Martres-Tolosane tourism: guide to this gem of Haute-Garonne
A circular bastide with living heritage
Martres-Tolosane first surprises with its perfect circular layout. Typical of bastides, this shape offers a fascinating view of the village, organised around an ancient medieval core. You can still see ramparts, a keep, old entrance gates, and an interlacing of narrow cobbled streets that whisper stories from centuries past.
Among its architectural treasures, don’t miss the Saint-Vidian Church, dedicated to the village’s patron saint. Each year, a historical festival celebrates him with costumes and parades, keeping alive the legend that Saint Vidian died a martyr near a spring during a battle against the Saracens.
Another remarkable site is the Grand Presbytère. Carefully restored, this building combines heritage with contemporary art. Inside, large free exhibitions are held throughout the year. And behind it, a secret and poetic garden invites quiet reflection, with the priest’s tomatoes, free-roaming hens and artistic installations.
Martres, land of earthenware makers for three centuries
It’s the village’s soul: artistic earthenware. For nearly 300 years, Martres artisans have shaped, painted, and fired their pieces using traditional techniques. Today, the village hosts five renowned workshops: Faïencerie Cabaré, Atelier Stéphanie Joffre, Faïencerie Jodra, La Renaissance Artisanale, and Le Vieux Martres.
Each workshop has its own world and style, but all share a deep commitment to skills passed down through generations. The Angonia Museum, located in the same building as the tourist information office, displays superb collections of antique earthenware as well as contemporary pieces from the Salon des Arts et du Feu. Admission is free, and temporary exhibitions complement the visit.
An exceptional Gallo-Roman villa: Chiragan
Just outside the village, on the banks of the Garonne, lies one of the largest ancient sites in southern France: the Gallo-Roman villa of Chiragan. This estate, thought to be one of the most luxurious in Europe after Emperor Hadrian’s, has revealed sculptures, imperial busts, and marbles of rare quality, now displayed at the Saint-Raymond Museum in Toulouse.
Partially excavated, the site still holds an air of mystery. It is known to have been occupied until the end of the Roman Empire, but the exact identity of its owners remains unclear. This unique place recalls a time when Martres was called Angonia, and where the Roman elite settled here for its gentle way of life.
Things to do around Martres-Tolosane: walks under an hour
Extending your stay here lets you explore a lesser-known region full of treasures:
- Aurignac (20 min): a perched medieval village with a modern museum dedicated to Prehistory. Discover the life of early humans and enjoy superb views of the Pyrenees.
- Rieux-Volvestre (25 min): a peaceful town on the banks of the Arize, with its Gothic cathedral, timber-framed houses, and shady streets. Perfect for a day of wandering and picnicking.
- Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges (45 min): a listed village with a majestic basilica, Gallo-Roman remains, and cobbled streets. An architectural gem with the Pyrenean peaks as a backdrop.
- Mas d’Azil Cave (50 min): a unique site you can drive through! Inside, step into the world of prehistoric humans with a modern exhibition.
Where to stay in Martres-Tolosane? A family campsite by the water
For a stay immersed in nature, the Sites et Paysages Le Moulin nature campsite is a reliable choice. Set on a 17th-century water mill and shaded by a century-old plane tree, this 4-star campsite embodies simple and authentic hospitality.
It all began in 1978, when Édith and Michel Sladden transformed the estate into a welcoming holiday spot. Today, their son Hugo and his partner Elisangela continue the adventure with the same passion, developing new accommodations and services for families.
Accommodation options include:
Campsite pitches up to 200 m²,
Premium pitches with private facilities,
Mobile homes and chalets, some with two bathrooms,
Unusual rentals: caravan, pod, mini magical cabin,
Ecolochic chalets with private spa and suspended terrace.
The campsite also features a large water park, unique in Haute-Garonne, with heated pool, children’s water play area, slides, and a spa inspired by ancient baths. All set in a peaceful, green environment just steps from the village centre.
The estate also welcomes groups with tailor-made catering options and dedicated facilities.
Extend the adventure with Sites et Paysages
Enjoyed Martres-Tolosane? Why not continue your stay in other corners of the region? The Sites et Paysages network offers several locations that share the same values of hospitality, nature, and authenticity.
Discover another Haute-Garonne campsite, head out on a getaway from a Toulouse campsite, or be tempted by an Occitanie campsite to explore more widely this wonderfully charming region.
