Corcieux: Reconstruction, Routes and Views

Corcieux offers points of interest in both history and landscape: the Sentier des Aviateurs combines nature with information panels about the history of the airfield; church and reconstruction architecture provide further cultural themes, and hikes lead to a variety of viewpoints and places to learn. To choose what to explore, you can distinguish between the main themes: a historical trail, architecture, panoramic views, and the Gravières des Grandes Nolles area.

Trails and Experiences

The Sentier des Aviateurs passes through natural surroundings and combines walking with the discovery of historical information panels. Twelve panels focus on the history of the Corcieux airfield and its wartime pilots. This gives the trail a clear historical focus. If you would like to combine walking with local history during your stay, this themed trail offers a practical starting point.

Explor Games offers a different experience: this virtual outdoor game takes the form of an investigation with obstacles and is suitable for ages eight and up. The focus here is on solving a playful mystery, rather than reading historical panels. The age recommendation provides a useful guide when planning with children. As reservation details may change, check them before making plans to play.

At the Gravières des Grandes Nolles, information panels along the circular trail explain what makes the site distinctive. There is also a 4 km hike that starts at the Corcieux Tourist Office. This gives you both a thematic connection to the Gravières and a clearly identified starting point for a hike.

History and Architecture

The Notre-Dame de l’Assomption church brings together two periods: it was rebuilt between 1955 and 1957, while retaining its tower dating from 1715. The tower therefore comes from a much earlier period than the post-Second World War reconstruction. The choir contains an oculus, or round window, with a stained-glass window depicting the Assumption of Mary. The church thus brings together reconstruction, an older preserved architectural feature, and a specific religious image.

The Village de la seconde reconstruction in Corcieux shifts the focus from individual architectural features to urban planning. It is considered a particularly interesting example of post-Second World War reconstruction and urban design, and has been awarded the “Architecture contemporaine remarquable” label. While the church reveals different periods of construction in a single building, the Village illustrates reconstruction on a broader urban scale.

Another landmark in the townscape is Place de l’église: from there, you can see Corcieux’s two main streets, rue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville and rue Henry. This view encompasses both streets and adds a distinct vantage point in the town to the historical themes.

Panoramic Views from the Circular Trail

The Les Balcons de Corcieux circular trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking the village of Corcieux and the massifs de Saint-Dié-des-Vosges. In the background, you can see the plateau du Champ du Feu and the trapèze du Climont. The view thus encompasses both the village and several named landscapes in the background. Its focus is different from that of the historical trails and information panels: here, the main attraction is the view and its specific landmarks.

Discover more destinations: Bulgnéville, Fraize, Le Valtin, Vincey, La Bresse, Landaville, Le Tholy, Le Clerjus.

For the broader travel overview: Vosges.