Martel: History, Market and Steam Train

Martel can be explored through several distinct themes: historic buildings, a Gallo-Roman museum, a traditional weekly market, a steam train ride and routes through the countryside. When looking for a hotel in Martel, it may help to first consider whether local history, market life, the railway or a longer excursion will be the main focus of your stay.

Buildings and Museum

The Palais de la Raymondie is Martel’s town palace, built in 1280 by Bernard de la Raymondie. Located in the centre of Martel, it houses the Musée Gallo-Romain d’Uxellodunum, a municipal museum awarded the Musée de France designation. Its permanent exhibition spans the period from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Gallo-Roman era. On display are, in particular, objects associated with Caesar’s final battle at Uxellodunum in 51 BC.

The market hall and the Church of Saint-Maur also offer tangible insights into the town’s architectural history. Martel’s market hall was rebuilt between 1793 and 1800; its chestnut-wood supporting structure is particularly noteworthy. Since the early 16th century, the bell-tower porch of the Church of Saint-Maur has served as a defensive tower. Together, the three buildings represent different historical functions: town palace, market hall and defensive tower.

Market and Regional Produce

The traditional market takes place on Wednesday mornings, mainly under the covered market hall at Place des Consuls. Products on offer include local specialities such as Rocamadour AOP cheese, Quercy honey, Périgord walnuts and walnut oil. There is also saffron from the Lot, wines from Cahors and Coteaux du Quercy, and seasonal fruit and vegetables. The mix of vendors and products can vary. If you are going to the market for a particular product, check the latest details in advance.

Another feature is the Marché aux truffes de Martel. It is organised by the Association des trufficulteurs de la région de Martel; the programme may change from season to season. The regular Wednesday morning market and the seasonal truffle market therefore differ in character and planning.

Steam Train and Countryside

The Train à vapeur de Martel offers a one-hour, narrated journey at low speed along the cliffside route. The former railway line is cut into a cliff face and runs through the Dordogne Valley at a height of 80 metres. The train also has a museum of historic railway objects on the upper floor of the station building. The journey and the collection offer different ways to explore railway history: travelling along the line and viewing historic objects.

The Causse de Martel is characterised by rolling, hilly terrain. Woodlands and pastures alternate with rockier areas of the causse and deeply cut valleys such as the Vignon Valley. For a hike, “Histoire d'eau au pays des pierres” starts in the medieval town of Martel and covers 12.9 kilometres. A much longer option is Section 2 of the Tour du Lot, a mountain-bike route from Martel to Saint-Céré through the Dordogne Valley. The route is 65.2 kilometres long. Comparing the distances helps put the different scales of the two excursions into perspective. Trail conditions and access may change; check these details before setting out.

More Activities

Reptiland presents more than 200 animals in a covered, climate-controlled space. Commented feeding sessions take place there throughout the day. This offers another specific attraction to choose from, alongside the buildings, museum and railway history.

In nearby Gluges, you can swim in flowing water at a shaded bathing spot at the foot of the Dordogne cliffs. The beach is supervised every afternoon in July and August. As seasonal supervision arrangements may change, it is advisable to check before your planned visit.

Discover more destinations: Belmont-Sainte-Foi, Cabrerets, Rouffilhac, Le Roc, Les Junies, Saux, Duravel, Limogne-en-Quercy.

For the broader travel overview: Lot.