Epinal, 48 000 inhabitants, is located in the heart of the Vosges Mountains. Epinal is the Capital of Timber, possessing the largest forested area of all the municipalities of France. 3 400 hectars of wood and many kilometres of paths invite for walking, hiking, horse or bicycle riding.

Epinal is known as a fair town and the town of sports. Rewarding attractions are the old town, the basilica of Saint Maurice, the museum for old and modern art, the Imagerie 'Pellerin' and the ruined castle.

Epinal was founded in the late 10th century by the bishop of Metz, Thierry de Hamelant. Soon it grew into a political, economic and cultural centre in the territories of Lorraine, Alsace, Burgundy and Champagne.

Epinal is the capital of the department Vosges and host to many administrative facilities, schools and a branch of the university of Nancy.

Thousands of Frenchmen come to visit the annual Saint Nicolas Festival in Epinal. Delegations and families from all the twin towns of Epinal take this chance to meet each other as well.

Epinal is favourably located, offering many possibilities for leisure activities. The lakes and the skiing area are each about one hour distant.

The twinning contacts with Schwäbisch Hall are manyfold and regularly maintained. A great emphasis is put on the meeting of young people at school, in sports or on the level of associations.

If you want to get to know more about our French twin town, please, see its website.