Discover Xertigny: cultural history and walking trails

When looking for a hotel in Xertigny, you can first consider which themes you want to shape your trip: architecture and brewing history, walking trails through the village and forest, or summer activities by the water. The destinations and activities offer different focuses, allowing you to balance culture and exercise according to your own plans.

Architecture and brewing history

Inside the Château des Brasseurs, elaborately crafted wood panelling, gilding and marble features have been preserved. Construction began in 1885, based on plans by departmental architect François Clasquin. From May to September, the Xertigny tourist office offers guided tours. The tours are seasonal; check the current schedule for your travel dates.

The “La Lorraine” brewery employed up to 100 people in 1900. It closed in 1966 after a century of intensive activity. Together with the start of construction on the château, these details provide several historical milestones: 1885 marks the beginning of construction, 1900 the number of employees, and 1966 the brewery’s closure.

Walking trails by length and destination

The “Histoire en Marche” discovery trail is a 4.3-kilometre circular route through the village and forest of Xertigny. Information panels accompany the route at key points. The trail is free to access and walk. In summer, live performances featuring historical scenes are also presented along the route. If you would like to include these in your plans, check the current performance dates.

The “Xertigny Tour” project now includes 15 circular routes, with a total of 150 kilometres of walking trails. These include a 45-kilometre circular route around the municipality and 14 inner circular routes ranging from 1 to 15 kilometres. The figures offer a wide range of route lengths: the discovery trail is 4.3 kilometres long, while the circular route around the municipality measures 45 kilometres. Check the current route information before setting out.

Another clear hiking destination is the 35-metre-high stone bridge, reached via the “Le Pont Napoléon” trail. For a different kind of exploration, the “Boucle patrimoine n°12 - du Coney à la Vôge” cultural loop follows small roads between Xertigny, La Chapelle-aux-Bois and Les Voivres. Along the way, you can discover natural riches and architectural features. Thus, the trails differ not only in length, but also in whether they focus on a structure or connect several places.

Water destinations and seasonal activities

At the Cascade du gué du saut, the Rechentreux stream flows through the municipality of Xertigny. There is a picnic area there, and several walking trails also pass by the waterfall. If you would like to combine a break with a walk, you will find both options at this named location.

Canoes can be rented at Plan d'eau Les Woodies in July and August. Canoe hire adds a seasonal water-based activity to the hiking and cultural offerings. If it is important to your travel plans, check current availability.

Discover more destinations: Igney, Sauville, Wisembach, Morizécourt, Saint-Jean-D'ormont, Saint-Dié-Des-Vosges, Plainfaing, Sainte-Marguerite.

View the broader travel guide: Vosges.