Rihanna’s selfie posing on the platform of the SNCF station in Épinal, in the Vosges, has gone viral. This photo, which many believed was created by artificial intelligence, was actually taken by Charles Petit, a programmer from the company Omega Spectacles, on March 21, 2026. As he was calmly about to catch his train, the man found himself face to face with the singer, her partner A$AP Rocky, and their bodyguards.
According to the mayor of the town Benoît Jourdain, this surprise appearance could potentially lead to Rihanna buying an architect’s villa located in the heights of the town. But Rihanna is not the only celebrity to have settled in Épinal.
Charlotte Casiraghi, Eva Longoria…
A few months ago, during the release of her book “La Fêlure”, it was Charlotte Casiraghi who expressed her attachment to the city where she spends some of her weekends in an interview with Vosges Matin: “What strikes me is the attachment of the people from Vosges to their region. There is something really deep-rooted, which I find very touching, and above all a simplicity and warmth that you feel a lot when you come here and that personally does me a lot of good.”
Another star to have settled in the region is Eva Longoria. Last July, she spent a few days in the Vosges countryside filming a culinary show for CNN. Has Épinal become a new refuge for celebrities seeking tranquility in recent years?
Between nature and heritage
Crossed by the Moselle River, the town with just over 30,000 inhabitants is the largest city in the department. Famous for its popular imagery, the town is now home to the Image Museum which houses a collection of over 100,000 French and international images.
If the region is known for its lush nature ideal for hiking, history and heritage are also prominent. Overlooking the historic center, the ruins of the town’s castle and its park are perfect for a sunny stroll. The Basilica of St. Maurice, built between the 11th and 13th centuries, is also a must-see. Not to mention its planetarium and marina where you can rent boats. A quality of life that celebrities seem to fully enjoy.
