An unforgettable experience

When I was a child, I got the opportunity to discover the Planetarium while going on a school trip to Épinal. I was introduced to the concept and I was told that this was a place where I could see stars and learn about the planets. I was not really keen on it at first, as I found the subject too complicated. After all, although I only kept relatively vague memories of this experience, I still remember this feeling of grandiosity and amazement. This astonishing place, housing a breath-taking universe that allows people to escape for almost an hour while keeping their head in the stars, has stayed in my memory. I can still remember this overwhelming feeling of lightness when I discovered the constellations and their history. The worry I first had about this complex aspect naturally vanished thanks to the rather simple and fun explanations given by the guide. I have always wanted to go back to the Planetarium and relive this feeling.

A cosmic show

We were plunged into complete darkness so we could see the stars better. I felt like I was under the sky just like on a summer’s night when it is completely clear. Our guide gave us a 20- minute speech with calm and composed explanations. Then, we watched a 20-minute video. The specialist’s voice carried me away. At the same time, the dazzling spectacle that I had before my eyes was carrying me back into my childhood.  Little by little, my vague souvenirs became clearer and clearer as the screening unfolded. The universe seemed so close, I could have touched it. There was a man, a row behind me, whose eyes were so wide-opened we understood that he had been completely carried away and had immersed himself into this stellar universe. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly thanks, notably, to the comfortable seats which were perfectly slanted in order to have an overall view of the sky as well as the discussions between the expert and the people in the room. I must admit, I did not asked many questions but the people next to me made up for that.

Practical information

Opening hours :

• Monday - Thursday 9 a.m.-12 a.m. and 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
• Friday 1.30 p.m. - 4.30 p.m
• Closed at weekends.

Address : Planétarium d’Épinal (MJC Belle Étoile)
Rue Dom Pothier, 88000 ÉPINAL
Telephone : +33 (0)3 29 35 08 02

A little bit of history

We came upon the fortifications Séré de Rivière more than ten years ago around Épinal and this is where the most beautiful, remarkable forts can be found. When coming to Épinal, you need to discover the history of this old stronghold which belonged to the most modern military towns in France on the eve of the Great War. The area consisted of seventeen forts and nearly a hundred small fortifications equipped with more than six hundred pieces of artillery.

Today, only three sites can be visited in the area, with a distance of not more than three kilometres between each one. You must go to Uxegney and Golbey, in the north of Épinal. This is where you will satisfy your wish to learn about the forts, which embody rightly the stronghold system implemented by General Séré de Rivières after the war in 1870.

A modern-day fort

Finally, you can end your tour of the forts by going back on the road passing the fort in Bois l’Abbé; then keep going along the military railway that drives you straight to the fort in Uxegney. This last fort, which has been entirely modernized, is opened in the summer. You can learn about the technologies of the 20^th century. There, you can leapfrog from the oil lamp to electricity and from cannons in the open air to ironclad turrets. The visit to the kitchen and the electric factory completes the discovery of this extraordinary heritage.

These three works are now being restored by associations whose members are passionate volunteers. They take great pleasure in welcoming and introducing this part of the history of France to you.