The town of Martel is not, in fact, famous for the brandy (that's Martell with two ll's) but is well known as the capital of truffles and a great producer of walnuts, two of the region's specialities.
Martel, Lot
Pretty medieval town in the Lot region to the east of Dordogne
The town itself is very pretty, with a central cobbled square that is home to the weekly market.
It has seven towers which dominate one's view, and there is plenty of medieval architecture to discover hidden along Martel's pedestrianised streets.
Centering around the old 'halle', or market hall, which is covered in flowers and climbing plants, the old stone buildings hold a charm that we have come to expect of the Dordogne towns.
The market, hosted on Wednesday and Saturday mornings is full of fresh and seasonal fruit and vegetables, alongside meats such as sausage, duck in every form, foie gras, walnut oil and local cheeses - Rocamadour and Cantal being amongst the better known.
Events in Martel
In the centre of the town you will find the Place de la Halle, with an 18th century market hall.
Martel hosts two weekly markets, Wednesday morning and Saturday morning. The town is also known for its annual truffle market in January,
Events in Martel
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Beaujolais Nouveau 
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Martel
Medieval Martel used to be owned by the viscounts of Turenne who held a royal court of appeal in the town. Martel was where Henry, son of King Henry II of England and heir to the throne, died in the 12th century. He had been hiding in Martel having violently protested at his father's imprisonment of his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine. As a result of Henry's death, their second son, Richard the Lionheart, became the next heir to the English throne.
The 13th century saw a period of growth and economic wealth in the town with many merchants settling here. As the town grew, the suburbs began to fill with the poorer people, keeping the rich inside the city walls. During the Hundred Years' War a second city wall was erected in order to protect the barris (suburbs).
Another period of prosperity followed in the 15th century. Many luxurious homes were built within the original town walls with ornate doorways and mullioned windows. These can still be seen today as you wander the narrow streets.
Sights & Attractions in Martel
Sights in Martel
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Le Chemin de Fer Touristique du Haut-Quercy
A beautiful traditional steam train journey from Martel to Saint Denis
Also known as the Truffle train, it will take you on a journey of 8 miles (13 Km) round trip, more than 80 meters (260 feet) high cliff, giving a wonderful panorama of the Dordogne Valley.
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Musee de la Raymondie Museum, Martel
Museum of the Raymondie & Gallo-Roman Museum of Uxellodunum
The Palais de la Raymondie stands next to the market hall in the heart of the medieval town of Martel. This museum contains objects dating from paleolothic, neolithic and Gallo-Roman occupations.
Dining in Martel
The majority of restaurants and cafés in Martel are situated around the main square, Place de la Halle.
There are several cosy restaurants nestled down the narrow streets so it's worth exploring the town before you decide where to settle for your meal.
Restaurants in Martel
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Le Pont de l'Ouysse Restaurant, Lacave
Restaurant of Le Pont de l'Ouysse Hotel
Michelin star restaurant with 14 immaculate rooms in the Lacave region.
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Saint Jacques de Compostelle Restaurant, Collonges-la-Rouge
Dining bliss at the centre of town
Large bright dining rooms and a flowery terrace set the scene for a delicious meal. In the winter your food can be enjoyed in front of the large open fire place and in the summer, out on the open terrace looking out over town and surrounding countryside.
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Jehan de Valon Restaurant, Rocamadour
Elegant restaurant with panoramic views
Restaurant within l'Hotel Beau Site located at the heart of the mediaeval village of Rocamadour.
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Manoir d'Hautegente Restaurant, Saint-Amand-de-Coly
Traditional gastronomy meets modern flair in beautiful location
The restaurant of this excellent 4-star hotel is one of the best in the region. The manor building is set in beautiful grounds, and chef, Ludovic Lavaud, harmoniously matches local products and traditional cuisine with a touch of oriental perfume. The cave is exceptional too.
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L'Esplanade Restaurant, Domme
Great truffle specialities
Perched on a cliff, the Hôtel l'Esplanade has a great setting with good rooms and more importantly, a fantastic restaurant.
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Chateau de la Fleunie Restaurant, Condat-sur-Vezere
Gastronomic haven in Castle retreat
Set inside a 106-hectare estate Castle, the restaurant setting alone is worth a visit, but with beautiful stone walls, painted wooden beams and decorated in traditional fashion, it is very much worth taking a step inside.
Read more about Chateau de la Fleunie Restaurant, Condat-sur-Vezere
Things to do in Martel
Martel's truffle heritage plays a huge part in the town's everyday life. If you can't manage a trip during the truffle season (December and January) then be sure not to miss a trip on Le Chemin de Fer Touristique du Haut-Quercy. This steam (or diesel depending on the day) train will take you along part of the route that truffles used to travel on their way from Martel to Paris. The 13km round trip offers up some stunning scenery and fabulous views.
