A day in the holidays cycling in the Valley of the Lot

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The Valley of the Lot in the South of France is surrounded by beautiful nature. The river Lot flows through the heart of the valley and offers breathtaking views. The area is also rich in culture, with historic towns such as Cahors, Puy l'Évêque and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. These places are known for their medieval architecture and cozy terraces, where you can enjoy local specialties and wine from the region. Cycling through the Lot Valley is a unique way to experience the beauty of the Dordogne - Lot region. There is a wide variety of routes that wind through picturesque landscapes and charming villages. The cycle routes through the Lot will take you past beautiful vineyards where the famous Cahors wine is produced. A little later you will cycle pass orchards growing the famous plums of the region. You will also most likely cycle part of the famous Véloroute along the river Lot. Some of the cycle paths have even been carved into the rockface. Take your bike with you or rent one in the region and make beautiful day trips by bicycle from your holiday park in the Lot.

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Cycling route Vallée du Lot in the Dordogne - Lot

The most famous cycling route in the Lot is the Véloroute Vallée du Lot. This official cycle route starts in the east in Cahors and ends in the west in Aiguillon and is divided into three stages:

  1. Cahors to Albas
  2. Albas to Fumel
  3. Fumel to Aiguillon

It is possible to cycle further east past Cahors to La Canourgue. From Aiguillon to La Canourgue it is a distance of 480km with an 2638 m ascent and 3181 m descent. The cycle route largely follows the course of the river Lot and is fully signposted with signs indicating "La Vallée du Lot à vélo". You will cycle through a varied landscape of orchards, vineyards, unspoiled nature, the spectacular limestone plateaus of the Causses du Quercy and magnificent views of the meandering river. A special part of this route is the section that runs over an old railway track, now transformed into a traffic-free voie verte. This section is located between Fumel and Puy-l'Évêque. Another striking part of the cycle route in the Lot is the towpath carved into the rocks. Originally used to pull boats upstream, this historic trail now offers a unique path to cycle on whilst enjoying beautiful views of the river. The route also includes Cahors, a beautiful city on the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela.

Fumel to Puy-l'Évêque

A beautiful route runs from Fumel to the medieval town of Puy-l'Évêque, a traffic-free voie verte on an old railway track. You will cycle past Fumel, where you can visit the castle that now serves as the town hall; past Monteyral, a charming village along the Lot; past Monsempron-Libos, with its chateau and the 11th century church; past vineyards of AOC Cahors; past orchards with the famous plums of the region and Puy-L'Évèque, the medieval town that is a UNESCO heritage site and has a rich history dating back to Roman times. Be sure to visit the old, medieval part of town and enjoy the beautiful view over the valley. It is easy to reach from your holiday home in the Lot - Dordogne.

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Some popular routes

  • Montcuq to Montaigu de Quercy: A route of 25 or 36 km through a wooded hilly landscape with some climbs.
  • Fumel to Puy l'Évêque: A short route of 21 km or a longer variant of 36 km with views over the valley.
  • Puy l'Évêque to Cahors: A longer stage of 48 or 53 km with a tough climb to Cahors, but you will be rewarded with beautiful views .
  • Bouziès to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie: An unusual route along the Chemin de Halage towpath which is carved into the rocks.

From your villa in the Lot you can choose the routes that suit your fitness level and preferences. From flat routes along the river to more challenging climbs through the hills, there are routes for everyone. The route is designed for maximum cycling comfort, but always stay alert of your surroundings: some roads are shared with other road users. Cycling maps are available free of charge at local tourist offices. For more information and additional cycling routes, please visit the website of the Lot Department Tourism Office.

Cycling past touristic villages

The Vallée du Lot cycle route offers a beautiful tour along various authentic tourist villages. Here are some of the most characteristic places you can visit along the way:
Cajarc: An ancient medieval town, known for its saffron culture and located at the foot of the Lot River. This city on the route to Santiago de Compostela is labeled "ville d'art & d'histoire". It is the perfect place to explore the rich history and culture of the region.
Saint-Cirq Lapopie: this medieval village perched on a cliff above the Lot is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. With its 13 classified historical monuments, it is very popular among art lovers and tourists. The village also offers beautiful views of its surroundings.
Cahors: An important city along the route, known for its 12th century cathedral and the Pont Valentré, a remarkable bridge that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Luzech: A peninsula that forms one of the most spectacular sites in the Lot Valley, surrounded by vineyards.

