Do you feel like hiking in Épinal and its surroundings? There are around 600 kilometres of impeccably marked trails which are regularly checked by patrols. You can choose your itinerary among circular routes and hikes, ranked from easy to difficult, through varied and original landscapes — undergrowth, artificial lakes, pink sandstone rocks, country roads or city heights etc.
Around Épinal, you can access more than 30 original routes: you can go trekking in complete serenity thanks to the markers that guide you along the trails and you get to just enjoy the walk without having to look down on a map or a GPS.
Make it a varied experience by having a picnic at the edge of a lake or in a bucolic glade in the middle of the forest. The next day, go and discover beautiful panoramas or immerse yourself into a remarkable and diversified nature. Our guide will give you plenty of ideas and will advise you on what suits you best in terms of escape and fresh air.
You will definitely want to picnic in the middle of the forest after travelling 20 kilometres through varied landscapes full of charm, towards the Big Woods (Walk N°3) or towards the Bouzemont route further to the west.
Our specialist recommends the Avière circuit if you want to soak your feet in the source of a beautiful river running through a hidden valley.
Bouzey is well equipped for sunbathing. There are supervised beaches or wild ones, sand, lawns and a charming 2-hour looped walk around the lake. It is perfect for families since it has two playgrounds specially designed for children along the way.
For hikers staying in Épinal, there are two starting points in the town. One starts beneath a cliff of pink sandstone. At the bottom is the entrance into the city. From the top of the cliff you can get a breath taking view of the remains of the castle on the one side and the countryside on the other. The other starting point is at the Saint Antoine Valley, very close to the city centre, which goes into the forest and leads you towards Lake Bouzey. This walk offers a complete change of scenery through beautiful woods. However, don’t forget to wear suitable shoes and to take a snack because it is an 18-kilometre hike.
Nearer is the Mont Olympe. It is accessible from a beautiful slope which meanders through the forest of the Saint-Antoine Valley and offers, at the top, a dazzling view of the city and the Moselle River. It is the perfect time to take a great picture and have a picnic at this panoramic viewpoint using the facilities carefully installed at the top.
