La vallée du Lot à vélo follows the river from Aiguillon, near its confluence with the Garonne, towards La Canourgue in Lozère. Known as the V86, it connects the Canal des 2 Mers à Vélo with a changing landscape of orchards, vineyards, limestone cliffs and hilltop villages. The route committee is coordinated by the Syndicat mixte du bassin du Lot, also known as EPTB Lot.
From the Garonne to Cahors
Aiguillon is the western reference point, close to the meeting of the Lot and Garonne rivers. The itinerary connects here with the Canal des 2 Mers à Vélo, making it possible to include the valley in a longer journey across south-west France.
Heading towards Cahors, the route moves through a broad valley of farms, orchards and small settlements. Clairac and Castelmoron-sur-Lot precede Villeneuve-sur-Lot, a useful town for a stop. Farther east, the river winds past places including Albas and Luzech before reaching Cahors, set within a pronounced bend. Its medieval heritage and Valentré bridge make it a rewarding place to pause.
Cliffs, villages and the upper valley
Beyond Cahors, the landscape becomes more dramatic around the limestone cliffs and hills of the Causse du Quercy. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie stands above the river; reaching the village involves an extra climb, but its stone lanes and views give riders a reason to leave time for a visit.
Between Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and Cajarc, the route follows the valley beneath pale cliffs, passing the area around Cénevières and Larnagol. The journey continues towards Capdenac-Gare and Flagnac, where the character changes again as the itinerary approaches Aveyron.
The upper valley offers a succession of river bends and climbs. The route through Entraygues-sur-Truyère rises towards Golinhac before returning to the Lot at Estaing and Espalion. Beyond Espalion, the road climbs above the Castelnau-Lassouts-Lous lake before returning to the river near Sainte-Eulalie-d’Olt.
Choosing a route through Aveyron
Between Flagnac and Espalion, riders can choose between the Lot valley itinerary and the Voie de Conques. The latter follows the Dourdou valley through Conques, known for its Romanesque abbey church and pilgrims’ bridge, before continuing towards Bozouls and rejoining the Lot at Espalion.
Both choices involve hills. France Vélo Tourisme describes a sustained climb between Entraygues-sur-Truyère and Golinhac on the Lot option, while the Conques option also has demanding gradients, particularly towards Bozouls. Compare the individual stages before deciding which places and climbs best suit your trip.
Planning the ride
France Vélo Tourisme classifies the itinerary for riders accustomed to cycling because much of it uses roads shared with motor traffic. The final section towards La Canourgue is particularly demanding, and visits to villages above the valley can add further climbing. Tourisme Aveyron also cautions that campervans and vehicles carrying canoes and kayaks use roads during the tourist season.
The route is signposted in both directions. Stations listed along or near the itinerary include Aiguillon, Cahors, Capdenac-Gare and Banassac–La Canourgue, allowing a shorter section to be planned around rail access. Check current train and bicycle-carriage arrangements before travelling, especially at busy times. France Vélo Tourisme publishes stage descriptions and suggested shorter trips to help shape an itinerary.