Rugney brings together the history of the former Templar commandery at Xugney, a self-guided puzzle trail and nearby views across the Moselle Valley. The commandery is in the Vosges department; the circular route “Le trésor de Rugney” starts and ends in front of the Templar chapel. The Charmes-sur-Moselle–Rugney bird migration observation point is also nearby. When planning your stay, you can choose between architectural history and rural architecture, a puzzle trail, or views across the valley.

Templar history and rural architectural styles

The main construction phase of the former Templar commandery at Xugney dates to the second half of the 12th century. The church of the former commandery was listed as a historic monument by decree on 3 March 1926. The Domaine de Xugney includes 19th-century farm outbuildings and non-agricultural buildings with architectural features dating from before the 17th century, including a chapel and a tower. The estate therefore brings together different periods: the main construction phase, 19th-century farm buildings and older architectural features represent different parts and building histories; assigning a single date would blur these distinctions.

The farmhouses in Rugney also date from the 18th and 19th centuries. They are built of rendered rubble stone made from sandstone and limestone. Rural architecture here includes farms with two residential sections, Charri-type farmhouses and farms with L-shaped floor plans. These features can be considered through three questions: When was the farmhouse built, what materials were used, and how is its floor plan laid out? This shows how farmhouse architecture combines period, building materials and form.

The “Le trésor de Rugney” puzzle trail

The “Le trésor de Rugney” Rando-enquête is a 7.5-kilometre circular route with 16 puzzles that can be solved independently. The start and finish are in front of the Templar chapel in Rugney. The activity combines a set route with solving puzzles independently, so allow time for both the circular walk and the challenges. A free detective booklet is available from the Charmes tourist office. Check the latest route information and booklet availability before setting out.

Views across the Moselle Valley

Near Rugney, the Charmes-sur-Moselle–Rugney bird migration observation point offers views across the Moselle Valley. The observation point is not staffed permanently. By car, take the N57, exit “Charmes–Mirecourt,” then the D55 towards Rugney and a small road that branches off south of the village. A stopping place is 300 metres farther on, by a small chapel. Check road conditions and signs before driving. Unlike the puzzle trail, the observation point focuses on bird migration and views across the valley.

When deciding what to focus on during your stay, you have several options: Templar history and rural farmhouse types, a self-guided trail, or views across the Moselle Valley from the observation point.

Discover more destinations: Frapelle, Bouzemont, Saint-Léonard, Raon-L'étape, Beaufremont, Lamarche, Arches, Bains-Les-Bains.

For the broader travel overview: Vosges.