La Devinie

Very interesting property in the heart of Martel. Large room with a seated area which was very welcome. The only strange thing was for such a large room and separate bathroom we had no hanging space; just a cupboard with some shelves under the eaves of this large old house (it also housed the TV but didn’t need that). Breakfast was included and include lovely homemade yogurt which was delicious and plenty of homemade cakes (too many for my husband who is diabetic). Martel is a lovely town but be careful as on Monday very few restaurants are open so best make a reservation for those that are. Also the restaurants stop serving apéritif’ at about 5pm as they are getting ready for dinner which was very annoying. Couple of shops including a small supermarket just outside the medieval centre which was useful. Parking for the hotel was just across the road in a residential street but luck of the drawer if you get a space. Good base for exploring this area and there is a heritage steam railway just a short walk from the town.

Sylvie Pivaudran’s elegant, beautifully modernised historic house in the heart of Martel, is an exquisitely sumptuous four-bedroom hotel. My husband and I loved every moment of our stay. Sylvie is an incredibly welcoming and thoughtful hostess. She makes you feel right at ease, is helpful and friendly without being intrusive. She has impeccable taste and has thought of every detail to make her house as comfortable and inviting as possible. La Devinie is a house steeped in history, but with every modern comfort and absolutely no stiffness or pretence. Martel is a charming historic town with many superb restaurants (within easy walking distance) and Sylvie is very knowledgeable and fair in her assessment of them. Breakfast was outstanding and served with Sylvie’s unique flair and thoughtfulness (including catering beautifully for gluten free). Everything was homemade and utteriy delicious. La Devinie is a heavenly place to stay. We only wish we’d had longer!