Espalion

Espalion and its surroundings

An architectural and cultural heritage to discover

Museums :Vieux Palais 2 - OK Crédit Isabelle Cadars-1 (2)

  • Joseph Vaylet Museum of popular arts and traditions: this museum presents a rich collection of ancient everyday life objects, as well as a rich collection of bedside fonts.
  • The diving bell museum : This museum tells the story of two espalionese, Benoît ROUQAYROL and Auguste DENAYROUZE, who invented in 1864 the first modern self-contained diving suit in the history of diving.  Jules VERNE was inspired by their apparatus to equip Captain Nemo in his novel 20,000 leagues under the sea.
  • The Calmont d’Olt Castle, managed by a conservation association, is a place full of history which will bring you back into the medieval universe. You will discover the techniques of siege of a castle, as well as the daily life in the Middle Ages. Throughout the year assist to a real shot of the trébuchet (siege engine powered by counterweight). Weekends and public holidays: trébuchet shooting, guided tour and archery demonstration.

 

But also the “Old Bridge” the oldest monument of the city. Donkey-back shaped, with four arches on stacks with front and Tanneries parapet du pont triangular beaks made of pink sandstone.

The old palace, often associated to the postcard with the old bridge at its side. Of Renaissance style, and so called because it used to be a palace of justice in the XIXth century. Its construction dates from 1572.

The castle of Calmont d’Olt, located on a balsa peak and overlooking the town of Espalion. Its silhouette leaves no doubt as to the military vocation of its ramparts, built during the one hundred year war.

The Romanesque church of Persia built at the end of the XIth century and at the beginning of the XIIth century. Its famous tympanum evokes the theme of Pentecost…

And many other things to visit…

 

espalionEspalion, capital of the Haut Rouergue

Espalion is a small town in northern Aveyron which has about 4,500 inhabitants. It enjoys a preserved environment in the heart of the Lot river valley, at the foot of the Aubrac mountains.

Espalion is also a city of history with many monuments including the famous Renaissance palace, and the old bridge of Espalion. It is also an important stop on the Way of Santiago de Compostela.

You will also find numerous shops and two weekly markets.

See the website of the ville d’Espalion

 

Typical hamlets and villages

Estaing2

Around Espalion, in the valley or on the heights, many villages and hamlets welcome you within their walls, for a small break. Castelnau de Mandailles, Estaing, the abbey of Bonneval, Saint Côme d’Olt and its bell tower, Saint Pierre de Bessuejouls … so many places and villages to discover the art of living in Aveyron …

 

 

 

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