Labastide-du-Vert in the Lot brings together the painter Henri Martin’s connection to the area, village details and a route to other historic sites. At Marquayrol, the gardens also include the painter’s studio; in the village, an old washhouse and a restored “Travail” offer tangible glimpses of everyday life in the past. Springs and karst plateaus complete the picture of the valley’s landscape.
Henri Martin in Marquayrol
Henri Martin spent the last 40 years of his life in Labastide-du-Vert. Henri Martin’s gardens at Marquayrol include his studio, as well as ponds, pergolas and small garden pavilions. Here, references to Martin’s artistic work meet various elements of the garden design. Visits and walks in the gardens are organised by ARJEHM. Marquayrol is therefore a destination in its own right when planning your visit, with a focus on both the studio and the gardens’ ponds, pergolas and pavilions.
Springs and work in the past
At the entrance to the village is the “vieux lavoir”. Its basin is fed by the “source des Fées”, and the washhouse was donated by Henri Martin. The village has numerous springs, often enclosed in stone vaults; some flow all year round. The old washhouse is therefore part of a wider picture of springs, not the village’s only noteworthy water feature.
Another chapter in the story of work in the past is represented by the restored “Travail” opposite the Café-Tabac. It was the workplace of the farrier, who shod the horses and oxen that worked in the fields. The washhouse and the “Travail” thus represent different aspects of village life: one shows how a spring was used, while the other is connected with working animals. Together, they offer a tangible glimpse of the village’s former functions, though the two sites do not tell the same story.
On the “Labastide-du-Vert au pays d’Henri Martin” route
The “Labastide-du-Vert au pays d’Henri Martin” walking route is 5 km long and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It leads to the Mouline, a former grain mill, and passes the maison du sabotier, where Henri Martin liked to set up his easel. Along the way, you will encounter both a former mill and a place the painter associated with his work. The estimated duration can help you plan your time; nevertheless, check current trail conditions before setting out.
Valley, landscape and practical information
Karst plateaus, characteristic of the region, lie on both sides of the valley. The commune also has rocky slopes associated with the Travers de Guilhem, as well as the Devèzes and the Travers. These landscape features complement the historic sites and offer a different perspective on Labastide-du-Vert: the focus here is on the slopes and the plateaus’ position alongside the valley, rather than on buildings.
MANDRA – Roulotte Fumante serves fresh, local and seasonal cuisine in Labastide-du-Vert. If you would like to eat there, check availability in advance. The liO bus stop “LABASTIDE-DU-VERT - Bourg” is 560 metres from Henri Martin’s gardens at Marquayrol. Transport information may change; check the latest liO information before planning your journey around it.
Discover more destinations: Lhospitalet, Saint-Jean-Lespinasse, Luzech, Gagnac-Sur-Cère, Catus, Estal, Masclat, Gignac.
For the broader travel overview: Lot.
