Perched on the banks of the Moselle River, 60 kilometers south of Nancy in northeastern France, Epinal boasts a great old town centre and is a favorite destination for travelers. Here, the Place des Vosges, the Chapitre district, Saint Maurice’s Basilica, amazing medieval castle remains and a Roman House dating from the 11th century are all sure to delight! Epinal is also renowned for its large communal forest, which houses the Arboretum de la Foret d’Epinal.

Three major fortifications still exist in Epinal, and were extended and maintained until the early 20th century. A popular local legend states that Napoleon’s ghost can be seen strolling along the ramparts here every year at 5:00 a.m. on the 9th of September, as this is the day and time when, in 1811, Napoleon gave his first (and last) address to the city, discussing the challenges of his northern expansion. Also of note, an American military cemetery holds the remains of US soldiers who were killed here in World War II.