Épinal is a lively city located in the heart of the Vosges region in northeastern France, famous for being the City of Image (Cité de l'Image), thanks to the historic printing house Imagerie d'Épinal which produced popular and colorful prints. The city combines a rich historical heritage – with ruins of a medieval castle and an ancient Basilica – with the natural beauty of the region, serving as an ideal gateway to explore the Vosges mountains, its lakes, and forests. A perfect mix of culture, history, and nature.

What Our Travel Designers Recommend: Culture and Nature in Lorraine

• Basilica of Saint-Maurice – A magnificent example of Gothic architecture, at the center of city life.
• Château d'Épinal – The castle ruins, surrounded by a park, offer an exceptional panoramic view of the city and the Moselle River. It's worth a visit at sunset, the ideal time for photographs.
• Imagerie d'Épinal – An immersion into the history of popular prints, with demonstrations and exhibitions. A fascinating and unique experience.
• Departmental Museum of Ancient and Contemporary Art (MuDAM) – A collection ranging from archaeology to modern art.

Gastronomy and Typical Products

• Quiche Lorraine – The most famous savory tart of Lorraine, an unmissable classic to taste in one of the local bakeries.
• Potée Lorraine – A hearty stew of meat and vegetables, perfect for warming up on cooler evenings.
• Mirabelle Plum (Prune Mirabelle) – The yellow plum, symbol of Lorraine, used for jams, brandies, and tarts (tarte à la mirabelle).
• Vosges Craft Beers – The region boasts several microbreweries that produce high-quality beers.

Experiences and Activities Selected by Our Local Experts

• Walks along the Canal and the Moselle – The city is crossed by the Moselle River, offering pleasant riverside paths and opportunities for boat trips.
• Excursions in the Vosges – Épinal is a starting point for exploring the Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park, with possibilities for trekking, mountain biking, and skiing in winter.
• Markets and Fairs – Lively weekly markets offer the opportunity to purchase local products and crafts.

Institutional Links

• Official Website of the Municipality of Épinal
• Official Épinal Tourism Website

Top 3 Recommended Accommodations by Our Local Guides

• Mercure Epinal Centre – Hotel with a central location and high-quality services, excellent for exploring the city.
• Hôtel Kyriad Epinal Centre – Charming solution for those seeking great value in the very center.
• Best Western Plus La Fayette Hôtel & Spa – For a luxury stay with a spa and wellness services (slightly outside the center).

Top 3 Recommended Restaurants

• Les Ducs de Lorraine – Refined traditional cuisine, valuing local products.
• La Vôge – Known for its modern interpretation of Lorraine classics, a gourmet experience.
• Brasserie Le Commerce – To taste typical dishes in a historic and lively setting.