Port d'Agrès / Maurs

The adventure across the Cantal’s great volcano actually begins in the county (département) of Aveyron, and by the Lot River, at Port d'Agrès, with its medieval roots. The mariners from here used to trade with Bordeaux, their produce shipped down the Lot on traditional river boats known as gabarres. The Grande Traversée du Volcan à Vélo cycle route rises quickly above the river, leading to Maurs la Jolie. Set midway between the gentle Lot Valley and the Cantal Volcano, this fine village, designated a Petite Cité de Caractère, has such a mild climate that comparisons are modestly made with that of the French Riviera!

The GT2V à Vélo, from the Lot Valley to Cantal’s border

The cycle route rises gradually, alternating between cycle lanes and minor roads used by very little traffic. .
The first 8km-stretch between Port d'Agrès and Saint-Santin-de-Maurs leads you in part along the RD627 road, with some 3km along the north bank of the Lot River, in part along the RD272, a road little used by vehicles. Heading up to Saint-Santin-de-Maurs, the slope along the RD72 is continuous, going through woods. Then, on towards Saint-Constant, extra width is provided for cyclists along an easier downhill stretch.

After Saint-Constant, the route is shared with motorized traffic as you head up gradually to Maurs.

Don’t miss

• Port d’Agrès: the Maison de la Rivière d'Olt, a visitor centre on the local river heritage
• Saint-Santin-de-Maurs: the village stands on the border between the counties (départements) of Aveyron and Cantal
• Maurs: a medieval village with the 14th-century Saint Césaire Abbey church
• Lou Truel: walnut oil mills and apple presses.