Epinel

Epinel is an ancient village located along the Arpisson mountain stream, rich in history and traditions. The community is lively and keeps its customs alive. The chapel of Saints Fabian and Sebastian is the heart of the village and a witness to its cultural and spiritual heritage.
Epinel, already in existence since the 12th century, was divided into four hamlets: Cuaz, Grange, Bordon, and Tobers. Each of them had a specific economic vocation: Cuaz and Grange were agricultural centers, Bordon had to focus on farming, and Tobers probably focused on timber cutting. Community life was strongly linked to families from the areas located in the lower part of the valley. Remains, traces, and evidence of ancient ovens or mills highlight the life of the past. Between the 15th and 17th centuries, Epinel was also a steel center, with activities related to the processing of magnetite.
The chapel, dedicated to Saints Fabian and Sebastian, dates back to 1619 and played a central role in village life. The current altar dates back to 1769. It has undergone various restorations, such as the renovation of the roof in 1699 and the modernisation of the bell tower in 1733. Centuries-old traditions, such as the “Fiori di San Giovanni” (St John's Flowers) and the “Cantès,” reflect the importance of religion in the community. On June 24, residents gather flowers to protect houses from fires. On November 1, during the Cantès, the young people who pass into adulthood ring the bells from the top of the bell tower, throwing candy to the huddled children gathered at the base of the tower.