A Hospitaller past and a remarkable heritage
Martrin offers more than just an authentic setting – it tells a story.
At the heart of the village, the Hospitaller bell tower, built in 1392, once served as a refuge in trouble times. Joined to the Church of Notre-Dame-de-Septembre, it forms a striking fortified ensemble of rare strength.
Inside the church, the Gothic tomb of commander Pénavayre de Salès, adorned with coats of arms and carved motifs, bears witness to the wealth of the order and its far-reaching influence.
A little further on, two Neolithic standing stones continue the human story :
- the Jouvayrac stone, discovered in 2000.
- the La Raffinié stone, now preserved at the Fenaille Museum in Rodez.
These silent yet powerful tell the story of a land inhabited for millennia.
Living Traditions and Local Delights
The spirit of hospitality in Martrin lives on, not only through the Commandery but also in everyday gestures. Here, the fouace de Martrin – a soft, fragrant Aveyron artisan specialty – is still lovingly handcrafted. Every local will share it with pride, as if passing down a cherished family secret. In Martrin, heritage is something you taste as much as you explore.
For an unforgettable culinary experience, step inside Jean-Christophe – La Caminada. In an intimate setting at the heart of the village, this chef’s table offers a sensory journey – a masterful harmony of textures, aromas, and surprising flavours.
Every dish tells a story, every bite takes you across a terroir reimagined with boldness. As a member of the Collège Culinaire de France, Jean-Christophe presents cuisine that is sincere, inspired, and deeply rooted in the local land.
Panoramic hikes between history and nature
Want to walk in the footsteps of the Hospitallers or the old farmers of the Causse ? Two marked trails invite you to explore this generous land :
- Sentier du Cayla (13.8 km – 4h30 – moderate) : A varied loop across ridges and small valleys, passing through chestnut groves, ancient cobbled paths, and authentic hamlets, leading to Cayla, a viewpoint over the Gos Valley.
- Sentier de Jouvayrac (6.3 km – 2h – easy) : More accessible, this route offers stunning views of the Grands Causses and the Albigeois hills. Perfect for an evening stroll, bathed in golden light and serene mineral silence.