Annual Fair of Espeyrac

A fair inheriting a long commercial tradition

The Foire Annuelle d'Espeyrac perpetuates a centuries-old tradition in this village in Aveyron nestled in the hollow of the Daze valley. At the end of the 19th century, Espeyrac had no less than five annual fairs, a testament to the commercial vitality of this town, which was once the seat of an important barony. The May fair is now the main trading event of the village, bringing together exhibitors, artisans, and local producers on the Place de la Fontaine and in the adjacent alleys.

A medieval village steeped in history

A former Gallo-Roman estate founded under the name of Spariacus, Espeyrac has been mentioned in historical archives since the 10th century. The village was successively the residence of the lords of Panat in the 12th century, then passed into the hands of the Sévérac – including the Marshal of France Amaury de Sévérac – before becoming, in 1508, the property of the Arpajon family. Fortified in 1356, Espeyrac was the seat of the barony of Arpajon until 1661. From this period, a medieval turret remains in the center of the village, a vestige of the two castles that once overlooked the valley. The current church was built on the site of Louis d'Arpajon's fortress, which collapsed in 1670.

Last stop before Conques on the Way of Saint James

Espeyrac holds a unique place on the GR 65, the Way of Saint James from Le Puy-en-Velay: it is the last stage before Conques and its famous Romanesque abbey church. Pilgrims cross the village through its stepped alleys, arranged in an amphitheater on the rocky promontory, before continuing their journey towards the Last Judgment tympanum. This geographical location gives the fair a special atmosphere, blending locals, bargain hunters, and walkers from all over the world.

Between the Lot valley and the Aveyron hills

Located 40 km northwest of Rodez, between Entraygues-sur-Truyère (12 km) and Conques (14 km), Espeyrac overlooks the Daze valley, at the confluence of three streams. The village has about 250 inhabitants and is home to a dozen artisans and traders, as well as dynamic agricultural activity focused on livestock, organic products, walnut oil, and honey. The Entraygues community of communes, which Espeyrac joined in 2002, has a shared community hall. The association Les Compagnons des Trois Dazes contributes to the cultural and heritage life of the village.

Visitor Information

The Foire Annuelle d'Espeyrac is held every year in May on the Place de la Fontaine and in the village streets. Admission is free. The exceptional medieval setting, the proximity to Conques and the Lot gorges, and the authenticity of this preserved village make this fair an ideal outing for heritage and discovery enthusiasts in Aveyron.