Épinal, the beautiful Vosges

In the heart of the Vosges, the small town that has become famous for its imagery is perfect for a short stay. Art lovers, nature lovers or gourmets will find what they are looking for.

By following the map distributed by the Tourist Office, and getting lost in the alleys of the historic center, you will discover almost secret passages, some pretty old facades, in Renaissance style, Art Nouveau.

The Saint-Maurice basilica, built between the 11th and 13th centuries in pink sandstone, does not leave anyone indifferent, even if we have trouble with its somewhat… heterogeneous silhouette with its turrets and its belfry, and the Rhenish, Champagne and Burgundian who have left their characteristics.

Leaving through the main gate, you have to look up at the building opposite, decorated with a beautiful ceramic dedicated to the legend of Saint-Nicolas, patron saint of Lorraine. But let's turn left to discover the small garden on the site of the old cloister, the alley lined with private mansions of the noble ladies of the Saint-Goëry chapter until the Revolution chased them away.

A little further on, a mural is a double wink: to the ladies canonesses and to the Imagerie d'Épinal.

Continuing, the fortifications of the city are revealed.

Among the curiosities of Épinal: a Chinese tower, the work of a wealthy merchant who had a staircase built to reach the castle garden. This vast park which surrounds the remains of the castle is among the privileged sites of the Spinaliens with its small animal park, its games, its medieval garden, its picnic tables.

Another curiosity: the Roman House, a replica of a villa in Pompeii on the banks of the Moselle. This imposing building houses companies from the city's Pôle Images. Outside, several hundred varieties of roses flourish in a formal garden.
The old imagery in Épinal dates back to 1796. Visiting the workshops is a fascinating journey into the glorious past of the famous images of Épinal. A journey through 220 years of history. Touch tablets, the Histopad®, allow you to discover all the stages of image production.

Old machines are still in operation. In 2014, the historic company became Maison Imagerie d'Épinal. If it preserves this formidable heritage and know-how, it also develops new creations in collaboration with illustrators, designers and other street artists.

Between the Moselle and the canal, the site of the small marina is a real leisure area with a restaurant, games for children, the possibility oto rent bicycles but also small electric boats.

Épinal is one of the most wood covered towns in France. Nearly 50 hiking circuits, from 3 to 21 kilometers, allow you to discover the unspoilt nature in the heart of the Vosges mountains. The trails are well marked and the circuits can be downloaded from the Tourist Office website.

Ten cycling circuits, from 37 to 150 km, allow you to explore the surroundings of Épinal. An easy and scenic route leads to Lake Bouzey via the “Voie Verte du Canal des Vosges” cycle route. Along the canal that connects the Meuse and the Moselle to the Saône, it is a peaceful stroll in a green and blue landscape. The lake is very popular, especially in good weather! Other routes, with elevations of 1,578 m, allow experienced cyclists to have fun. Not to mention the 66 circuits for mountain biking.

For all the information on visits, markets, short stays, one address: the tourist office of Épinal where the welcome is warm and competent.