Epinal

Situation

Landmarks

The Moselle River in downtown

South of Lorraine, near the Belgium , the Luxembourg , of Germany and Switzerland , Epinal enjoys a privileged location in the heart of Europe , bordering the Blue Banana. Epinal is located 380 km east of Paris , 70 km south of Nancy , 135 km southwest of Strasbourg and 81 km north-west of Mulhouse.

• Epinal is bisected by the Moselle. The town lies in a corridor dug by the latter in the layers of sandstone Vosges founded on bedrock granite massif of the Vosges. The granite porphyry outcrops clear the bottom of the Moselle valley. The width of the valley is about 750 meters.
• The city is surrounded by plateaus more or less rounded with a relatively sharp slope in particular on the right bank. The slope is sometimes indented by valleys side as the Rue Saint-Michel and the suburb of Ambrail north. The altitude at the Moselle to the city center is 324 meters. To the west (left bank), the plates amounted to an altitude of 360 to 440 m and to the east (right bank), they reach an altitude of 360-470 meters. The Moselle valley widens rapidly downstream of the city.
• The frame is green, the forests of coniferous and beech trays are visible from downtown.

County location

Common Boundary

		Golbey
	Chantraine	N	Jeuxey - Deyvillers
		O Epinal E
		S
		Dino

Division of the town

The 10 districts of the city of Epinal defined by the city:

Right Bank

This area has over a thousand years. It is the birthplace of the city's historical heart: the castle , the basilica , the market - in the middle of the second half of the tenth ^century - were the determinants of successful implementation of Epinal on the right bank of the Moselle. This area is now the location of the past recaptured. Disengagement from the ancient walls of the "city of hundred towers", the excavations on the castle site, placarding recalling the old names of streets or history of any building, reopening in 2004 of the Museum chapter , an important effort to find the roots under the rubble of history.

Impasse de la Mayolle

Rive Gauche

A farm on the island was built in the ^tenth century , during the birth of the city Rualmnil the house on the River. Rail to the Moselle, the left bank district stretches between iron and water, the Magdalen at the Champ du Pin. The island exception ("small town") is the picture of Nicolas Bellot outside the walls: the neighborhood of the Quai des Bons Enfants were to find accommodation where travelers could enter the city (this was the case of Montaigne in 1580 !), the district road bypassing the city to the Princes deemed undesirable by the Bourgeois.

The Plateau de la Justice

The image of the new town overlooking the Moselle has taken over the past spinalienne in the collective consciousness. The plate is named for the "wood of Justice" was practiced where the executions that were ascending until 1791 by the impasse Combs lost it through the house of the executioner. They had to wait on the path of patients before being executed. He lived an agricultural life until the late 1950s. After construction of the neighborhood of the Virgin, the expansion of the city was such that he had to find a vast construction zone. The proposed ZUP required lengthy negotiations - and sometimes expropriations - with hundreds of owners who owned the 55 acres involved. Ten billion francs (value 1965 ) was invested to build about 1000 homes.

Leap-the-Stag

500 in 1947 , 1000 to 1949 : the Break-the-Stag has more than 4,400 inhabitants in 1999. This means that once agricultural land where (there is still a working farm) have been a theater of the expansion of Epinal. One of the early settlements result of implementation of many barracks victims following the tragic bombing of the last war: a bit of soul will live always in the center of the city these steps.

The Virgin

This is the area of the "Forty-Week," a name given in reference to the duration of the terrible plague of 1635 , which saw hundreds of Spinaliens die in boxes (booths) Valley Bonnefontaine , leaving the community bloodless. Towards the middle of the ^eighteenth century, the discovery of a virgin, tiny wooden statuette, gives its name to the hill. In the late ^nineteenth century , it was decided to clear the place to build three barracks (Dorsner, VARAIGNES and Bonnard). The district has 1500 inhabitants in 1900 , 1913 in 1999.

Saint-Laurent

Neighborhood fragmented by successive valleys, and the railroad bridle, Saint-Laurent and the Old St. Lawrence include many localities, inhabited by "a significant proportion of the population of the city loose. These localities are often poetic names: Humbertois, the Champ-de-Damascus Genaufte the Bambois (with its 490 meters, it is the culmination of the heights around Epinal) Bsonfosse, the Red Cross, the Bouffrot , Bnaveau (and the mythical Fountain of Three Soldiers: Demarue, Saulus, Diez), the Taviani, the Guintt, the New Cars-Granges, etc..

Le Champ du Pin

In a loop of the Moselle , on the left bank, Champ du Pin has long been the extreme south of the city, until the merger of the town of St. Lawrence in 1964. After serving as a framework for military exercises from the late eighteenth ^century, its urban development took place alongside the industrial sites from 1870. It built the seven largest plants that counted Epinal, including the manufacture of printed fabrics, spinning and weaving, the workshop of engraving copper rollers for printing fabrics. It was long the heart of the city worker.

