Epinal

Situated in the heart of the Vosges, with 48.000 inhabitants, Epinal is the "wood capital" of France, with the biggest area of forests in france.
Epinal is wellknown as a centre of exhibitions and sports. The old part of the town, the Basilika St. Maurice, the Museum for old and modern art,
the Imagerie "Pellerin" and the remains of the castle are the popular tourist attracions.
34 square kilometers of forest with many footpaths offer opportunities for walking, hiking, horseback riding or cycling.

Founded at the End of the 10th century by the Bishop of Metz, Thierryde Hameland, Epinal soon became a political, commercial an culutal centre in the area of Lorraine, l'Alsace, Bourgogne and Champagne.

Epinal is the capital of the Departement Vosges where many government institutions, schools and a campus of the University of Nancy are located.

Every year thousands of French people pour into Epinal for the St. Nicolas festival. On this occasion delegrations and families from all European twintowns meet there, too.

Because of its ideal position Epinal offers a lot of opportunities for leisure activities. The lakes and skiing slopes can easily be reached in about an hour.

The twinning links with Schwäbisch Hall are manifold and maintained regularly with special importance being attached to the meeting of young people who come together on a school or club level.

If you want to find out more about our French twintown visit its homepage.