des Eaux, modeled by Fabish of Lyon, a replica of the Virgin of Fourvière. Made of cast iron, it measures 2.13 metres The presence of the Virgin of Plombières is explained by the fact that the town escaped the 2 cholera epidemics that hit Lorraine between 1831 and 1874. Legend has it that the people of Plombières were spared thanks to their prayers. Following this miracle, they decided to build this protective statue on August 15, 1855. Since then, every August 15, pilgrims, torches in hand, have gathered at the foot of the statue. Historical tour available from the Tourist Office.