Augny can be explored from a variety of perspectives: the Sentier n°17 – La croix des vignes winds through slopes, woodland and orchards, while Parc Simon offers a different experience with its botanical collection, fruit trees and an old beech tree bearing a national designation. Buildings and the area’s former wine-growing history complete the picture. If you are considering a trip to Augny, these themes can help you decide what to focus on during your stay: a clearly described hiking trail, botanical details or traces of history.
Hiking with clearly defined route details
The Sentier n°17 – La croix des vignes is 3.6 km long, has an elevation gain of 93 m and is rated moderate. Together, its length, elevation gain and difficulty level provide a clear profile for planning a hike. The circular trail runs over slopes and through woodland and orchards to the Croix des Vignes, where hikers will find a rest area. Those who would like to extend the route can take an easy detour to the GR5 and along the slopes of Mont Saint-Blaise. From there, you can enjoy views over the Moselle Valley. This gives you the choice between the described circular trail and an option with an extra detour and valley views.
Botanical discoveries at Parc Simon
Parc Simon is free to enter and open to the public year-round. Its botanical collection includes around 300 rare or local species, and there are also numerous fruit trees. One distinctive feature is a gnarled beech tree about 160 years old, known as “joli fou”. In 2013, it received the national “Arbre Remarquable” designation. Plant enthusiasts will find both a collection of rare or local species and a named tree with its own distinction. If you are planning a special visit, check local access details in advance.
Buildings with different historical connections
Augny’s parish church is mentioned in a document dating from 1056. Its features include stained-glass windows made in the 1960s by the Benoît workshop in Nancy, as well as a terracotta Stations of the Cross. The Tour Saint-Benoît offers a different historical perspective: the fortified building served as a refuge for residents during the siege led by Charles VII and his “écorcheurs”. The church and the tower thus represent different historical perspectives: the church combines an early written mention with later features, while the tower is notable for its role as a refuge.
Wine-growing history and architecture along the way
Visitors can also admire the 16th-century Ferme-château de Grosyeux along the circular trail. This adds an architectural landmark to the route, alongside its slopes, woodland and orchards. Augny was once a wine-growing community; its vineyards disappeared with the arrival of phylloxera and industrialization. This history of wine-growing draws attention to changes in the landscape and complements the built heritage with an example of the area’s former use.
Discover more destinations: Villing, Plaine-De-Walsch, Basse-Ham, Danne-Et-Quatre-Vents, Manderen, Racrange, Grindorff-Bizing, Woippy
For the regional travel overview: Moselle.
