Town, bridge and museum

Espalion knew how to keep intact it's reputation that doesn't date from yesterday.  Thus in 1518, François I already boasted the merits of this crossroads town, "sat on a great road coming or going from Languedoc and Toulouse to Paris and Lyon"....

The traditional image of the town of Espalion and that of the old Renaissance palace dates from 1572.  A corner turret flanks this tower and a turret crowned by a dome framing transom windows.

The building welcomes artists and writers.  Bertrand Tavernier, Sempé and the Cardinal Lustiger stayed there.

Espalion is also and especially the old bridge (photo) constructed in the 13th century under Saint-Louis, classed as a historical monument, in 1888, with its three arches that span the river Lot.

One can admire on the banks of the Lot the old tanneries or "calquières".  The flat plates called "gandoulières" emerging from the water served to tan and wash the skins.

 


The Saint-Jean church harbours the museum Joseph- Vaylet (art and popular tradition).

Tel. 05.65.44.09.18

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