Musée Joseph Vaylet - Musée du Scaphandre

The museum, set in the former church, presents two kinds of collection : the Joseph Vaylet folk arts museum ; and the musée du scaphandre, presenting artefacts related to the history of diving, in tribute to Rouquayrol and Denayrouze.

Musée des Arts Populaires. In the setting of the old church of Saint Jean (15th - 16th centuries) collections of art and popular traditions are presented as well as numerous objects concerning domestic life of bygone years.

These collections, brought together by Joseph Vaylet and then by the members of the eponymous association, are spread over 2 levels in an exceptional Gothic setting.

The Diving Museum

Created in 1980 by the Joseph Vaylet Museum Association, this museum brings to life the extraordinary adventure of underwater exploration through 2 centuries of diver history.

Discover the inventions of the Espalion natives Benoît Rouquayrol and Auguste Denayrouze who, at the end of the nineteenth century, developed and patented the first modern diving suit in the history of diving. Jules Verne was inspired by their autonomous regulator to equip Captain Nemo in his novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. The first tests were carried out in the waters of the Lot. More than 400 pieces are on display and attract specialists from all over the world.

• musee.scaphandre@espalion.fr