Cycling in Lot et Garonne. Between Bastides and the Lot Valley

Discover the Lot et Garonne by bike!

4-day cycling trip in Lot et Garonne. In this rural département crossed by the Lot and Garonne rivers, the landscape is strongly influenced by agricultural activity. You’re immediately struck by the variety of landscapes created by the mosaic of crops: field crops, market gardening, orchards, vineyards and meadows combine to create remarkable, highly diversified landscapes.

From Agen, famous for its Pont Canal (one of the longest in France) and its prunes, you’ll reach the pretty village of Pennes d’Agenais, overlooking the river Lot, then Villeneuve sur Lot (an ancient fortified bastide) through lush green countryside. You then follow the peaceful Lot valley to Puy-l’Evêque, one of France’s most beautiful villages. Perched high above the River Lot, this medieval town is a maze of narrow streets and staircases lined with gilded stone houses, all the way down to the slipway where barges bound for Bordeaux once docked. Don’t miss a visit to the imposing Château de Bonaguil, one of France’s finest fortified castles. From the top of its rocky spur, it forms an ensemble, unique in Europe, of gigantic proportions and in a remarkable state of preservation.

You’ll cross the vineyards of Cahors before stopping off at the foot of the bastide town of Tournon d’Agenais (reached by a dizzying staircase!). The end of this cycling trip in the Lot et Garonne is a gentle slope along the charming Séoune valley, home to typical bastides such as Beauville and Puymirol. Finally, the Canal de Garonne takes you back to your starting point in Agen.

A land of excellent local produce and gastronomy, Lot et Garonne will awaken your taste buds with truffles, foie gras, lamb or Quercy melon… and Cahors Malbec wine. You’ll be warmly welcomed every evening in 2 or 3-star hotels.