Espalion is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. Its charm is determined by the original historic buildings and beautiful natural surroundings. However, the Old Bridge (Pont-Vieux) is the most famous monument of Espalion. Its construction is attributed to Charles the Great, ruling in the 8th century, but historians say that the bridge was built a bit later - the oldest record of this construction comes from the beginning of the 11th century. The bridge was rebuilt many times. It is known that in the past it had two bascule entries defending the entrance to the bridge, as well as watch towers. The last reconstruction took place in the 18th century, when the bascule gates were removed and the bridge was widened in the middle part.