West

Located between the territory of the municipality of Chantraine and the railroad, this neighborhood is born, so to speak with the rail, in the late 1850.Les first builders have raised their houses in orchards and gardens, it is still now imbued with the rural character of its origins. Extended from both sides of an important pathway of the city (Notre-Dame-de-Lorette), he was invested by people who are often modest, railway and small rentiers, who built stone by stone the house which was the culmination of a lifetime of work. From 1890, the barracks have occupied a huge place in space and in social life, until the departure of troops and the destruction of buildings in 1998.

Is

Anchored on the green between the spur of the castle park and the bypass, the area east was long the "no man's land" spinalien. Today, the virgin lands of Poissompr of Razimont, the Colombiere, are almost completely urbanized: mainly due to the initiative sponsors, including housing estates have sprung up like so many small villages.

Southeast

The term "district" means usually part of an urbanized city. Difficult, twenty years ago, thus defining the area southeast of Epinal! But he had been obliged to collect under this term of localities scattered over the area covering almost half of the town: the less populated areas is the largest (287 inhabitants in 1999 over 2600 ha). Gathering places with names as evocative as Saint-Oger, Bnifontaine, Prefoisse, Despite Me, Pre-Snake, inner shell, Great Fly, this district is organized around two ribbons urbanized Docelles the trench and road ' Archettes connected by the knot of Uzfaing.

History

An old memory cited by Dom Calmet tells us that the castle of Epinal, one of the oldest Belgian Gaul, a city ruled on behalf of Chaumont, and it was destroyed and the city by the Vandals in 406.
Alberic Ambron or had them then rebuild in 431, but the barbarians destroyed them again in 636, from top to bottom.
So we could see in the sequel that brambles and thorns, hence the name Spinalium which was given ⁱⁿ the tenth century by the restaurateur Thierry I of Metz.

^Tenth century: the foundation

Engraving by Nicolas Bellot (1626)

On land that belonged to the former civitas of Leuci , is a promontory overlooking the roads of water , north of the old south road from Germania (Roman road, Metz-Basle) and a fork in the road Langres-Strasbourg. Thierry ^I. Bishop of Metz decided to build on one of the parish of manses Dogneville a castle and a monastery. The manse was called the manse of Spinal, but the city also covered , Grennevo , Rualmnil and Villers . He endowed an entire market . The purpose was to protect Thierry southern possessions which was attacked by looters Burgundy. At that time, the city of Remiremont was Burgundian. He gave the relics of the monastery St. Goery who were in the monastery of Saint-Symphorien Metz. These relics were the object of numerous pilgrimages which enabled the economic growth of the city.

Archaeological excavations have confirmed traces of human presence in the tenth ^century. A dump was found, and traces of fences and latrines.

The monastery was not really busy until the reign of his successor Adalberon II. The church and monastery were devoted in honor of St. Maurice and St. Goery. The monastery was first occupied by men ( canon ) and then quickly by women Benedictine and canons in the twelfth ^century. The initial occupation by men having never been fully proven.

^seventeenth century the Thirty Years War

The Duchy of Lorraine

The castle of Epinal in the seventeenth ^century. Extract from an array of Nicolas Bellot representing the Passion of Christ. The artist Jerusalem symbolized by the castle of Epinal. The painting hangs in the Basilica of Saint-Maurice

Since 1466 Epinal belongs to the Duchy of Lorraine. It is independent from the treaty of Nuremberg in 1542. Inside the duchy, the city enjoys a status of relative autonomy. It is administered by a panel of four notable chosen every year. At the dawn of the ^seventeenth century, historians estimate that the population is about 4000 inhabitants. There is an important textile clearly visible on the map painted by Nicolas Bellot in 1626 (original painting visible in the museum of the city next to pictures of imaging, reproduction seen in the Museum of the chapter). In this painting there are perfectly laundering on sheets near the site called the Gravot. There is also an industry using paper mills on the banks of the Moselle (also visible on the map Bellot). The plan also shows the castle and the ramparts that protect the city. The city is in the first part of the century some prosperity through industrial and commercial activities. With the advent of Charles IV, Duke of Lorraine (beginning of the reign 28 November 1625 ), the situation of Epinal, Lorraine and all the changes. The latter has a warlike nature and inconsistent. Despite a degree of intelligence and good military qualities, he is unable to pursue a policy which safeguards the interests of the duchy. He chose the Habsburgs against the Bourbons could not understand why France is changing and becoming the dominant power in Europe. Meanwhile Richelieu recent adviser to King Louis XIII seeks to weaken the House of Austria. The situation worsens when Charles IV welcomed the king's brother, Gaston d'Orleans while fleeing Paris in disgrace. He marries Marguerite de Lorraine in Nancy.

