The Lot on Two Wheels
Cycling Routes – from castles to caves, and wine tasting tours on two wheels. Image credit: William Hook on Unsplash
Lot’s Unique Cycling Experiences
Where do we start our tour of the Lot?
La Bergerie offers a very warm welcome to cyclists and you certainly won’t be stuck for places to ride when you stay with us. There are so many incredible road and track cycling routes, including the Grand Randonnée and the Vélo Route du Lot, which run alongside the Lot River at Puy-l’Évêque.
Only 5 minutes by car or a 10 minute bike ride, Puy-l’Évêque is a picturesque medieval town situated on a rocky outcrop. It can be easily explored on foot using the signposted route and on two wheels along the designated cycle route. For a different view of the town’s beautiful medieval ocher stone houses you can also take a tour on a river barge, or mess about on the water on a kayak or paddle board. Guided tours of the town, described as having ‘its feet in the water, and its head in the clouds’, can be arranged through the local tourist office and online.
Cycling & Wine Tasting : A perfect pairing
Join your hosts at Clos Triguedina near Puy L’Évêque for a full day of exploring the vineyard on an electric bike. This estate has been producing wine since 1830, and today, Jean Luc and Sabine continue the tradition. The day begins at around 10:30am with a warm welcome from your hosts, who will invite you for a hot drink and pastries before you set off on your adventure.
Vinocycle – What’s Included
The price includes the loan of an electrically-assisted bike and a helmet, hot drink and pastries on arrival, buffet lunch and a guided tour and wine tasting. The Vinocycle experience is a full day (approx. 7 hours) and advance booking is required, especially during the summer period.
Other cycle-free tastings and events are also available in English and in French.
*Prices shown on this page may not be up to date. Please visit the website for the current rate, to book and to view the terms and conditions.
Bringing your Own bike
Taking your own bike overseas can be convenient, especially if you have had one built to your specification. If you are planning a full-on cycling trip, taking your own bike is the best option. However, if you are on a family holiday where you might only ride a few days, then hiring a bike might be better, and cheaper than paying for airline charges, extra insurance, etc. If this is your first cycling holiday abroad then you might find the following guide from Velo Nomad very useful.
Hiring a Bike vs Taking Your Bike Overseas
For anyone bringing their own bikes you don’t have to worry about storage. There is a covered outdoor area to the side of the gite and the main gate is secured day and night, accessed only by electronic key code.
Biking for beginners: Planning your first cycling holiday
If you’re not very experienced riding a bike, there are a few things you should be aware of before going on a cycling holiday. First of all, make sure you have the right equipment. Make sure your bike is the right size, the saddle is the correct height, and that you have a cycling helmet. It is also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the basic mechanics of your bike, such as how to change gears and fix a flat tyre.
Secondly, build up your fitness gradually before embarking on a cycling holiday. Start with shorter rides and slowly increase the distance and intensity over time. It is also important to vary your training; include long, steady rides and shorter, more intense sessions to build up your endurance and strength.
We recommend that you do not venture too far into remote areas on your first bike trip – remember, you will be testing your abilities and your bike’s reliability. Also, if you need to take a break or something goes wrong with your bike, it’s better to be close to a town where you can easily find the required assistance. However, bear in mind that in rural France you will struggle to locate a bike repair shop, and even if you do, they may have unusual opening hours. Finally, be aware of the weather conditions in the area where you will be cycling and adjust your clothing and equipment accordingly.
Check out some of the easier cycling routes in the links we have included below. With the right preparation and a little patience, even beginners can enjoy a fantastic cycling holiday. And our relaxing pool will be waiting for you when you get back.
Planning your route
There are so many different websites to choose from to help you plan your cycling routes. The links we have included below are ones specifically mentioning towns and villages nearby. So whether you are an enthusiastic beginner or a seasoned off-roader, there is something for everyone!
1. France Vélo Tourism – Lot Valley Cycle Route, also includes the main train stations along the route.
2. Fumel Tourism – Grand Randonnée from Condat to Bonaguil, Saint-Martin-le-Redon, and Chateau Montayral.
3. Most charming villages in the Lot valley. This beautiful cycling route includes Bélaye, Prayssac, Duravel, Puy l’Eveque and Montcabrier. So you can make your bike ride as long or as short as you want. It also means that you will have chance to discover and enjoy some of the best local eateries too.
4. Komoot Bike Touring Route. Five different routes from Easy to Expert starting from Duravel (46700). The Komoot website also includes route planning options for hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, running and bikepacking.
5. Most beautiful mountain bike routes in the Lot. Discover the unique character of the region by mountain bike. From the cliffs carved into the valleys of the Lot to the unspoilt landscapes of the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park. These routes are suggested by a community of bikers who know the area inside out.
Bike Repairs
In the unfortunate event that you need to have your bike repaired during your stay, the nearest store is Velot46 in Puy l’Eveque.
Local Bike Hire
For any guests wanting to explore the local area by bike but are unable to bring their own, just let us know. We can suggest nearby Bike Hire companies where you can rent one for a day or for the duration of your stay with us.