Espalion is a small town on the Lot River, and in the past an important stop on the St. James to Santiago de Compostela. It is decorated with historic houses with wooden balconies facing the river bank.
In the Middle Ages, one of the Roads of St. James to Santiago de Compostela. In the 11th century, a pink sandstone bridge was erected over the Lot River. It has survived to this day as the Old Bridge and is entered on the UNESCO list as part of the Routes of St. James.
In the past, the inhabitants of Espalion were engaged in tanning. The houses of the leather producers were located right on the river. About 20 of them can still be seen in the town. They are a beautiful example of old buildings and are distinguished by wooden balconies suspended directly above the river current.
There is also an Old Castle in the city, built in the 16th century and currently used as the seat of local authorities. Outside the village, on a hill there are the ruins of the medieval castle Chateau de Calmont d'Olt, which offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area.