The first French occupation

The cross of the plague to the Forty week. The cross stands at the place where were buried the victims of the plague epidemic of 1636.

In 1629 , the city is reached by an extremely violent outbreak of plague during the months of July, August and September. Lorraine is reached by the Swedish Armed conducting deadly forays into the duchy in 1632.

On 26 March 1632 , Charles IV by patent recognizes the 32 nuns of the Annunciation in the direction of the Mother Superior Seguin (the convent was located on the covered market square) .

In 1633 , the town is attacked by French troops of Marshal Caumont Force. The town surrendered without a fight, allowing it to negotiate favorable terms (proclamation of September 17, 1633).

In 1635 , Marshal Force prevents John Woerth and the Catholic League to hold Epinal. The city was besieged by Charles IV, installed Rambervillers. The defense of the city is under the command of Colonel Gassion. Charles IV was forced to retreat in November on Besancon without taking the city.

The city is reached by a second outbreak of plague in 1636. Mortality is huge at the end of the epidemic, there are only 1000 inhabitants in the city. The city keeps the memory of this episode, the epidemic has been called the epidemic of the forty weeks (because of its duration). A quarter of the city is still called the neighborhood of the forty week (close to where plague victims were buried the dead of the plague).

The second French occupation

In October of that year, Charles IV takes the city thanks to the complicity of a City Councillor Denis Bricquel. Following negotiation of the Abbess of Remiremont Catherine, aunt of Charles IV, the neutrality of the city is recognized by the King on September 24. On 21 March 1641 Louis XIII and Charles IV sign Peace of St. Germain who lasted only four months. On September 25 , The French Lieutenant's Hallier took the castle of the Baron d'Urbach city. Begins, an occupation of the city by French troops which lasted until 1650. The people should bear the costs of the occupation (housing and food for soldiers and horses).

On 16 August 1650 , France was weakened by the Fronde , the troops of Charles IV ordered by Colonel Lhuiller take over the city with the help of residents. Unfortunately Lorraine occupation is as heavy as the French occupation. Following negotiations, the city is again recognized neutral by both parties. But the French manage to play in their favor neutrality. The municipality allegiance under threat the king of France Louis XIV on 18 July 1653 in Nancy. Thus begins the third French occupation lasting until the Treaty of Vincennes 28 February 1661. The city returned to the fold Lorraine.

The city is ruined by the tests. In a motion dated from 1654 to the brother of Charles IV (the latter is then a prisoner in Spain), Nicolas Franois Duc, the editor mentions the town as that is the most miserable of the province.

Epinal, cease to be a stronghold

The castle seen from the city and the bridge Clemenceau

In 1670 , the French took the town of Nancy , Charles IV took refuge in Epinal. The city defended by the Earl of Lorrain Tornielli is attacked by the troops of Marshal Crequi. He captured the city on September 19 and the castle on September 28 / A>. The city is ordered to pay an exorbitant sum of thirty thousand to the French franc and barrois must demolish the castle at its expense and fortifications. These conditions provided by order of the king were scaring Lorraine. The castle was destroyed but the fortifications are only partially destroyed. The walls are made progressively integrated into the habitat. Doors (doors of the great mills, St. Goery door, door Ambrail, door arches) were destroyed between 1723 and 1778. Boudiou door is destroyed until the nineteenth ^century (one day before the arrival of Prosper Merimee who had declared the monument bears). The amount of money to pay is strongly decreased after the surrender of other fortresses in Lorraine. But the fall of the city represents a turning point, the city ceases to be a fortress. The city is gradually Francise. In 1685 , the Bailiwick is replaced by the royal bailiwick. The system of four governors disappears. The first mayor of the royal city of Bournaq Francis is appointed.

The castle ruins and vineyards

The castle in the state

XVIII ^century , Epinal became chief town of the department of Vosges

In 1790 , the Constituent Assembly asked the county council to choose between the Vosges Mirecourt Epinal and to designate the head of the department. The county council meets at the Epinal June ¹ and chooses three hundred and eleven votes against one hundred twenty seven town of Epinal. Mirecourt becomes a sub-prefecture.

1870: the war but also the beginning of a new peak

Entrance to the farm Sanchey , one of fifteen forts dating from the 1880s

Although Epinal is less affected by the conflict that the French regions further north, the city is still overrun by German troops from 12 October 1870. Fighting to defend the city took place in the surrounding Deyvillers towards the Castle Failloux at Timber VOIVRE and trench Docelles. At the entrance of the soldiers by the Faubourg Saint-Michel, illustrated the spinalien Sbastien Dubois placing himself on one knee with his rifle in the middle of the street killed two soldiers before being killed himself. In retaliation for the resistance of the city, the Germans call 500 000 gold francs. This amount is reduced to 100 000 francs after negotiation. The city was occupied until 30 July 1873.

