a turret on a building in central martel

a street with pretty houses & red shutters in martel

a view of the old halle in central martel

Martel, Lot

Pretty medieval town in the Lot region to the east of Dordogne

Location Martel Featured in Towns & Villages Updated 12 June 2025

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.

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.

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.

See our History Guide

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,

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.

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.

Le Chemin de Fer Touristique du Haut-Quercy

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.
Reptiland Animal Park, Martel

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.

Hotels in Martel

There are a couple of small hotels within the town itself.

La Terrasse Hotel, Meyronne

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.