Espalion, Aveyron
Espalion at the lovely old stone bridge over the River Lot, the Pont Vieux, which is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Pilgrim Way to Santiago de Compostela. A bridge has stood here since the 11th century, and the current bridge dates from the 14th century.
Along the river bank next to the bridge there are some very picturesque old tanneries, dating from the time when the leather trade was a major industry in Espalion, until the beginning of the 20th Century. In all there are about 20 tanneries on the right bank of the river and each tannery is equipped with a wide stone ledge for washing the hides.
The Old Palace is a 16th century renaissance style building with large defensive towers overlooking the Lot river and a smaller decorative tower that overlooks the Foirail. Originally a castle, the palace was later used as the Town Hall, a courthouse and a prison.
RomanesqueBeautiful villages of FranceLes Plus Beaux Villages de FranceFranceTravelarchitectureEspalionlandmarkmedieval
