The park is built on the remains of the Uckange blast furnaces, the last remaining example of such facilities in the Moselle valley.
The garden's design incorporates the 'U4' blast furnace, a protected historical monument.
Different garden zones are designed to represent the four classical elements of nature.
The project was initiated as part of the cultural conversion of the site to commemorate the industrial workers of Uckange.
Many of the plant species were selected to withstand the specific soil conditions resulting from years of industrial usage.
Traces Garden (Jardin des Traces) is an industrial-heritage park located on the site of the former Uckange blast furnaces in France. The garden serves as a memorial to the region's steel-producing history, utilizing the former cooling towers and blast furnace structures as a backdrop for themed botanical installations. It features several distinct areas, including the 'Garden of the Moon,' the 'Garden of the Elements,' and the 'Garden of the Blast Furnace.' The landscape design deliberately contrasts raw, rusted iron remains with curated vegetation to illustrate the reclaiming of industrial land by nature. Visitors can walk through preserved pathways that once facilitated the transport of iron ore and slag. The park is integrated into the larger Uckange blast furnace museum complex, preserving the memory of the steelworkers who operated the site until 1991. The site is recognized for its unique juxtaposition of heavy metallic architecture and contemporary landscape architecture.
The elevated walkway offering a view of the rusted blast furnace frames framed by the garden's foliage.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes due to the industrial terrain.
Combine your visit with a guided tour of the U4 Blast Furnace to understand the scale of the machinery.
Bring a hat and sunscreen, as the open-air industrial site has limited natural shade.
Do not attempt to climb or enter restricted areas of the rusted industrial machinery, as they are not structurally secured for visitors.
The park is typically closed during the winter months and follows a seasonal opening schedule aligned with the U4 site tours.
