26 page booklet "Duravel, à la découverte du bourg médiéval et de
2000 ans d'histoire" (in French) for sale at the Duravel Tourist office. Price: 3€
VILLAGES
ST MARTIN LE REDON
A brief history:
Set in the Thèze Valley Saint Martin le Redon seems to have been inhabitated since the earliest times. Archeological searches have brought to light vestiges of the Paleolithic, Neolithic periods and more recently the bronze age. Offering a rich and abundant nature with fertile land in the valley, forests and a fresh water spring (Saint Martial) renown for its dermatological virtues.
It has been inhabitated continously since prehistoric times, through the Gallo Roman period until the present times. There is still a roman road visible, going through the village, which used to join St Martin and Duravel.
This Roman road became in the middle ages "le chemin des auverganat". Nowadays it is a popular path for holiday makers persuing walking holidays. The Romanesque church, the towers of Guiral castle at Cazes-Marnhac, Mescalpres (a mysterious gothic tower set in the woods) all date from this medevial period. Some of the village houses date back to the XVII and XVIII centuries. It's from Saint Martin le Redon that you get the best view of the impressive outline of Bonaguil Castle, a perfect example of medieval military architecture.
Activities: Activities are organized all year round by local inhabitants, such as the fête votive (patron saint day), fête de la St Jean, exhibitions, brocantes (flea markets) and night markets in the summer. Local club "Cavalcade" organises horse riding activies and trekking through the country side. The PRO (Pel Renovel Occitan) organizes cultural seminars and Occitan lessons.
Town hall:
Mayor : Roger Lassaque
Tel : 05 65 36 58 09
Fax : 05 65 36 61 06
Le Bourg 46700 St Martin le Redon
e-mail : st-martin-le-redon@wanadoo.fr
Opening days :
Monday : 14h00 - 17h00
Tuesday : 14h00 - 17h00
Wednesday : 14h00 - 17h00
Thursday : 14h00 - 17h00
Leisure:
Leisure activities are linked to the exceptional beauty of the surrounding country side with its many trekking circuits, fishing in the Thèze river (trout). There is a fish farm at Moulin de Guiral where you can fish your own trout. There is a tennis court at your disposition.
