Épinal walks

The town of Épinal has over a thousand years of history. Recent archaeological excavations confirm human presence dating back to the Carolingian period. However, the historic centre developed under the impetus of the bishops of Metz, who settled in the town around 980. This neighbourhood also bears witness to the lives of the canonesses who occupied beautiful mansions around the basilica between the 13th century and the Revolution. Natural resources (water and timber) fostered the emergence of major industries such as paper and earthenware, followed by textiles.

A pleasant urban and suburban route, crossing the hills and forests of the Vosges, with magnificent views of the town.

This walk starts from the Passée car park in Chantraine, joins and follows the Bouzey reservoir supply canal and passes at the foot of the Roches d'Olima. The route is mainly under the cover of trees.

A hike through the beautiful Vosges forest to Lac de Bouzey with some historical remains.

Legend attributes the name of the fountain to an event during the war in the time of Charles the Bold. Lorraine partisans, loyal to Duke René, harassed the Burgundians besieging Epinal and managed to lure a detachment of Burgundians into an ambush not far from the fountain. They killed many of the soldiers in the detachment and left the bodies of three of them there.

A signposted walk through the forest between Chantraine and Saint-Laurent offering a quick view of Épinal from the Olympe. The walk follows the Bouzey Lake water supply canal twice, passing by the Étang du Bult and the Étang du Riéfaing, as well as the Roches d’Olima after following a small stream.

Third part of the tour of the forts of the Épinal stronghold.A walking route linking Fort de La Mouche to Arches via Fort d’Arches, built by General Séré de Rivières.

This is an easy hike, very pleasant even in hot weather as most of the route is through woodland.

A shaded hike in the Épinal communal forest, home to remarkable trees and sites.

A good day's hike west of Épinal to Lac de Bouzey, without any difficulties, with plenty of picnic spots. Much of the route is marked by the Club Vosgien.

This walk will take you through the Ban d'Uxegney National Forest, starting with the Étang de la Comtesse and its peat bog, where you can discover the little "firefly nymph", frogs, water lilies, marsh marigolds, yellow bladderwort and floating bulrush. Not to mention the sundew, which is an insectivorous plant. Throughout this walk, you will also discover the Roches d'Olima, its powder magazine and the supply canal for the Bouzey reservoir.

The Bouzey Reservoir, a natural gem situated a stone’s throw from the town of Épinal, is a multifaceted site, perfect for relaxation and ideal for clearing your head. Its lush green surroundings offer a complete change of scenery and it is the perfect place to enjoy a range of sporting and leisure activities. Immerse yourself in idyllic landscapes where you can get active, go for a swim or simply laze on the beach!

Come and enjoy this invigorating hike and discover the Fort de Bambois at the same time.

4th stage of the tour of the Épinal stronghold via the Forts, taking you from Arches via the Réduit du Bois d’Arches, the Bois d’Arches intermediate depot, Fort du Bambois, the Étang du Bult intermediate depot, Fort des Friches and finishing at Fort du RoulonThis is a linear walk, so please leave a car at the Morevoid pond after Roulon on the road to Uzemain. Make your way to the starting point in Arches via Nayemont, Uriménil, Dounoux and Hadol.

This route runs alongside the supply canal to the Bouzey reservoir and takes you past numerous historic sites, including the American Cemetery at Épinal, the Bois d'Arches intermediate military depot, the Bois d'Arches M59 battery, and Redoubts No. 2 and No. 1 at Bois d'Arches.

A family walk in the heart of the Épinal forest, passing by the Roche Charlot and the Roche Goutteuse. Make sure to download the map before you lose mobile signal. As forestry machinery is present, ruts are to be expected; as with all hikes, wear sturdy footwear and don’t be afraid of the mud.