Épinal Vacation Packages
With historic fortifications, medieval monuments and an abundance of gardens and green spaces, Épinal is an attractive and agreeable town. Located in the heart of the Vosges region, it also makes a great base for exploring farther afield. Marvel at the pretty flower displays, picnic in one of its many parks and see imaginative examples of medieval, Renaissance and Gothic architecture.
In the Middle Ages, Épinal was a major political and business center in the region. It was originally called “Spinal.” Its inhabitants are still known as Spinaliens. In the 19th century, Épinal was one of the major French defense strongholds aimed at protecting France from German invasion.
Épinal is famous throughout France for the vividly colored prints and woodcarvings produced here, which were extremely popular during the 19th century. Visit the manufacturer of the original Épinal images at Imagerie d’Épinal. Explore the Musée de l’Image to learn more about traditional printing techniques and see examples of original Épinal prints and illustrations.
The lively old town of Épinal is also worth exploring. Stop by the popular Place des Vosges square and see St. Maurice Basilica, an imposing 13th-century Gothic structure. Head inside the modern Notre-Dame Church to view the masterly crafted stained-glass wall, which was created by Gabriel Loire. Covering an area of 1,940 square feet (180 square meters), the wall depicts scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.
No visit to Épinal would be complete without seeing the parks for which it is known. Wander around Park and Chateau d'Épinal, which overlooks the town. Look for the historic Chinese Tower monument and the ruins of the medieval castle of Épinal, both located on the grounds.
Épinal straddles both sides of the Moselle River. Navigate by foot or by using local bus services. Train stations are located on the west side of the river and the old town on the east. Regular trains run to and from Nancy and there is a less frequent train service from Belfort.
Accommodation in Epinal
With 10 Epinal accommodation options featuring on Expedia's extensive travel database, you can discover a Epinal hotel that provides the amenities that suit you best.
At the upper end of Epinal's options, you can book a few nights at the Best Western Lafayette Hotel & Spa, at Parc Economique Le Sautle Cerf, or the Mercure Epinal Centre, at 13 Place Emile Stein. Alternatively, The Hôtel de la Basilique, at 5 Rue Des Halles, and the Hotel Kyriad Epinal Centre, at 12 Av Du General De Gaulle, are a couple of listings worth considering if you are a bit more budget conscious.
