Épinal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Épinal
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the Moselle River
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 Épinal
Location in France
Épinal
Location in Grand Est
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| Country | France | |
| Region | Grand Est | |
| Department | Vosges | |
| Arrondissement | Épinal | |
| Intercommunality | Communauté d'agglomération d'Épinal | |
| Area
1
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59.24 km2 (22.87 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2012)
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32,387 | |
| • Density | 546.71/km2 (1,415.97/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) | |
| INSEE/Postal code |
88160 /88000
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| Elevation | 315–492 m (1,033–1,614 ft) (avg. 340 m or 1,120 ft) |
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| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | ||
Épinal is a city in France. It is known as a commune, which is like a local town or city area. Épinal is also the prefecture of the Vosges department. This means it's the main administrative city for the Vosges area. It is located in the Lorraine region of France.
Contents
About Épinal
Épinal is an important city in the Vosges department. It sits on the banks of the Moselle River, which flows through the city. The city is surrounded by hills and forests, making it a scenic place.
Geography and Location
Épinal is located in northeastern France. Its coordinates are about 48 degrees north and 6 degrees east. The city's elevation, or height above sea level, is around 340 meters (about 1,115 feet). The lowest point in the commune is 315 meters, and the highest is 492 meters. The total area of Épinal is about 59.24 square kilometers (about 22.87 square miles).
Population
As of 2012, Épinal had a population of 32,387 people. This makes it one of the larger cities in its region. The number of people living in a city can change over time.
Government and Politics
Like all French communes, Épinal has a mayor who leads the city's government. The mayor is elected by the people. From 2014 to 2020, the mayor of Épinal was Michel Heinrich. The city also works with other nearby communes in a group called a "Communauté d'agglomération d'Épinal." This group helps different towns work together on shared services and projects.
What is a Prefecture?
A prefecture is the main city of a department in France. It's where the local government offices are located. The head of the department's administration, called a prefect, works there. This system helps manage different parts of France.
History of Épinal
Épinal has a long history, dating back many centuries. It grew from a small settlement into an important town. Over time, it became a center for trade and administration in the Vosges region. The city has seen many changes and developments throughout its past.
Culture and Life in Épinal
Épinal is known for its rich cultural heritage. It has several museums, art galleries, and historical buildings. The city is also famous for its "Imagerie d'Épinal," which are traditional popular prints. These prints often show historical events, stories, or everyday life. They were very popular in the past and are still collected today. The city also offers many activities and events for its residents and visitors.
