12th - 14th July 2018. Down the flight of 14 locks and along the embranchement to Epinal, where we found Quaintrelle already there.

The 14 locks which lead down to the Epinal embranchement are close together, and this one was beautifully decorated with flowers.

There are big pounds (water storage areas) between each of these locks.

Epinal is just over 3 kilometres along the embranchement from the main canal des Vosges.

We found Quaintrelle in the port, so the two boats renewed their friendship too! It was good to see Aileen and Mike again.

Epinal has been here since the 10th century. It is quite a long walk from the port, but is an interesting town to visit.

In the garden of the Maison Romaine there are more than 500 varieties of roses.

The modern church, Notre Dame au Cierge, was built in 1956-1958, and is a listed building. It is part of the town planning which was changed during the rebuilding of Epinal, after the bombings in 1944. The main stained glass window tells the life story of the virgin Mary, and the church can seat over 1000 people.

From the back of the church the side walls seem to be solid, but on looking backwards, one can see all the stained glass. This reminds us of Coventry Cathedral, where this is done too. It is very effective.

This is Libertė, a sculpture cast in bronze, in the centre of town. The two fingers in a V-shape are a symbolic gesture of the quest for freedom.

St Maurice Basilica was first built in the late 10th century and is an impressive building.

Inside, it is a real contrast to the Notre Dame au Cierge.

Different parts have been added over the centuries, with this entombment dating from the 15th century. Even today, the figures look very lifelike.

This Chinese Pagoda was first built between 1805 and 1808, and encloses a staircase leading up to the Parc du Chateau, on the north side of the town.

The medieval castle, in the centre of this 26 hectare park, was torn down in 1670, by order of Louis X1V. However, it still looks quite impressive, even as a ruin.

There is a good view of Epinal from the park.

Back at the port, Aileen and Mike are relaxing in the heat. There was an antiques fair along by the port today, and we also went to visit the Musée de l'Image. This museum shows the complete history of printing from the 17th century to the present day, and was fascinating. We finished our time in Epinal having a superb BarBQ with Aileen and Mike.

On Sunday, as we were leaving, a great many classic cars were arriving, alongside the port. This is a busy place!