Parc du Château: Épinal's Green Heart

The Parc du Château d'Épinal, a 27-hectare park located a stone's throw from the city center, provides a unique blend of history, heritage, culture, relaxation, and enjoyment. Open year-round with free access and parking, it's a popular destination for families and individuals alike.The park is home to the ruins of a castle constructed around 980 by the Bishop of Metz, Thierry 1st of Hamelant. Originally a simple wooden tower used to monitor the Moselle valley, the castle was expanded in the 13th century. Over the centuries, the castle faced numerous attacks and periods of abandonment. In the early 1800s, Christophe Doublat, a treasurer, acquired the ruins and surrounding park, transforming it into an English-style garden with a Chinese tower. The site was bequeathed to the city in 1857 and opened to the public.Today, visitors can explore the castle's remains, wander through the English garden, and visit the animal park. The park also features a medieval garden, playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas. Paved paths make it easy for strollers, bicycles, and scooters to navigate the grounds. In the summer, the park hosts various events, including family shows and a reading corner. The park can be accessed via the Chinese Tower, the Faubourg d'Ambrail, the Colombière, or the Chemin des Mulets.