Martel
Seven towers & three hammers
The small town of Martel was built on the Upper or Northern Quercy Causse to which it has given its name. Known as the town of the seven towers after the medieval structures which dominate the skyline.
There is much of interest here including the aforementioned towers. Start at the place des Consuls where there is an 18th Century covered market complete with the old town measures. On the east side of the square is the Hôtel de la Raymondie converted from a medieval fortress into a Gothic mansion with a splendid façade. Here you will find the town’s coat of arms, the three hammers of Charles Martel.
From here a short walk around the town takes in the towers and the Gothic church of St Maur.
There is also a connection with Eleanor of Aquitaine whose son Henry Short Coat died here doing a self-imposed penance for robbing the Abbey at Rocamadour
Don’t miss the Tourist Train of Haut Quercy, le Truffadou, just out of the centre.
Market day: Wednesday and Saturday