Those interested in architectural history will find two distinct points of reference in Geville: the Église Saint-Léger de Gironville was rebuilt in the early 16th century, while the main construction campaign at the former Abbaye de Rangeval dates from the first half of the 18th century. For a hike, a route in the Parc naturel régional de Lorraine passes through Jouy-sous-les-Côtes and Gironville-sous-les-Côtes to the Chapelle de Jévaux and its spring, described as miraculous. Historic buildings and a specific hiking destination thus cater to different travel interests.

Church and Abbey Architecture in Geville

The Église Saint-Léger de Gironville, classified as a historic monument, is located in Geville. It is a hall church and was rebuilt in the early 16th century with a fortified enclosure. The building type and construction period offer two different points of reference: one identifies the form of the church, while the other places its reconstruction in time. The fortified enclosure is also part of the history of this reconstruction. The church can therefore be understood both through its architecture and through the period of its construction history.

The former Abbaye de Rangeval is located in Geville on the R.N. 408; it previously belonged to the commune of Corniéville. Its main construction campaign dates from the first half of the 18th century, and 1729 is given as the year of construction. The building work carried out that year is attributed to the architect Nicolas Pierson père. The abbey has been protected as a historic monument since 12 July 1965. The dates complement one another: the first half of the 18th century gives the timeframe for the main construction campaign, while 1729 identifies the specific year of construction.

The two building histories have different chronological emphases. At Saint-Léger, the focus is on the reconstruction in the early 16th century; at Rangeval, it is on the 18th-century construction campaign, with 1729 as the specific year. Those interested in religious architecture can thus compare two historical periods without conflating their respective construction phases.

Hike to the Chapelle de Jévaux

The hike in the Parc naturel régional de Lorraine passes through Jouy-sous-les-Côtes and Gironville-sous-les-Côtes to the Chapelle de Jévaux and its spring, described as miraculous. The place names provide orientation along the way; the destination includes both the chapel and the spring. The route offers a distinct way to explore the places mentioned and complements the cultural focus with a specific hiking destination.

An important wayfinding rule applies to the “Vieux forts, sources, croix et chapelle au départ de Gironville” hike: it is not permanently signposted. Follow the route description rather than relying solely on continuous signage.

A Cultural Project at the Fort

Les amis du fort de Jouy-sous-les-Côtes aim to secure, maintain and renovate the Fort de Jouy-sous-les-Côtes in order to turn it into a cultural venue. The focus here is on a project: the association’s goals combine the preservation of the fort with its intended cultural use. This adds another perspective on culture in the region to the building history of the church and abbey, without blurring the distinct historical periods of the various subjects.

Discover more destinations: Mécrin, Ligny-En-Barrois, Les Hauts-de-Chée, Romagne-Sous-Montfaucon, Bislée, Chaillon, Nettancourt, Bar-Le-Duc.

For the overview of the wider area: Meuse.