Ironically, the disaster for France's defeat in 1870 is causing a tremendous development of the city. Following the Treaty of Frankfurt , the city of Epinal, like almost all of the Vosges department is French. Thus begins a very strong growth based on immigration of many manufacturers including Alsatian textile fleeing the German occupation. These manufacturers are the source of the textile industry in the Vosges. Epinal taking the place of Mulhouse spent in Germany as an industrial center of the textile. The development is also caused by the position of the frontier town that becomes one of four forts XX ^century

The tramway ephemeral spinalien

In the early twentieth ^century, only the town of Epinal have an urban network of trams , and it may seem odd that developers have attempted the journey in 1903 to serve a city consisting of a permanent population of around 30 000. The company was formed July 8, 1903, but the concession was granted to its founders, by agreement of August 29, 1904 concluded with the city for a 65-year s. The planned network consists of two meter-gauge lines:

- Station - Poissompr - Bridge Golbey - Field Pin

supplemented by two connections between the station and the Rue de la Faience then between the Place des Vosges and the Prefecture. The city agrees to certain customary conditions derogating sacrifices concessions streetcar, granting a security interest, support the maintenance of the pavement. The decree of November 15, 1904 declared the declaration of public interest. The work, begun in 1905, allows the commissioning of the two lines February 17, 1906. The deposit is located in the Roman House on the line of Bridge Golbey. It contains twelve small engines equipped with brake pads and two trailers used very little.

The old trams of Epinal.

The plot lines, right in the suburbs, gets really difficult in town: roads narrow and rough, very winding routes, single lane with garages intervals. The city of Epinal is also crisscrossed by military channels to the spacing of 0.60 m, the convoys of the Army have priority, and it is forbidden for a tram moving onto the deck of the White Lodge if a train crosses the military.

The trams run at a frequency of 20 minutes, already deterrent when the distances are short. The iconography shows us in general that streetcars lots. The soldiers, many of Epinal, are reluctant to devote two days to afford a ticket ready to 0.10 GB. Accordingly, in 1908 the company decides to erect billboards on the roof of his small motor to meet the financial losses. However, operating results are very disappointing, and when a year is a surplus, it is a tiny sum quite unable to recoup a capital outlay of one million nearby.

Shortly before 1914, the company tries to improve service by using connections to obtain a more coherent deserted. It is envisaged three lines totaling just over 7 km:

- Bridge Golbey - Prefecture - Coach - Field Pin - Place des Vosges - Poissompr

The service is suspended for the mobilization of August 1914.

Place 4 Nations during the liberation of the city by the Allies in 1944.

At the end of the war , a state of neglect in which the network is over 4 years would require large expenditures for rehabilitation. These costs seem unjustified in the light of previous results. The company delivers its dissolution or winding up in 1920. The liquidators accepted February 5, 1925 signed an agreement to terminate the concession, and shall be responsible for removal of facilities. The decree of August 13, 1925 delivered the decommissioning of the network.

Occupation and liberation of the city

In June 1940, to protect the retreat of French troops in disarray, the genius blew up the central arches of the magnificent viaduct to the Taverne Dino. On 11 June 1940, the Germans will in turn bombard the viaduct Bertramnil during their offensive to cut off all rail link to the French troops in this sector.

The fort of Longchamp located north of Epinal, which is the very strongest of the place, fought four days in June 1940 with a small staff. It will draw nearly 300 rounds of 155 and 400 of 75. The bombings he will not suffer any major damage but five soldiers perish in the fort during the fighting (3 Germans, 2 French). It will be completely scrapped in 1943-44.

The release of Epinal began on 22 and 23 September 1944 by an artillery duel which was particularly tragic for the city whose center has been sorely tried.

Ago, landed in Normandy , the U.S. 3rd Army commanded by General Patton liberated the northern region of Epinal. The 2nd Armored commanded by General Leclerc then formed the right wing of the 3rd U.S. Army. It freed Dompaire Epinal and advanced on the north and west (Chaumouzey, Forges , Chantraine ).

Landed in Provence , the French 1st Army, commanded by General De Lattre De Tassigny, rose in parallel with the 7th U.S. Army liberated the area south of Epinal after taking Toulon , Marseille , Lyon ...

The American Memorial on a stone.

Thus, the Allied forces had decided to take the city of Epinal in a pincer movement, in particular through information provided by networks of local resistance.

Soon, the enemy was driven from the factory where it was folded into the existing port area, and the Allies gained the upper hand on the Germans lacked ammunition.

