Martel combines distinctive architectural history with a museum, a traditional market and the Causse landscape. Its history spans different periods: from the town palace built by Bernard de la Raymondie in 1280 to a church whose bell-tower porch served as a defensive tower from the early 16th century.
Town Palace, Market Hall and Museum
The Palais de la Raymondie is Martel’s town palace. Located in the centre of Martel, the palace houses the municipal Musée Gallo-Romain d’Uxellodunum, which has been awarded the Musée de France designation. Its permanent exhibition spans the Upper Palaeolithic to the Gallo-Roman period. Particular attention is given to objects associated with Caesar’s last battle at Uxellodunum in 51 BC. A visit to the museum therefore traces history from its earliest periods to a specific event of the Gallo-Roman era.
Martel’s market hall tells a different story of architecture: it was rebuilt between 1793 and 1800. Its chestnut-wood supporting structure is noteworthy. Alongside the older palace, the hall offers a distinct perspective on the town’s architectural history. The church of Saint-Maur also has a clearly identifiable historical function: its bell-tower porch served as a defensive tower from the early 16th century.
Market and Local Produce
The traditional market takes place on Wednesday mornings, mainly beneath the covered market hall at Place des Consuls. Local products are sold there, including Rocamadour AOP cheese, Quercy honey and Périgord walnuts. Other offerings include walnut oil, saffron from the Lot, wines from Cahors and Coteaux du Quercy, and seasonal fruit and vegetables. As the selection of vendors and products may change, it is worth checking the latest market details before your visit.
The Marché aux truffes de Martel is a special event organised by the Association des trufficulteurs de la région de Martel. Its programme may vary by season. The regular market and the truffle market offer two different ways to discover regional products; be sure to check the latest programme before planning a visit to the latter.
The Causse Landscape and Routes
The Causse de Martel is characterised by rolling, hilly terrain. Woodlands and pastures alternate with rockier areas of the Causse and incised valleys such as the Vignon. Those wishing to experience the landscape along a described route will find options with different profiles: the “Histoire d'eau au pays des pierres” hike is 12.9 kilometres long and starts in medieval Martel. The second section of the Tour du Lot is a 65.2-kilometre mountain-bike route from Martel to Saint-Céré through the Dordogne Valley.
The two routes differ not only in activity but also considerably in their stated length. The Train à vapeur de Martel journey, by contrast, is described as lasting one hour: it is narrated, travels at a low speed and follows the cliffside route. Check current conditions and access to the routes before setting out.
Train Ride, Railway Museum and Reptiland
The Train à vapeur de Martel runs along a former railway line cut into a cliff face and passes through the Dordogne Valley at a height of 80 metres. The train station’s reception hall also houses a museum upstairs, with historic railway objects. The narrated ride and the collection offer different perspectives: the route takes centre stage during the journey, while the museum focuses on the history of the railway objects.
Reptiland in Martel offers another distinctive activity. More than 200 animals are displayed in a covered, climate-controlled space. Commentated feeding sessions take place throughout the day. Alongside the historical attractions, this offers the chance to observe animals, with no particular visit duration assumed.
A Nearby Swimming Spot in Gluges
Nearby in Gluges, at the foot of the Dordogne cliffs, there is a shady swimming spot in flowing water. The beach is supervised every afternoon in July and August; seasonal supervision details may change. If you plan to visit the swimming spot, check the latest supervision details beforehand. Alongside the routes, market and historic sights, this detour reveals another side of the area around Martel.
Discover more destinations: Théminettes, Tauriac, Nadaillac-De-Rouge, Teyssieu, Le Bastit, Promilhanes, Sainte-Alauzie, Soturac.
For the broader travel overview: Lot.