Albas: A village located above the Lot, with remains of an episcopal castle and an imposing neo-Romanesque church from the 19th century. It offers stunning views of the River Lot and the surrounding vineyards.
Puy l'Evêque: A medieval town built on a rocky spur, with ochre stone houses and hanging gardens. This historic village, with its papal castle and rich history, is a must-see when you go biking from your holiday park in the Lot. The village has been a protected monument since 1944.
Villeneuve-sur-Lot: A bastide (fortified city) founded in the 13th century, with a rich heritage including medieval towers and a 19th century market hall.
Castelmoron-sur-Lot: A 13th century bastide, known for its plum trees and with a beautiful old center. These authentic villages offer a mix of medieval architecture, historical monuments and beautiful views over the river Lot and the surrounding vineyards. The many holiday homes in this wine region show the popularity of the region.

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Fietsen Lot 1 Frankrijk Dordogne vallei vakantie gezin luxe villa.jpg

Discover the Lot Valley: A Cycling Adventure through Wine Country

The Lot Valley in Southwest France is ideal for cyclists and wine lovers and is located south of the Dordogne Valley. With a 430 km long cycle route that winds past characteristic villages and extensive vineyards, this region offers a unique combination of natural beauty and gastronomic delicacies. During your bike tour, you will come across numerous wine castles, where you can stop for a "dégustation" or wine tasting. These tastings are an excellent opportunity to discover the famous Cahors wines:
Château Les Croisille: An organic wine estate with an innovative approach to viticulture.
Château Nozières: Known for its extensive offerings, including fine rosés and aromatic white wines.
Château Lamartine: Located on the chalky terraces of the Lot valley, with a consistent quality over the years. The Lot region is known for its Cahors wines, often referred to as "black wine" because of its deep, dark red color. This robust wine, made from the Malbec grape, is now among the top class and is surprisingly affordable. Plan your route to pass wine châteaux who have the "dégustation" sign, for spontaneous tastings.

A day of cycling with the family during the holidays

Cycling along the Lot with the family is a wonderful way to explore France. It offers a beautiful combination of nature, culture and adventure for the whole family. With the right preparation and attitude, it can become an unforgettable experience for both parents and children. We have listed some tips for you:

  • Plan an itinerary suitable for children, with plenty of stops and sights such as castles and fortresses.
  • Plan to do realistic distances depending on the age and cycling experience of your children.
  • For younger children: use a bike trailer or a follow-me system.
  • Older children can ride their own bikes.
  • Consider a bike seat for variety on longer rides.
  • Bring enough clothes, food, and entertainment for the children.
  • Schedule regular breaks and activities to keep your kids happy. You could, for example, go on a boat trip or go swimming in the Lot.
  • Visit interesting sights along the route, such as historic villages or nature reserves.
  • Enjoy the local culture and cuisine whilst having a break
  • Take the time to enjoy the surroundings and let children play and discover.
  • Be flexible with the schedule and adjust as needed.
  • There are countless beautiful places to take a break and have a picnic along the route.
  • At the end of your bike trip, you can relax and unwind in your holiday home with jacuzzi.

Tips for cycling in the Lot Valley

Bike choice: Choose a bike that suits your route and fitness level. For this route, a normal bike is sufficient, but if you are looking for more of a challenge, you can also rent a mountain bike. Electric bikes can also be handy for the hilly terrain.
Preparation: Make sure your bike is properly adjusted and that you have plenty of water and snacks with you. Read about the traffic rules for cycling in France.
Navigation: Use a bike navigation app to find the best routes and to plan your trip. This app offers options for car-free and green routes.
Comfort and Safety: Make sure you wear comfortable clothing and take regular breaks to rest. Pay attention to the weather and adjust your clothing to stay safe. 
Technical Tips: For mountain biking, it's important to look ahead, choose the right gear, and have an active posture.

Bike rental

There are several options for renting bicycles in the Lot Valley:

  • In Puy-l'Évêque, Copeyre offers bike rentals, including VTCs (hybrid bikes).
  • Quercycles in Montcuq-en-Quercy-Blanc rents electric bikes, ideal for hilly terrain.
  • In Luzech,  Caïx offers electric bicycles in addition to canoes.
  • For mountain bikes and electric bikes, you can visit V-lot of Veloclic in Fontanes.
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