# Espalion

> commune in Aveyron, France

**Wikidata**: [Q326699](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q326699)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espalion)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/espalion

## Summary
Espalion is a commune located in the Aveyron department of France, within the arrondissement of Rodez. Historically part of the canton of Espalion until March 2015, it is now part of the canton of Lot et Truyère. Known for its picturesque setting along the Lot River, Espalion serves as a small but culturally significant municipality in the Occitanie region.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Espalion is situated in the Aveyron department, within the Occitanie region of southern France.
- **Administrative Division**: It is part of the arrondissement of Rodez and, since March 2015, the canton of Lot et Truyère.
- **Population**: Historical population data includes figures such as 4,376 (2018), 4,545 (2019), and 4,645 (2020), with fluctuations over the years.
- **Coordinates**: 44.5225°N latitude and 2.7630555555556°E longitude.
- **Website**: The official municipal website is [http://www.espalion.fr](http://www.espalion.fr).
- **Image**: A notable image of Espalion is available under public domain, captured by HAF 932, showing the town from a central viewpoint.
- **Wikidata Description**: Classified as a "commune in Aveyron, France."
- **Sitelink Count**: The entity has 47 sitelinks across Wikimedia projects.

## FAQs
**Where is Espalion located?**
Espalion is located in the Aveyron department of France, within the Occitanie region. It lies along the Lot River and is part of the arrondissement of Rodez.

**What is the population of Espalion?**
The population of Espalion has varied over recent years, with recorded figures including 4,376 in 2018, 4,545 in 2019, and 4,645 in 2020. These fluctuations reflect typical demographic changes in small French municipalities.

**What administrative changes has Espalion undergone?**
Espalion was historically part of the canton of Espalion until March 2015, when it was reallocated to the newly formed canton of Lot et Truyère. This change was part of a broader reorganization of French cantons.

**What is notable about Espalion’s geography?**
Espalion is situated at coordinates 44.5225°N, 2.7630555555556°E, placing it in a scenic area of southern France. The town is known for its riverside setting along the Lot River, contributing to its cultural and historical significance.

**How can I learn more about Espalion?**
The official municipal website, [http://www.espalion.fr](http://www.espalion.fr), provides detailed information about the town, including its history, administration, and local events.

## Why It Matters
Espalion matters as a representative example of small-town France, embodying the cultural and historical richness of the Aveyron department. Its administrative reorganization in 2015 reflects broader trends in French local governance, highlighting the adaptability of rural communities. The town’s scenic location along the Lot River also makes it a point of interest for tourism and regional heritage, contributing to the preservation of Occitanie’s unique identity.

## Notable For
- **Historical Canton**: Formerly the seat of the canton of Espalion until its dissolution in 2015.
- **Administrative Reorganization**: Part of the canton of Lot et Truyère since March 2015, illustrating modern French territorial reforms.
- **Scenic Location**: Situated along the Lot River, offering picturesque views and cultural significance.
- **Population Dynamics**: Demonstrates typical demographic trends of small French communes, with recorded population fluctuations.
- **Public Domain Imagery**: Features a notable public domain image capturing the town’s charm, widely used in Wikimedia projects.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Espalion is located in the Aveyron department of France, within the Occitanie region. The town is positioned at coordinates 44.5225°N latitude and 2.7630555555556°E longitude, placing it in a scenic area along the Lot River. This riverside setting contributes to the town’s cultural and historical appeal, making it a notable location within southern France.

### Administrative Structure
Espalion is part of the arrondissement of Rodez, one of the administrative divisions within the Aveyron department. Historically, it was the seat of the canton of Espalion, which existed until March 2015. Following a nationwide reorganization of French cantons, Espalion was reallocated to the newly formed canton of Lot et Truyère. This change reflects broader efforts to streamline local governance and improve administrative efficiency.

### Demographics
The population of Espalion has experienced fluctuations over recent years. Recorded figures include:
- 4,376 (2018)
- 4,545 (2019)
- 4,645 (2020)
- 4,516 (2021)
- 4,559 (2022)
- 3,881 (earlier year, exact date unspecified)
- 4,422 (another earlier year)
- 4,733 (another earlier year)
- 4,614 (another earlier year)
- 4,360 (another earlier year)
- 4,511 (another earlier year)
- 4,313 (another earlier year)
- 4,601 (another earlier year)
- 4,643 (another earlier year)
- 4,624 (another earlier year)
- 4,607 (another earlier year)
- 4,605 (another earlier year)

These variations are typical for small French communes and reflect broader demographic trends in rural areas.

### Cultural and Historical Significance
Espalion is known for its picturesque setting along the Lot River, which has contributed to its cultural and historical significance. The town’s architecture and landscape are representative of the Occitanie region, making it a point of interest for both tourists and historians. The availability of public domain imagery, such as the photograph by HAF 932, further enhances its visibility and appeal.

### Online Presence
The official municipal website, [http://www.espalion.fr](http://www.espalion.fr), serves as a primary source of information about the town. It provides details on local governance, events, and historical context, making it a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike. Additionally, Espalion is well-represented in Wikimedia projects, with 47 sitelinks across various languages and platforms.

### Related Entities
Espalion is connected to several administrative and geographical entities, including:
- **Aveyron Department**: The broader administrative region in which Espalion is located, established in 1790.
- **Arrondissement of Rodez**: The administrative division overseeing Espalion and surrounding areas.
- **Canton of Lot et Truyère**: The current canton to which Espalion belongs, formed in 2015.
- **Former Canton of Espalion**: The historical canton that existed until its dissolution in 2015.

These relationships highlight Espalion’s role within the broader administrative and geographical framework of France.

## References

1. [Sandre](https://www.sandre.eaufrance.fr/geo/CoursEau/O---0150)
2. BnF authorities
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. répertoire géographique des communes
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Annuaire de service-public.fr
8. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
9. Populations légales 2016
10. Populations légales 2017
11. Populations légales 2018
12. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
13. Populations légales 2019
14. Populations légales 2020
15. Populations légales 2021
16. Populations de référence 2022
17. Populations de référence 2023
18. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
19. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
20. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
21. GeoNames
22. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
23. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
24. [Code officiel géographique. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
25. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File