We cycle between two of Occitanie's Grands Sites: Cahors and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Where the River Lot meanders at the foot of spectacular limestone cliffs. While we wait for the cycle path along the old railway line to be completed, we climb past Arcambal along the lovely D8 road, which opens up onto landscapes of rugged beauty. You’d best be prepared to use your gears or get yourself an e-bike.You might as well be prepared to play with the derailleur or to equip yourself with an electrically-assisted machine. At Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, the silhouette of the medieval village so popular with surrealists looms over the valley. A real postcard. Leave your bike at the tourist office and explore the village on foot.

The heart of the Lot valley stretches between the cliffs and hills of the Causse du Quercy. A beautiful cycling route on the left bank of the river, winding at the foot of white cliffs from which emerge all the shades of green of a wild vegetation. There are many tourist attractions, such as Cénevières and its castle perched above a meander, and Larnagol, another castle with a moving church on the banks of the Lot, before disembarking in the medieval circulade of old Cajarc.

At Cajarc, we switch to the right bank to cycle along the old railroad line, soon to be converted into a greenway. A peaceful cycling itinerary dotted with castles and authentic villages, each with its own little nuggets. From Saint-Pierre-Toirac, the more adventurous can head for the beautiful town of Figeac, so typical of the Quercy region. Other cyclists continue along the left bank of the river, which quickly leads to Capdenac-Gare, a former railway junction.