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Reptiland Animal Park, Martel
Discover the largest collection of live reptiles in Europe
For over 25 years this park has allowed visitors to come into close (and safe!) encounter with crocodiles, cobras and more than 200 other reptiles and venomous species.
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Le Chemin de Fer Touristique du Haut-Quercy
A beautiful traditional steam train journey from Martel to Saint Denis
Also known as the Truffle train, it will take you on a journey of 8 miles (13 Km) round trip, more than 80 meters (260 feet) high cliff, giving a wonderful panorama of the Dordogne Valley.
Watersports in Martel
Watersports in Martel
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Carennac Aventure Watersports, Carennac
Canoeing, kayaking and hiking along the Dordogne river
Situated at the foot of Carennac village this watersports centre offers more than just fun on the water! They offer three main activities; canoeing or kayaking, group canoeing with up to six people in the same boat, and adventure trekking with overnight camping out in the wild.
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Canoes Loisirs Watersports, Vitrac
Kayak & canoe rental on the Dordogne river south of Sarlat
Offering various routes along the Dordogne river to enjoy the sights of the Perigord Noir region. Discover hidden treasures during a relaxing journey down the river.
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Perigord Adventure & Loisirs Canoe, Beynac-et-Cazenac
Canoe hire on the Dordogne river through the beautiful Perigord
Enjoy a relaxing day close to nature as you canoe along the river and explore the waterways of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
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Canoe Dordogne
Enjoy a gentle kayak down the river Dordogne from La Roque Gageac
Hire a canoe or kayak from this company and you can enjoy a gentle river cruise and the chance to explore the wonderful Dordogne river and its banks.
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Canoe Vacances, La Roque-Gageac
Canoe holidays on the river Dordogne
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
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AVCK (Animation Vezere Canoe Kayak), Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Explore the Vézère valley from the peace & tranquillity of the river
This area provides water-sports for all ages. Renowned for its architectural heritage and sites of natural beauty, you will find that paddling is a great way to relax and have fun whilst enjoying the scenery.
Read more about AVCK (Animation Vezere Canoe Kayak), Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Holiday Rentals in Martel
Holiday Rentals in Martel
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Maison La Seguinie Villa, Martel
A recently built house owned by an architect and an interior designer who have created a beautifully finished property that evokes the local style yet is thoroughly modern, exuding flair and taste.
Hotels in Martel
There are a couple of small hotels within the town itself.
Hotels in Martel
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La Terrasse Hotel, Meyronne
Former summer residence of the bishops of Tulle
From the early 11th century, this castle was coveted by several turbulent lords. It then became the summer residence of the bishops of Tulle, and successively had to endure the wars of religion followed by those of the French Revolution.
How to get to Martel
Martel is located about 15km east of Souillac and 15km north of the River Dordogne.
The countryside is rural with rolling hills and pastureland. Much of the land is used for the cultivation of walnuts.
North of the town lies the elevated limestone plateau of Causse de Martel, which is covered with oak and beech woodland.
Property For Sale in Martel
Property for Sale in Martel
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Chateau For Sale, Sarlat-la-Caneda - Ref.13318
In a typical environment of the Dordogne, superb set of properties with a mansion with a living room of 68m2 and 6 rooms and a listed 3 bedrooms cottages and private pool, a second holiday 3 bedrooms, large heated pool, in a lovely over 1.8 hectares garden.
Read more about Chateau For Sale, Sarlat-la-Caneda - Ref.13318
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Chateau Domme, Domme - Ref.MP112594 
Chateau Domme, Domme - Ref.MP112594
The chateau is located in a calm area close to the shops, 45 minutes from Brive airport and 75 minutes for Bergerac airport.
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Character Property, Montignac - Ref.MP112569 
Character Property, Montignac - Ref.MP112569
This property is located close to the village shops, about 10 minutes from Montignac town and 40 minutes from Brive airport.
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Les Eyzies Property For Sale - REF 3380612, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
The property,dating from the 17th century, lies in a quiet, open valley, fed by a small stream.
Read more about Les Eyzies Property For Sale - REF 3380612, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
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Character Property, Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin - Ref.MP112684 
Character Property, Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin - Ref.MP112684
Located about 50 minutes away from Bergerac airport, this house has a living space of 265m2 and a garden of 6398m2 of land.
Read more about Character Property, Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin - Ref.MP112684
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Paunat House, Tremolat - Ref.2014
Perigord authentic house with about 160m2 living space surrounded by a lovely garden and orchard of 1600m2.
