“Espalion, first smile of the south,” as the saying goes, locally. On a cross-roads between Rouergue and Auvergne, Espalion is a welcome stop-off to visitors crossing L’Aubrac. Francois 1st wrote of the town that it was “On the road between Languedoc and Toulouse, on the way to Paris and Lyon, in a fine and fertile area.”

In the middle ages, ramparts went up around the town, but only one tower remains today. The seigneurs de Calmont ran the town, and left their castle for posterity. The following centuries were hard times: the ravages of the 100 years War, the Calvinists, and the plague in the 17th century. But in between the calamities, Espalion survived on its position as a cross-roads, and its dyeing industry. It even became the sub-prefecture in the 19th century. However, in 1926, it lost that role,and a lot of the population left for Paris

Today, this little own has regained its dynamic spirit, and small industries have set up once again. In the summer, its beauty attracts tourists. The dyers houses (on the left bank of the town) are well preserved, as is the picturesque “Vieux Pont” – the oldest bridge in the town, as its name suggests, with its three red sandstone arches.

The Castle, built in the Renaissance period, is perfectly reflected in the Lot river, making a beautiful scene.

To the north of Espalion, Laguiole (pronounced “Layol”) is the capital town of pocket knives. Everyone sells these knives, it seems, but check that the small bee symbol is engraved on the handle; if it is, then it’s an original!

Tourist office: +33 (0) 5 65 44 10 63

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