From the high plateaux of the Aubrac to the gracious river bends of the Lot, taking in along the way proud medieval cities and perched villages, a host of paths and roads, drown in the perfumes of wild flowers and liberty… The Lot Valley is a paradise for bicycle lovers!

Each département offers several itineraries, from simple family rides to discover the countryside to more experienced cyclists, who want to follow the steps of the “Tour de France”,  everyone will find an itinerary to suit them.

Some itineraries below :

In Aveyron :

Verlac pass

For all those who love climbing here's a beautiful 80 km circuit with a climb to the Verlac pass and a finish on the Aubrac plateau. Best ridden in the spring when the flowers are out or in the autumn when the colours are magnificent. Superb descent after Aubrac, but watch out for the slow climb up to Lassouts!

The Conques circuit

Circuit of about 130 km with 2 variants possible of 50 and 90 km allowing you to see several remarkable sites: the Trou de Bozouls geological site, the Villecomtal Rougier, the abbey-church and the exceptional mediaeval village of Conques, famous stop on the St James Way.

Espalion circuit

A very pretty 63 kms circuit that combines the discovery of different natural landscapes and architectural heritage (St Côme d'Olt, village classed amongst the most beautiful in France and the Perse chappel in Espalion, both in the Lot Valley).

Tour of the Aubrac

A circuit of 117 km and 3 passes of between 1000 and 1300 metres (Verlac, Trébatut and Bonnecombe for the more courageous) proof that the Aveyron isn't a flat area! You will alternate from plateaux (Causse de Séverac, Aubrac) to valleys (Lot valley at St Géniez d'Olt and at St Laurent d'Olt). The occasion to admire the great expanses of the mountainous north Aveyron, land of pastures, peat bogs and Burons mountain shelters and the beautiful Aubrac cows, with some parts in the Lozere département too.

Circular Tour of the 10 "plus beaux villages de France" (most beautiful villages in France) in Aveyron 

Between causses and valleys, mountains and gorges, this itinerary will take you in 7 days to the 10 most beautiful villages of the Aveyron including Estaing in the magnificent and verdant Lot valley as well as Conques and its treasure… From the high Aubrac plateau passing via the Gorges du Tarn, this tour covers the whole of the département. Of an average level of difficulty, this tour alternates difficulties throughout the circuit.

With 3 of the 7 stages in the Lot Valley, discover the heritage and culinary specialties of the area.  Details of each stages on www.tourisme-aveyron.com/en/circuits/cycling/circuit-beautiful-villages.php

In Cantal

In the South of Cantal, the Chataigneraie is a protected conservation area, interrupt only by bucolic villages : Marcolès, Montsalvy, and gentle glens.  For a week on the bike, following the little hidden roads with accommodation. Visit Cantal Destination website

Cantal Destination offers 9 loops in the Lot Valley area. Contact FFCT (Confédération Francaise de Cyclotourisme) for more information www.ffct.org

In Lot-et-Garonne

Follow the river on the véloroute

Imagine little roads very well signposted with just a few ups and downs, along the river Lot.  From the confluence with the Garonne right up to the castle of Bonaguil, and which continues as far as Cahors, in the Lot département ; in total,160 km of country road that everyone can use. Leaflets with all the trails are available in the Tourist Offices along the route.

More information on www.tourisme-lot.com/en and www.tourisme-lotetgaronne.com/en

Around the castle of Bonaguil :

This 32.3 kms loop  will pass the castle, one of the main site in Lot-et-Garonne ans Fumel on the banks of the Lot.

Sainte-Livrade loop :

Easy ride in the middle of the orchards of one of the most prolific département (plums, kiwi, apple, hazelnuts trees) as well as one vineyard.

In the Lot

Parnac : follow the vineyards

Come and explore the vineyards which extend to the banks of the Lot. Through the vines, you can see the Château St. Didier, surrounded by its vineyard. Further on, is the Côtes d'Olt Cooperative Winery which has its headquarters in Parnac.

Around Cahors :

A pleasant ride taking you past some fine examples of local architecture: 3 villages, 3 castles or fine houses, and 2 churches to see. No great altitude difference over the route; the length of the ride constitutes its difficulty, and the use of main roads (D roads) requires caution.

On the way of the “Pescadores”

A perfect way of exploring the meanders of the Lot...This ride will take you through 3 villages, Pescadoires, Lagardelle and Grézels, following the banks of the Lot. This is a family ride, which will introduce you to the "pescatores" or anglers.

On the banks of the Lot :

During this short ride through the countryside close to Cahors, you follow the Lot river to start with, and then come back to the old village of Pradines, where the ride finishes. A family ride, providing the opportunity to explore this village in the vicinity of Cahors.

Through the Cahors vineyards :

Family ride through the vineyards which brings you to the Experimental Farm and the Romanesque church of St. Laurent. The Anglars Juillac château is privately-owned; but you can get a view of it from the outside to admire the building. Don't forget to keep an eye on the road, though!

And finally in Lozere

After 1995, 2005 and 2010, Mende is once again part of the Tour de France! Saturday 18th July 2015, the contestants will cycle from Rodez to Mende, passing the famous « Jalabert » climb.

On the 19th of July, the « Tour de France » will leave Mende to reach Valence for the next stage.

Several itineraries for bike lovers in Lozere, amongst them :

The Mount Lozere :

One day on the bike from Le Mas De La Barque to Mount Lozere resort. This 42kms itinerary crosses various sceneries. Possibility to rent bicycle or electric one on site.

For more information about the activities, accommodations or visits, visit www.lotvalley.com or contact lotvalley1@gmail.com

* The Lot Valley is a group of 5 French départements along the river Lot (Lozere, Cantal, Aveyron, Lot and Lot-et-Garonne)