Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Épinal, France

Situated in the foothills of the Vosges, Épinal is a historic town recognized for its rich printing tradition. Workshops in this area have produced vibrant woodcut and lithographic prints for centuries. Visitors can observe these traditional techniques being utilized at the Imagerie d’Épinal and can explore an extensive collection of prints at the Musée de l’Image.

The charming historic district of Épinal invites exploration on foot, featuring arcaded squares, ancient fortifications, and the impressive remnants of a medieval castle that overlooks the town. Additionally, for those seeking excursions, the Vosges Regional Park is just a 20-minute drive away, while the thrilling Fraispertuis-City theme park provides entertainment for families and children.

Let us delve into the top attractions in Épinal:

1. Parc du Château d’Épinal

Perched on a hill by the right bank of the Moselle, the ruins of Épinal’s castle dominate the town and the valley.

This fortress, erected in the 1200s by the Bishop of Metz, served as both a formidable military stronghold and an opulent residence.

Unfortunately, it was demolished in 1670 by troops of Louis XIV following a tumultuous period in the 17th century, leaving behind the stunning ruins visible today.

The surrounding park is a delightful expanse, encompassing 25 hectares of gardens, a vineyard, playgrounds, a zoo, and a decorative Chinese tower dating back to 1804.

2. Musée Départemental d’Art Ancien et Contemporain

This esteemed museum, located on the river island, houses an impressive collection of over 30,000 art pieces.

Housed within the 17th-century Hôpital Saint-Lazare, which underwent modern renovations in the 1990s, it displays works from renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Georges de la Tour, Brueghel the Elder, Simon Vouet, and Claude Lorrain.

In conjunction with this collection, visitors can find intriguing narratives surrounding Épinal’s historic printing industry and exhibitions of Pop Art, Minimalism, and Nouveau Réalisme from the 20th century.

Additionally, it showcases remarkable archaeological discoveries from the Lorraine region, ranging from Celtic to Gallo-Roman and Merovingian periods.

3. Musée de l’Image

Épinal’s rich history of printing is prominently displayed in this modern facility.

Established in a purpose-built venue from 2003, the museum preserves around 100,000 popular prints that date back to the 1600s.

A significant number of these prints originated from local printmakers like Pinot and Pellerin and primarily date from the 18th and 19th centuries, including religious pamphlets, children’s storytelling materials, soldiers’ documents, satirical illustrations, advertisements, theater programs, and propaganda pieces.

Furthermore, the museum features works from various other printmakers across France and other countries including China, Japan, Austria, Spain, Italy, and Germany.

4. Imagerie d’Épinal

Complementing the museum, this historic printmaker, Pellerin, continues to operate successfully nearby.

Established in 1796, it boasts an outstanding collection of thousands of historical engraved woodblocks and lithographic stones.

The original workshops remain intact, providing visitors an opportunity to discover centuries of printing expertise.

During guided tours, attendees can observe demonstrations of various techniques, including woodcut printing, lithography, and screen printing.

At the conclusion of the tour, guests have the opportunity to purchase their own Épinal print, exclusively produced on site.

5. Basilique Saint-Maurice

This robustly constructed church originates from the 1000s and reflects various regional architectural styles.

The striking main facade exhibits classic Rhenish design, while passing through the portal leads to the Burgundian Gothic nave from the 1200s, recognized by its three tiers.

This transforms into the choir, showcasing characteristics typical of Romanesque churches in the Champagne region to the northwest, complete with a five-sided apse and beautifully crafted stalls.

Additionally, the church features a series of paintings by local artist Nicolas Bellot, representing the Passion, along with an intriguing rendition of the Château d’Épinal symbolizing Jerusalem.

6. Place des Vosges

This picturesque square in the town center was once the marketplace.

The area is paved with cobblestones and surrounded by arcaded buildings.

Numerous restaurants and cafés are situated beneath these arches, offering outdoor seating that spills into the square.

Visitors can enjoy a coffee or refreshing beverage during the warm summer months while admiring the surrounding historic buildings.

Of particular note is the Renaissance Maison du Bailli from 1604, distinguished by its mullioned windows and ornate corbels supporting the balcony.

During the summer, concerts and public events in Épinal frequently take place in Place des Vosges.

7. Parc du Cours

Another inviting green space in Épinal, the Parc du Cours is located along the right bank of the Moselle, providing serene waterfront strolls.

This tranquil park features expansive lawns, colorful flowerbeds, and avenues bordered by sculpted lime trees, making it a peaceful retreat in the heart of the town.

Many trees in the park are from the 1800s, including majestic red beeches, Douglas firs, and cedars.

