History
Martel is one of the few towns or villages that does not trace its origins back to either a Roman settlement or a religious community. Instead it came into existence and flourished due to its strategic location at the convergence of the trade routes for the sought-after salt from the Atlantic and the wine from Aquitaine.This privileged location made Martel a rich market town from the beginning of the 12th century, and it was also an important stopping point on the pilgrimage route to Rocamadour.
Nowadays Martel is an animated, lively place which has been beautifully restored and retains all the glory of its past. Guided tours of the village are available and from time to time there is a lantern-lit tour. Every Wednesday evening in July and August a ball takes place under the covered market on the main square.
Gastronomy
Martel is a member of the national association of ‘Sites remarquables du Goût’ which seeks to protect and promote the wealth of local products as well as the natural and manmade heritage associated with the French way of life.
Walnuts are prominent in the local cuisine as they grow prolifically in the area; they are found in oils, wines, patés, cakes and chocolate, and often as a dessert with honey. Other delicacies to discover here are truffles, foie gras, Quercy lamb, cheeses and much more.
Martel has at least a dozen restaurants from which to choose, serving a wide range of cuisine, and suiting all budgets.
For those who enjoy cooking, you will find superb local produce on the markets. There are two a week in Martel on Wednesday and Saturday and many more in other villages around.
Family fun
A must-do whilst in Martel is a ride on the little train, sometimes pulled by a steam locomotive, sometimes by a diesel engine. The journey takes you through 13km of lovely countryside between Martel and St Denis, with a magnificent panoramic of the Dordogne valley en route. As well as the locomotives currently in service, there are also some on display in the yard, and also do not miss the museum with its displays of old signals, uniforms, posters, tools and other objects from the railways, as well as two model railways.
And in nearby Souillac, families will love Quercyland, a big activity and water park with several swimming pools, big water slides, a jacuzzi zone, a paddling zone for little ones, as well as treetop adventure trails, trampolines, table tennis and many other fun activities.
