At the heart of the Lot Valley, discover the charming little town of Espalion, whose riverbanks remain delightfully picturesque! Between its two bridges over the Lot, you can admire its old tanneries, known as calquières, typical houses with wooden balconies, with tiles on which the hides used to be washed... A listed Historic Monument, the 11th-century Old Bridge (Pont Vieux) made of pink sandstone adds to the charm of the place.
Town of North Aveyron, Espalion is located on the banks of the Lot, dominated by the castle of Calmont d'Olt. The town charm all visitors with its picturesque houses at the water's edge, as well as its important architectural heritage partly World Heritage of UNESCO.
Ideally located, the city of Espalion is a must for tourists eager to reach the plateau of Aubrac and the Lot valley. In addition, the Aveyron city is in the center of the triangle Toulouse, Clermont-Ferrand, Montpellier.
The sweetness of life reigns Espalion, which is also called the First smile of the south. It is good to settle in this city where heritage shines on every street corner. Monuments or listed with the Historic buildings abound, and it is difficult to resist against any such architectural beauty.
Partly world heritage of UNESCO or classified historic monument, the city of Espalion is one of the tourist jewels of Aveyron.
Located on the heights of Espalion, the castle of Calmont d'Olt is classified historical monument. Built between the eleventh and fifteenth centuries, it still presents the evolutions of the armament of castles over time. It is possible to admire siege engines and attend events on the theme of siege warfare in the Middle Ages. Archaeological exhibitions, panorama and other activities for children are also available.
Built at the presumed site of the beheading of Saint Hilarian by the Saracens in 730, the Church of Persia is one of the architectural jewels of the city of Espalion. It was built between the eleventh and twelfth centuries in a pure Romanesque style. Composed of pink sandstone and white and a blue slate roof, the Church of Persia is composed of a chorus from the eleventh century, and the interior houses a Christ in Majesty, a Carolingian or slab of the XII frescoes century.
World Heritage of UNESCO and listed historical monument, the Old Bridge was built in the eleventh century. Included in the city's fortification system in the fifteenth century it was doubled in the mid nineteenth century. It allows to enjoy the Calquières, covered galleries in former tanners houses and a small Renaissance castle.
A rich religious heritage of the city Espalion stakes with the Penitents chapel and its carved wooden altarpiece classified, and its small museum of religious art, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste of the nineteenth century, or the Chapel Ursulines of which only a part of the façade with four columns with Corinthian capitals.
In the city, you can admire the Old Palace, built on the banks of the Lot in 1572, with towers and other towers, the old prisons, or the hamlet of Flaujac, a fort built in 1442.
The cultural offer of Espalion is rich, thanks to the presence of museums. Located in the former Church of St. John the Baptist, Joseph Vaylet museum is dedicated to the Popular Arts and Traditions, including a beautiful bedside gathering clams collection, weapons, or other musical instruments. In the old prisons, Rouergue Espalion of the museum provides an understanding of the prison world of the nineteenth century and admire a collection of brass in Rouergue.
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Fort lively city of Espalion opens regularly at events and other cultural events.
A weekly regional products market is held every Tuesday morning in the market place, while a traditional market takes place on Friday morning on the market square.
In July and August, on Wednesdays, a night market of producers Country is present with musical entertainment.
Place in bandas festival in May each year. On this occasion, several bandas come and give concerts enliven the streets of the old center.
From mid-July to mid-August, the Aveyron hosts a festival of the Full Nature Hiking Espalion which is one of the reception areas.
The Espalion film festival is organized every year in September. On a given theme, the filmmakers show their films to a jury and the public. Meetings are also proposed to discuss the themes.
At that time, an autumn festival can enjoy a fun fair and the presence of different craftsmen.