The park also features a historic iron bandstand from 1863 and a weather station inaugurated in 1892.

8. Quartier du Chapitre

This enchanting district in old Épinal served as the residence of the noble canonesses of the former chapterhouse.

The Rue du Chapitre is adorned with picturesque pastel-colored homes, built in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The chapterhouse museum, mentioned earlier, features a gallery showcasing portraits of these canonesses.

The original convent was dismantled during the Revolution, with a small patio now occupying its former location.

At the end of the Rue du Chapitre, a 75-meter stretch of Épinal’s medieval walls, constructed from red sandstone, still stands with three circular towers intact.

9. Musée du Chapitre

Located in the historic heart of Épinal, this museum boasts a prime location within an authentic medieval tower on the wall.

The three levels of the museum exhibit artifacts illustrating life in the town over the past four centuries.

Visitors can view items uncovered during excavations near the defensive walls and the castle, including architectural remnants and cannonballs.

The display of paintings and prints chronicles the evolution of the town, with a highlight being a scale model of Épinal as it appeared in the 17th century.

This detailed model is based on Nicolas Bellot’s Plan d’Épinal painting from 1626, which is now housed in the town’s art museum.

10. Port d’Épinal

Épinal’s recreational port is located just downstream from the town center, at the entrance of the Canal de l’Est.

Adjacent to the Musée de l’Image, the capitainerie serves as an ideal starting point for various summer activities.

Visitors may rent electric boats for leisurely journeys down the canal or opt for a walk along the water’s edge to observe the holiday barges passing through.

Additionally, a cycling center alongside the capitainerie offers both traditional and electric bicycles for exploration along the towpath.

11. Église Notre-Dame-au-Cierge

This church, initially begun in 1900, was entirely reconstructed in the 1950s following damage incurred during the war.

Renowned architect Jean Crouzillard engaged notable artists for this reconstruction. Master glassmaker Gabriel Loire designed stained glass, including a monumental 180 m² window in the choir depicting the life of the Virgin Mary.

Additionally, sculptor Leon Leyritz contributed the church’s enamel doors, which showcase a radiant depiction of Christ.

These exquisite works have earned the church “monument historique” designation.

12. Fraispertuis-City

For an enjoyable family outing, an award-winning theme park is situated within a half-hour drive.

Fraispertuis-City, featuring a Wild West theme, has sustained its popularity for over 50 years.

Historically, it offered a relaxed atmosphere with pony rides, miniature trains, and various amusements, but since the 90s it has incorporated exhilarating rides into its offerings.

In 2011, the Timber Drop attraction briefly held the world record for the highest inclined vertical drop and still maintains the European record.

This is complemented by splash rides, a tower drop, and two additional roller coasters.

Younger visitors can enjoy wagon rides, meet animals at a ranch-style farm, and enjoy a ride on the original Express miniature train, the very first ride established in the park.

13. Voie Verte des Hautes-Vosges

This picturesque greenway, which begins at Remiremont, offers a leisurely day trip through the natural beauty of the eastern Vosges.

The 54-kilometer path follows the former railway lines of the Moselle and Moselotte valleys, ensuring an exploration of breathtaking scenery without challenging gradients.

The scenic Ban de Vagney, characterized by its lofty wooded hills, is particularly picturesque and the route encompasses the magnificent Crosery river gorge.

Visitors can also stop at several attractions along the way, including the Bleu Forêt textile factory and the Terrae Genesis geology center in Saint-Amé.

14. Cascade de la Pissoire

For another excursion into the Ballon des Vosges Regional Park, an enjoyable hike leads to this modest natural wonder nestled in the forest.

Despite its somewhat amusing name, the Cascade de la Pissoire offers a stunning scenery, featuring a five-meter waterfall and quaint wooden bridges that enhance the photographic opportunities.

Parking is available in Vagney, from which the waterfall can be reached in a matter of minutes.

Alternatively, a longer green-marked trail provides a one-hour loop that leads deeper into the park.

15. Regional Food and Drink

Historically, potatoes have played a significant role in the regional diet, having been cultivated in the Vosges earlier than in any other part of France.

A traditional dish is the beignet de pommes de terre, a type of potato fritter similar to hash browns.

The Vosges salad is another hearty option, consisting of fresh greens combined with boiled eggs, ham, cheese, and bacon.

Moreover, bacon is a key ingredient in the classic quiche Lorraine, which is made with pastry, eggs, and crème fraîche.

The region is also well-known for its delightful mirabelle plums, which are featured in various desserts as well as delicious mirabelle brandy.