Saint-Martial brings together several distinct travel interests: three local circular hiking trails, the Église Saint-Martial with its layered architectural history, and Lac de Saint-Martial south of the village. Winegrowing is also part of the area’s character: Château Gravelier covers 32 hectares of contiguous vineyards on clay-limestone soil. You can therefore choose whether to focus your stay on outdoor activity, architecture or landscapes.
Circular hiking trails in the Entre-deux-Mers
Saint-Martial has three local circular hiking trails. Saint-Martial is listed as a recommended starting point for the Boucle locale de Saint-Martial. The route passes through the rolling countryside of the Entre-deux-Mers and vineyard landscapes. This gives the trail a clear landscape setting: both rolling hills and winegrowing are part of its character. The three local loops offer several hiking options; the Boucle’s landscape setting provides a specific point of reference when choosing a route. If you would like outdoor activity and scenery to be a focus of your stay, you can take this into account when planning.
The Église Saint-Martial and its architectural history
The Église Saint-Martial is originally Romanesque. It was altered in the 14th century, and a Gothic side aisle was added in the 16th century. The portal has figurative capitals from the 12th century, depicting, among other things, the Adoration of the Magi. The bell in the roof turret is dated 1718. The building phases, figurative capitals and dated bell provide several specific historical points of reference.
Visits are free of charge, but are only possible by prior appointment. Arrange an appointment before your visit. If architectural history is your main interest, plan this visit well in advance.
Rest area and fishing at Lac de Saint-Martial
Lac de Saint-Martial lies south of the village and offers a shaded rest area beneath poplar trees. A break by the lake offers a different kind of outing from walking the circular trails. Fishing is possible with a valid fishing licence; check the current fishing regulations in advance. The lake thus combines a place to relax with an activity that requires a valid licence.
Winegrowing and mills
Château Gravelier covers 32 hectares of contiguous vineyards planted on clay-limestone soil. Its size, soil and layout together give a picture of winegrowing in Saint-Martial. Vineyard landscapes are also a feature of the Boucle locale; the hiking trail and the description of the estate offer different points of interest for travellers interested in winegrowing and landscapes.
The mills also add to the area’s cultural and historical points of interest. Only the original tower of the Moulin de Gravelier remains; the Moulin de la Chapelle has been converted into a house. The two sites therefore represent different paths of development: at one mill, the original tower has survived, while the other has changed its use. Together with the church’s architectural history, these details broaden the picture of the historic buildings in Saint-Martial.
When planning your stay, you can weigh up the different interests: the Boucle focuses on rolling hills and vineyards, the church on architectural history and figurative capitals, and the lake on a shaded break and fishing with a valid licence. Which of these you want to shape your stay may also guide your search for a holiday rental in Saint-Martial.
Discover more destinations: Vendays-Montalivet, Aillas, Cissac-MĂ©doc, Saint-Vincent-De-Pertignas, Laruscade, Saint-Magne-De-Castillon, Massugas, Le Haillan.
For an overview of the wider area: Gironde.
