Martel in the Dordogne Valley of France

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Martel is a beautiful medieval town in the Dordogne – Lot region and is called the "city of the seven towers". The Tour de Tournemire is the most famous of the seven towers. The origin of the city is not entirely clear. It is possible that Charles Martel fought the decisive battle against the Moors here in the eighth century and built a church in gratitude for the victory. Later, it became an important trading centre for grain and wine for the Viscounts of Turenne. Martel was never conquered by the English but did pass into English hands through the Treaty of Brétigny. The village is known for its beautiful market hall and its (medieval) festivals during the summer. Martel is also well-known due to the old steam train "Le Truffadou". We highly recommend visiting Martel for a day from your holiday home in Dordogne. Martel is one of  "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France", which shows that it is one of the most beautiful villages in France.

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Visit Martel during your holiday to the Dordogne

From your holiday park in France, you will drive over touristic roads to get to Martel. Explore the city by foot, stroll through the old streets and pass historic buildings such as beautiful half-timbered houses and mansions from the Renaissance period. The medieval market hall, the Palais de la Raymondie and the Tournemine tower immediately catch the eye. There are many cozy terraces near the market hall where you can enjoy local specialties, a glass of wine or a cup of coffee. Ideally, you should visit the market hall when there is a market. There are beautiful cycling and walking routes around Martel. Enjoy beautiful views and discover the picturesque hamlet of Gluges. If you have enough time during your day trip to Martel, we recommend going to Souillac by canoe. On the outskirts of the town there is a walnut mill where you can learn everything about the production of walnut oil. For a magnificent view of the area, visit Roc des Monges, the rock formation just outside Martel. From the top of the rock, you have a view over the Dordogne river, the villages of Saint-Sozy and Meyronne, and the surrounding countryside. From this rock, you can take a 7.6 km walk, the "Route des Rochers et des Hommes" which starts in Saint-Sozy.

To do in Martel

  • Market Hall
  • Palais de la Raymondie
  • Medieval festivities
  • Gastronomic markets
  • Open-air concerts
  • Le Truffadou steam train
  • See the 7 towers
  • Music concerts in the church
  • Hiking, canoeing
  • Walnut mill
  • Relax on a terrace

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The markets held in the market hall of Martel

The markets of Martel take place on the Place des Consuls in the Halle de Martel. This old market hall, which dominates the main square, was built in the late Middle Ages between 1797 and 1800 and was registered as a protected monument in 2004. Medieval market halls were the heart of the local economy and community. The market was where traders could sell their wares and where residents gathered. It is still a good place to experience the local culture and enjoy the authentic French market atmosphere. Markets are held on Wednesday mornings and Saturday mornings. The markets sell fresh local products, such as cheeses made from goat's milk, cold cuts made according to traditional recipes, fresh fruit and vegetables from the region and the famous truffles from the Périgord.

Palais de la Raymondie

One of the most beautiful buildings in Martel is the majestic Palais de la Raymondie, which wasbuilt between 1280 and 1330 by Bernard Raymondie, presumably son of the Viscount of Turenne who was the local tax collector. The palace serves as a symbol of power and wealth in the Middle Ages. Striking is the square tower, which was later used as a bell tower, the Gothic doorways and the cross-bar frames characteristic of Quercy architecture. Below the three floors, on the ground floor are arcades where local commerce took place. The building now houses the Tourist Office and the Musée d'Uxellodunum, dedicated to Caesar's last battle against the Gauls.

Église Saint Maur

The "Église Saint Maur" is located in the middle of Martel and dates back to the 12th century. The church is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture in the region, with its characteristic round arches, simple floor plan and archaic elements that testify to its early origins in the Romanesque period. The church has a simple floor plan with a nave without aisles, a choir bay and a semicircular choir with apse. The windows in the nave are narrow and deep, which is typical of the early Romanesque period. In the church, which is built with gold-coloured limestone from the Brionnais region, a painted dedication cross is visible. If architecture and religion are of interest to you, then this is a must visit when in Martel.

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Medieval festivals in Martel

As in many other touristic villages, Martel also organizes annual medieval festivals. For the guests of holiday parks in the Dordogne – Lot region, this gives a nice added value to a visit to the village. Martel, the "City of Seven Towers", with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings, is a beautiful backdrop for these celebrations. You will enter a world of knights, damsels, troubadours and craftsmen, all of whom contribute to the authentic medieval atmosphere. You can expect:
Historical Parades: Admire colourful parades with participants dressed up in beautiful medieval costumes.
Craft Markets: Discover traditional crafts and shop for unique handmade products.
Knight Tournaments: Attend exciting demonstrations of medieval martial arts.
Music and Dance: Enjoy authentic medieval music and dance performances.
Gastronomic Experiences: Taste medieval dishes and local specialties at themed markets.

The Seven Towers of Martel

Martel has been called the "city of seven towers". It owes this nickname to the seven medieval towers that dominate the cityscape and bear witness to a rich past.

  • The Tournemire tower, also known as the square tower: This is the most impressive of the seven. This square tower once served as a prison and was part of the city defence. If you climb the tower, you can admire a beautiful view over the rooftops of Martel and the area around Martel.
  • The Cordeliers Tower: remains of the Cordeliers monastery, founded in Martel in 1230.
  • The Maison Fabri tower: the place where Henry "Court-Mantel", the eldest son of Henry II Plantagenet and Eleanor of Aquitaine, died after being wounded during the looting of Rocamadour.
  • The tower of Palais de la Raymondie.
  • The Julianie of Penitents tower.
  • The tower of the Saint-Maur church: bell tower-gate, 16th century defensive tower visible from afar.
  • The tower of the Hôtel de Mirandol.

Truffles and other culinary delights in Martel

France is known for its delicious food and good cuisine. This combined with a beautiful entourage, completes the picture. It is all possible in Martel. In the middle of the Quercy region you can taste local specialties such as duck breast, foie gras, walnuts and truffles. Of course, Cahors wine is also served. Atmospheric restaurants with lively terraces welcome you with open arms. Martel is known as the "Capital of truffles”. In the winter months there is a weekly truffle market " Marché aux Truffes " where you can taste and buy fresh truffles. For those who are interested in truffles, we recommend visiting the truffle museum "Ecomuseum of the Truffle”. For the real gourmets, there is the possibility to participate in a Truffle tasting. Here, visitors can experience the characteristic taste and aroma of different truffle varieties. It is also possible to see a demonstration of truffle hunting, in other words; visitors can see how trained dogs or pigs are used to track down truffles. This offers an interesting insight into the traditional methods of truffle hunting.

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