Rugney: Templar Commandery and Rural Architecture

Rugney offers different perspectives on rural architectural history through the former Templar commandery of Xugney and its farmhouses. There is also “Le trésor de Rugney,” a puzzle trail that you can complete independently. If you are planning a hotel stay in Rugney, you can weigh up whether historic architecture or a specific tour activity better suits your interests.

Templar Commandery and Architectural History

The former Templar commandery of Xugney is located in Rugney in the Vosges département. Its main construction phase dates from the second half of the 12th century. The commandery church was listed as a historic monument by decree of 3 March 1926. It is helpful to distinguish between the two dates: the construction phase relates to the commandery, while the decree relates to the church. The Domaine de Xugney includes agricultural outbuildings from the 19th century. Non-agricultural buildings feature architectural elements dating from before the 17th century; these include a chapel and a tower. Different periods and building functions thus come together within the same architectural setting.

Farmhouses and Rural Architecture

The farmhouses in Rugney date from the 18th and 19th centuries. They are built from sandstone and limestone rubble and are rendered. Farmhouse and floor-plan types include farmhouses with a double living section, Charri farmhouses and farmhouses with an L-shaped floor plan. The information on materials and types answers different questions: one draws attention to the construction method, the other to the shape of the farmhouses. Comparing them with the commandery also provides a sense of chronology: the farmhouse forms of the 18th and 19th centuries contrast with the commandery’s medieval main construction phase.

“Le trésor de Rugney” Puzzle Trail

“Le trésor de Rugney” is a 7.5-kilometre Rando-enquête, or puzzle trail. It includes 16 puzzles that you can solve independently, and starts and finishes in front of Rugney Templar Chapel. The combination of a circular route and tasks that can be completed independently makes it a distinct activity to include in your travel plans. A free investigator’s booklet is available from the Charmes tourist office. As trail and booklet details may change, check the latest information before setting out.

Moselle Valley and Bird Migration Observation Point

Near Rugney is the Charmes-sur-Moselle–Rugney bird migration observation point, which offers views over the Moselle Valley. The point is not staffed at all times. Its views across the valley add a landscape perspective and a focus on bird migration to the architectural history themes. The described route by car follows the N57 to the “Charmes–Mirecourt” exit, then the D55 towards Rugney and a small road that branches off south of the village. 300 metres further on, there is a place to stop near a small chapel. Check road conditions and signage before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Grandrupt, Destord, Neufchâteau, Xonrupt-Longemer, Ban-De-Laveline, Hennezel, Saint-Nabord, Gerbepal.

For the broader travel overview: Vosges.