The selfie of Rihanna posing on the platform of the SNCF train station in Epinal, in the Vosges, has circulated on the web. This photo, which many believed to have been created by artificial intelligence, was actually taken by Charles Petit, a programmer at Omega Spectacles, on March 21, 2026. While peacefully catching his train, the man came face to face with the singer, her partner A$AP Rocky, and their bodyguards.
An unexpected appearance that, according to the mayor of the town Benoît Jourdain, could signal a potential future purchase of an architect-designed villa on the hills of the town. But Rihanna is not the only celebrity to have settled in Epinal.
Charlotte Casiraghi, Eva Longoria…
A few months ago, during the release of her book “La Fêlure,” it was Charlotte Casiraghi who expressed her fondness for the city where she spends some of her weekends in an interview with Vosges Matin: “What strikes me is the attachment of the Vosges people to their region. There is really something deeply rooted, which I find very touching, and above all a simplicity and warmth that one feels a lot when coming here and which at least does me a lot of good.”
Another star to have unpacked her bags in the region is Eva Longoria. Last July, she spent a few days in the Vosges countryside filming a culinary show for CNN. Has Epinal become, in just a few years, a new refuge for celebrities in search of tranquility?
Between nature and heritage
Crossed by the Moselle, the town with just over 30,000 inhabitants is the largest in the department. Famous for its popular imagery, the town now houses the Museum of the Image which contains a collection of over 100,000 French and international images.
If the region is known for its lush nature perfect for hikes, history and heritage are also prominent. Overlooking the historic center, the remnants of the city’s castle and its park are ideal for a sunny walk. The Basilica of Saint Maurice, built between the 11th and 13th centuries, is also worth a visit. Not to mention its planetarium and marina where boats can be rented. A quality of life that celebrities seem to fully appreciate.