On Sunday, September 24, 1944, around 17:30, the first American tank to the 7th U.S. Army, commanded by General Patch came from the south in the town of Epinal, the cheers of the population: the victory was announced at last.

The inhabitants were living the end of the day the hardest and most cruel in the history of the city.

Epinal was released, but the city was devastated. Its center was destroyed, the station area was completely razed after the series of bombings aimed at driving the enemy. The hospital, school, prison ... all facilities, most bridges, schools and church, a considerable number of homes were totally or partially destroyed.

During the struggle, the bridge explosion was so strong that all buildings and shops along the banks of the Moselle had to suffer.

The city counted its dead in the rubble.

During the winter of 1947-1948, a heavy flood of Moselle increased still damage.

The American Cemetery Epinal an area of approximately 22 hectares, was built on the site released September 21, 1944 by the 45th U.S. Infantry Division. The memorial is composed of a chapel and a museum and a Court of Honor.

The images of Epinal

Image of Epinal: Napoleon on his deathbed.

Imaging of Epinal was founded in 1796 by Jean-Charles Pellerin which were printed the first pictures of Epinal in series.
Napoleonic battles to tales for children through riddles, the imaging was the ^nineteenth century what are now the newspapers or magazines. She has played a leading role in the propaganda of the time of the First Empire.

Imaging has greatly contributed to the growth of the city and offered him a reputation as a national and international dimension. Today, imaging continues to produce pictures as in the past. Seven artists create different and complementary images on new topics as varied as piano , Team France, World Cup champion or Cyrano de Bergerac.

Monuments and Sights

Panorama of Epinal from the ruins of castle

Pineau (the child's spine) namesake adorns one of the fountains of the city

Epinal is ranked city of art and history and has many monuments:

• Basilica of Saint-Maurice (listed historical monument )
• Roman House (listed historical monument ), now the center of the cluster images of the city ( Supermouche , The Picture Factory ).
• Park and Chateau d'Epinal (the castle is classified a historical monument and the park is registered as a historic monument )
• The Chinese Tower (built in 1809 by Hogarth, driver of Roads and Bridges. Historical monument in 1992. It connected the building to the Receiver General of Finance of the Vosges with its private garden, the castle park)

• the houses of the Place des Vosges Place formerly appointed Poirier (listed historical monument ).

In addition the city of Epinal has 5 organs in churches :

• The organ of 1905 by Henri Didier, in the church of St. Anthony of Padua
• The organ of 1960 by Curt Scwenkedel in Notre-Dame-au-candle,
• The organ of 1828 by Jean-Baptiste Gavot choir and organ from 1891 by Henri Didier, in the Basilica of Saint-Maurice
• The organ of 1874 Wetz brothers in the Reformed Church.

Museums

• Museum Image
• Ecomuseum image ( imaging of Epinal )
• County museum of ancient art and contemporary
• Chapter Museum (historical and archaeological)
• Planetarium installed at MJC The beautiful star planetarium presentation of Epinal

• The Plumbing (Museum of Contemporary Art), located next to the BMI and future cinema complex at the entrance to town, St. Michael Street.

Libraries

The Roman House

• Library Multimedia Inter-communal, which replaces the previous installed in the Roman House (1892), a copy of a house in Pompeii (Pompeii villa), is the Faubourg Saint-Michel, in place of the former premises of the bus company STAHV.
  The former bottom conceals outstanding books available on demand, especially one of the oldest known books (a book defining itself as a collection of pages of same size, connected and contained in a blanket): This is the glossary of Epinal , described as the first Latin-English dictionary history (734) .

Religious buildings

• Catholic
  • Basilica of Saint-Maurice : church gothic the ^thirteenth mainly Gothic Champagne. The first church was built in the ^tenth by the Bishop of Metz Thierry. The second church was built in the ^eleventh. It was consecrated by Pope Leo IX. The present church incorporates the dimensions of the latter.

• • Notre-Dame-au-Candle: First built in 1900 , it was destroyed by bombing on 11 and 23 May 1944 on the town of Epinal. It was rebuilt in 1958 , with Jean Crouzillard for architect. It features a stained glass, due to Gabriel Loire , an area of 180 sq m which traces the life of the Virgin Mary

• • Chapel of Old St. Laurent: Its origin is unknown. It may have been built in the late ^fifteenth century or early ^sixteenth century on the site of another church. The altar of the XVIII ^century gilded wood is a historical monument since 1960. It is built on a sandstone altar dating from the XVI ^century. In 1752 , she received a relic of St. Lawrence. The latter is now in the parish church.

