Espalion An exceptional heritage

Set in the heart of a valley that overlooks the pastures of the Monts d’Aubrac to the north and the Causse Comtal to the south, Espalion has developed along the Lot Valley. Historically dynamic and commercial, the once-fortified town is an essential stop-off point on the Pilgrim ‘s Way to Santiago de Compostela.

Espalion All dressed in pink

In its historic heart, discover its remarkable pink sandstone buildings, long the symbols of its political and religious power. Between its two bridges over the Lot, the calquières give the town its undeniable charm. With their galleries and wooden balconies, these former tanneries are a reminder of one of the town’s most prosperous industries. Thanks to the power of the Lot river, the town was the third in France to have public lighting. Animated all year round, Espalion invites you to vibrate to the rhythm of its events!

What to see in Espalion The must-haves

Visit Espalion:

On the banks of the Lot: the Old Bridge, the Old Renaissance Palace, the old tanneries
The Joseph Vaylet and Scaphandre Museum
Its former prisons, home to the Musée du Rouergue
The Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs (White Penitents Chapel)
The foirail esplanade for a contemplative break
1.5km along the GR®65: theRomanesque church of Perse and the nearby Vierge de Vermus.
On its heights, the Château de Calmont d’Olt

Let yourself be guided and discover the secrets of the town through our interactive walk!

Espalion digital circuit

Calmont Castle Catapulting in the Middle Ages

Around the year 1000, the Lords of Calmont d’Olt had the fortified castle named after them built on the bald hill overlooking the River Lot. On this basalt mound, the fortress overlooking the town protected its inhabitants from attack during the Hundred Years’ War and the Wars of Religion. Trebuchet firing demonstrations, knight and archer challenges and restoration projects make this a lively site, transporting you straight back to daily life in the Middle Ages!

Visit the castle

Le Pont-Vieux A link between people

Like other bridges built over the Lot,the Pont Vieux d’Espalion marks the route to Santiago de Compostela. An admirable Gothic masterpiece listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its primary function was to facilitate transport and trade between people. The town’s oldest monument, it is mentioned by the Lords of Calmont as early as 1060. Until the 18th century, it had towers, stores and even a drawbridge, so imagine the hustle and bustle!

On the banks, the reflection of its arches and that of the Old Renaissance Palace in the Lot will offer you a picture worthy of the greatest painters and the ideal selfie pose!

Diving Suit Museum Scuba diving

20,000 places under the Lot

It was in Espalion in 1864 that Benoît Rouquayrol, a mining engineer, and Auguste Denayrouze, a lieutenant, invented the first modern self-contained diving suit in the history of diving. Their device even inspired Jules Vernes, who equipped Captain Nemo with it in his novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. However, it was in the Lot and not at sea that the first tests were carried out.

Housed in a former church, the Musée du Scaphandre offers a fascinating insight into the world of scuba diving.

Visit the Scaphandre museum

Religious splendor Towards Compostela

Along with Saint-Côme-d’Olt and Estaing, Espalion is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and boasts an incredible religious heritage that opens the doors to spirituality on the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela. TheRomanesque Church of Perse, with its incredible decor, and the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs, with its guided tours, are among the must-see buildings, and contain priceless treasures.