Martel, a medieval getaway in the Dordogne
Near Camping La Plage in Meyronne
Martel, or the Town of 7 Towers
less than an hour from Camping La Plage in Meyronne
Less than 15 minutes from our campsite La Plage in Meyronne, Martel is one of the gems of northern Lot. Nicknamed the “town of 7 towers”, this market town has preserved a superb medieval heart… so much so that it has been awarded the “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” label.
Between stone alleyways, lively squares and views over the Dordogne Valley, Martel is easy to visit in “practical guide” mode: half a day is enough to fall in love, and a full day lets you savour it all.
A historic centre to explore on foot: market hall, palace and towers
Start with Place de la Halle, a real open-air “living room”, then take the time to look up: here, towers punctuate the walk. Among the must-sees are the Saint-Maur Church (Gothic, imposing, visible from afar) and the Palais de la Raymondie, one of the landmark buildings in the centre (often an ideal starting point for getting your bearings).
On the list of towers, the most famous is the Tour de Tournemire: it notably served as a watchtower and prison (mentioned as early as 1352), which explains the “fortress” feel you get as you walk past it.
Martel, “experiences” side: market, truffles… and a steam train
If you love that local-produce vibe, head for the market under the market hall (local products, cheeses, duck, walnuts…). And in winter, Martel takes on a special foodie dimension with events centred around the truffle (Tuber melanosporum), deeply rooted in local culture.
Another highlight: the Haut-Quercy tourist train, nicknamed the “Truffadou”. The line opened in 1889, was restored in the early 1990s, and above all takes you along a spectacular stretch: the Mirandol cliff, with a section about 80 m above the Dordogne.
Hikes around Martel: limestone plateau, valley and long-distance trails
Martel is also a great base for “nature” walks. For a real multi-day hike, you can follow the Tour du Lot – Section 2 from Martel to Saint-Céré via the Dordogne Valley (ideal if you like linking stages).
For a more loop-style, themed outing, look at routes such as Histoire d’Eau au Pays des Pierres (heritage + landscapes) or Au Cœur du Causse de Martel (limestone plateaus, dry-stone walls, viewpoints).
Getting there from Camping La Plage in Meyronne
Route:
From Meyronne, Martel is very close: allow around 10.4 km and 10 minutes by car (depending on traffic).
The most direct route usually goes via the D840 (handy, straightforward, perfect with kids).