• • Parish Church of St. Lawrence: it was built in 1868 and 1869 (blessing September 22, 1869). The tower was built in 1892. The first bell (800 kg smelter Robcourt was installed in 1870 ). The second and third (1310 and 690 kg) from workshops Drouot of Arras.

• • Chapel of Our Lady of Consolation (known as Chapel of the Forty week): both names have their origin in the chapel of the Plague of the XVII ^century. It was built in 1910.

• • Chapel of St. Anthony of Padua (Ward Field pine): built in 1897.

Basilica of Saint-Maurice

• • Chapelle Saint-Michel: small private chapel of the ^fifteenth century with frescoes. Included in the supplementary inventory of historical monuments.

• Jewish
  • Synagogue rebuilt after the Second World War

• Protestant:

• • Protestant Church: Built in 1873 on plans by architect Risler.

• Muslim

• • Mosque being built on the site of St. John Land (BIA).

La Chapelle Saint-Michel	The Notre-Dame-au-Candle	The Basilica of Saint-Maurice	The Basilica of Saint-Maurice
The Basilica of Saint-Maurice	The Basilica of Saint-Maurice

Green areas

Epinal enjoys an international reputation for its parks and know-how of its gardeners. The city has received in the Laureate International City and boasts the most flowery still four panels of flowers on city outskirts.

• Park Course: public park along the Moselle, created in the early twentieth century. 30 baskets are planted each year, mosaiculture.
• The House Rose Garden Romaine amazing and beautiful reproduction of a Pompeian house, built in 1905 by the widow of a wealthy industrialist who ruined himself in this adventure. This house into a library, surrounded by a beautiful rose garden with over 500 different species are planted.
• The Castle Park: Wildlife park of 23 hectares located around the ruins of the castle.
• The reconstructed medieval garden at the foot of the chateau and vineyard reminds us that once we made wine at Epinal.
• Wearing Epinal: 3 acres of greenery in the city center.
• Island in the Kid: Small wooded park located between the port and Golbey Epinal.
• The 5 Senses Garden near the nursing home.
• City flower: flowers and a note four Grand Prize winners at the 2007 competition of cities and villages in bloom ..

Town Centre and Urban Planning

Downtown

Epinal is clearly divided into two poles, on both sides of the Moselle. Right bank or historic district (city hall, courthouse, market, theater, church, prefecture, county council, restaurants, etc..) And left bank (shops, museum, cinema, etc..) Or a new city. Each of its two poles are a central stronghold. Place des Vosges right, and instead of the 4 Nations left.

Place des Vosges and terraces	The market hall was renovated in 2005	Place Guilgot	The bridge at night
Epinal by Night	Rue Saint-Michel / Street between the two gates and the castle ruins on top	The county museum of ancient art and contemporary	The Museum of the Chapter and the fortifications
Old streets	Multimedia Library Intercommunale	Place des Vosges	Museum Image

Planning

Since 2004, the municipality has embarked on an extensive program to transform the downtown.

Bypass loop project from the inner city.

First started with the renovation of the street from the United States and the Rue des Minimes, then building a new bridge and the complete renovation of the old Market Hall and its surroundings, the work then covered the redevelopment of city squares and streets: Square Chipotte Place Stein, Pinaud Place, Dock Contades and Serot, Docks and Ferries Lapicque ... The area from the railway station has been also completely restructured. The renovation of the center city slowly emerging that will be the city by 2020.

The beautification of the living and the revitalization of downtown is the heart of the projects. Rearrangements were thus accompanied by various reflections on "soft" travel, accessibility to all public transport, parking supply, and finally on the circulation pattern.

The Air Station parking (205 spaces).

The recommendations of the Urban Transport Plan formed the basis of work, various studies (counting of vehicles, identification of origin-destination flows) were used to test hypotheses and adjust proposals.

Specifically, the axes Victor Hugo / Dutac, rue de Nancy and Quai des Bons Enfants will be double meaning and direction of the Rue des Petites Butchers will be reversed. A bypass loop from downtown and will set up to remove the transit from the inner city and the Place des 4 nations have a unique vocation as a center of urban transport in 2011.

The center city of Epinal has more than 4,300 street parking spaces, more than two-thirds are free. Paid parking is focused on super-center, with nearly 1,400 seats. By limiting the duration parking in these areas, the objective is to ensure the rotation of vehicles to facilitate customer access to shops and services.

The Q-Park, which is responsible for parking delegation since 2008, made a deep renovation in the parking structure (Gare, 205 seats; Covered Market, 38 seats; Saint-Nicolas, 410 seats) and created parking pen : Clemenceau (57 seats) and De Lattre (57 seats). A third enclosure should be born in the city in 2010.

Lines of Communication and Transport

Located in the heart of Europe, along the valley of the middle Mosel , at the crossroads commercial, industrial and tourism at the crossroads of Germany , of Belgium , the Luxembourg and Switzerland , enjoys Epinal a very good service on lines of communication for a quick and easy access to all major European cities.

Roadways

The RN57 in the Community Spinalienne.

Truly at the heart of the county highway, has a service Epinal Nord Sud ( RN 57 / E23) The situated 75 km (40mn) of Nancy , 130 km (1h15) of Metz and providing access both to Europe North (A31) as the Franche-Comt , Alsace and Switzerland ( RN 66 ).

From a standpoint East West, the city also enjoys a privileged access to the west by the Vosges RD166 doubled. A project is currently supported by the General Council to double the RD 46 from Epinal towards the Alsace and Saint-Die-des-Vosges (Vosges Y). Indeed, the evolution of traffic between Epinal and Rambervillers - increased from 6180 to 8160 vehicles per day (an increase of 32%) between 1994 and 2004 - that the Council of the Vosges has chosen to focus its resources on this priority section of the East West axis. A new interchange with the RN57 should also be created on the La VOIVRE Epinal connect this new road but the proposed abolition of the existing interchange of Jeuxey is challenged by the population because of the many streams in the local area ( commercial areas).

The RN 57 on the sector of the city also serves spinalienne eastern bypass. More than 31 000 vehicles (including 12.7% of trucks) will run daily (2004 figures). The RD166A support for its North American container traffic. In the long term, a proposed ring road south / southwest to the town is projected to create a complete ring true for transit.

Rail

Since the arrival of the TGV Est Europen June 10, 2007, Epinal is now 2h20 from Paris with two round trips. Meanwhile, in partnership with local authorities, the creation of a center of trade to facilitate multi-modal travel and transfers between different modes of transport has emerged. In addition, since 2008, the Association for the Nexus of the Lorraine and Northern Franc Comtois TGV Rhin Rhone chaired by the Deputy Mayor of Epinal Michael Heinrich, works for the electrification project of the railway line-Epinal Belfort takes body (links to the Franche-Comte and Alsace south for the time being of poor quality). The electrification of the line would connect the TGV Est in TGV Rhine-Rhone. The opening of South Lorraine offers new perspectives for many travelers and the economic and social importance. The Luxembourg and cities Sillon Lorrain ( Thionville , Metz , Nancy , Epinal) could be related to the basin and the Great South Lyon, Epinal would for example 1:56 to Lyon.

Transit

A bus network Imagine.

Bus

The transit city is provided by the Trade Union of Transport of the Intercommunal Community Spinalienne (Sitas) under the trade name Imagine. Unlike other cities, the Imagine network lines do not connect the neighborhoods of the city between them, but form a network connecting some cobweb surrounding communities from downtown spinalien Golbey, Chantraine, Dino and Jeuxey. Most buses pass through a center of trade, located up the 4 Nations, which implies that all lines serving the downtown area. Imagine the network consists of 7 lines for the movement of buses from 6:00 to 20:00 every day of the week and on weekends with a reduced frequency on Sunday, the transport demand in the old town of Saint-Laurent and service transport people with reduced mobility (PRM) and called Cap'Imagine performed using specially equipped minibuses. The operation of the network is assigned by the Imagine Sitas to a private company (Connex Epinal, a subsidiary of Veolia Transportation ) under a contract of public service delegation operational since 2004.

A free shuttle to downtown.

Shuttle

A free shuttle service has been fully implemented to connect the large free car park of the Champ de Mars (2000 seats) in downtown in less than 5 minutes. The shuttle operates every afternoon from Monday to Saturday 14:00 to 19:00 in the morning on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:00 to 12:30 with a frequency of 10 minutes.

Track cycling

Many bike paths have been upgraded in recent years in the city center by the city and the community of common Golbey-Epinal. The network of bike paths , designed for commuting and frequented mainly for leisure. A great track can reach the Port au Reservoir Bouzey (15 km). The city has also set up a rental bike at the Port (Blue Bicycle).

River transport

As part of the work done at the port in the early 2000s, an effort has been aimed at boaters. That 32-point mooring terminals with water and electricity are in service. Toilet facilities are available to them at the harbor. Attendance at the port is constantly rising in recent years. The port is connected to Epinal Canal de l'Est.

Air transport

• The Epinal-Mirecourt Airport (33 km) is home to a company specializing in corporate travel in France and Europe. Its activities range from business flights, charter flights, private aviation and flight training (training of civilian and military crews). Epinal is also one hour from the Airport Metz-Nancy-Lorraine regional and at two international airports of Basel-Mulhouse and Luxembourg.
• Epinal since 1921 also has a small airfield with a 700 meter grass. The airfield is located just north of the Community, the Common Dogneville. The Aero Club Vosgien is an Aero Club Lorrain operating on the site.

Festivals and Culture

Concert at the Place des Vosges.

The City of Epinal - City pictures and fairy tales, they said once - to develop a genuine cultural policy. She has a college of art, a reputed conservatory County (Conservatory Gautier d'Epinal ), a Museum of the Image, an exhibition gallery, art, etc.. As part of an inter-union, she gave birth to Scenes Vosges which now offers high-quality events in three places: the Theatre, the Auditorium of La Louviere and the Rotunda, a beautiful place to Thaon-les-Vosges.

Several events organized by the city gather every year thousands of people.

• The Imaginales:

The Festival of imaginary worlds that takes place every year since four days in May 2002 brings together hundreds of authors, illustrators, top scientists, critics, etc ... from around the world. for the greater interest of thousands of people from across France and neighboring countries. Dedicated to Fantasy, Science Fiction, the historical novel, fantasy, folk tales and legends, he seeks to break down barriers between genres. His reputation for quality and friendliness makes it a particularly original festival. Several literary prizes (the price Imaginales ) are awarded. Imaginales Official Website

• Doors open at imaging, weekend of Easter or All Saints.
• Streets & Companies, the second weekend of June. Street theater.
• Tears of Laughter, ten days in October. Burlesque.
• The Cyberiad: Launched in 2001 at the initiative of the youth council, it is a tournament of games for console and PC.
• Internet Festival: Since 2002, the city of Epinal participates in the celebration of the internet. Founded in 1997, this festival aims to raise the French to the use of new technologies and the Internet in particular.

Associative cultural life, vibrant (one hundred associations representing all cultural sectors), also offers high quality events. For example:

• Floreal Music Epinal: For over twenty years, Floreal Musical Epinal seeing you every spring for music lovers. It is an eclectic festival, festive, traversing all directories and all eras of classical music, with forays into traditional music and improvisation.
• International Piano Competition : In March of odd years.
• Summer Artist: Since 2003, this event brings, Place des Vosges, every Saturday in July and August, artists and craftspeople. The event takes place around a tent, where renowned contemporary writers running around in public demonstrations of painting: Jol Roche (Prix de Rome), Jean-Pierre Lecuyer, Dominique Lecomte, Grard Bretin, etc..

Christmas market in Epinal.

Traditional and popular festivals also dot the calendar spinalien:

• The Champs Golota : Saturday, Palm Sunday, this festival marks the end of winter. To symbolize the thaw streams, a pond is created in the street in front of City Hall and the children are sailing ships of their manufacture, all shining.
• The carnival of Saint-Maurice is held every year in the Champ de Mars, for three weeks, riding on the months of September and October.
• Christmas Village: ¹ to December 24, since 1999, has a tradition rooted in the city center. Of course, there are some forty cottages filled with gifts to give or to yourself, cooking parties and so many other things ... But there is also live entertainment, a large exhibition tent, carriage rides, Ice Carvers ... and a giant Christmas calendar (created by a different artist each year) appears daily on the facade of City Hall ...
• Saint-Nicolas: Without a doubt, the most popular holiday spinaliennes. Every first Saturday of December, a huge procession of floats is held in the streets of the city. The "patron saint" of children is seen preceded by dozens of decorated floats and led by various local organizations. Traditionally, the Bogeyman closed the parade. After two tours in the city, spectators head to the banks of the Moselle and on deck to listen to the speeches of Saint Nicolas , see "fly in the sky" and enjoy a splendid fireworks display.

Heraldry

1. Before the annexation of Lorraine to France

2. After the annexation of Lorraine to France (1766)

3. Present arms

1. "Argent, a tower of sand to three slots, the contour of which is written: SCEL GOVERNMENTS OF FOUR OF THE CITY OF PINAL. "
   ( Malte-Brun , France illustrated, Volume V, 1884) - "weapons of the city before the French domination"
2. "Azure, a cross of silver shield fleurs-de-lis gold. "
   (Malte-Brun, France illustrated, Volume V, 1884) - "weapons of the city since the meeting of Lorraine to France. "
3. Existing weapons are "gules a tower battled four silver coins, and perforated masonry sand, flanked by two golden lilies. "

Demographics

Demographics

Demography of Epinal has always been intimately linked to the textile industry , long a dominant industry in the region. The table below allows to distinguish several important periods. If the city has won more than 10 000 inhabitants between 1870 and 1890, for several reasons. On the one hand, the growth of the textile industry has played an important role, but here it is mainly the location of Epinal, which was the predominant element. In 1871, Epinal became a new town near the border of Alsace-Lorraine and welcomed as such a very important military garrison (14 000 men in 1914 ) who made one of four major strongholds of the East , Insee Base from 1968 ( population without double counting and municipal population as of 2006) ^,