Bordeaux to Cahors, Garonne and Lot valleys

This self-guided trip links Bordeaux and Cahors, following the Canal des Deux Mers cycle path through the Entre-Deux-Mers bastides of Créon and Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, then the Canal de Garonne towpath past Marmande and Clairac's Benedictine abbey.

The route joins the Lot valley at Villeneuve-sur-Lot, continuing through orchards and hilltop villages including Pujols, Monsempron-Libos and Puy-l'Évêque, with an optional detour to the Château de Bonaguil. Riders pass Belaye and the river-meander village of Luzech before finishing in Cahors, entering via the medieval Pont Valentré.

An optional final-day loop visits Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, one of France's most beautiful villages, perched on a cliff above the Lot. Accommodation is mainly in 3 and 4-star hotels and charming B&Bs.

Highlights

• Entre-Deux-Mers bastides of Créon and Sauveterre-de-Guyenne
• Canal de Garonne towpath and Clairac's Benedictine abbey
• Lot valley villages including Pujols and Puy-l'Évêque
• Optional detour to the fortified Château de Bonaguil
• Cahors and the medieval Pont Valentré ("Devil's Bridge")
• Optional loop to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, perched above the Lot valley

Surface and terrain:
Mostly flat greenway and canal towpath, becoming gently hillier through the Lot valley toward Cahors. No major climbs; total ascent around 1,125m over the core route.

Suitable for:
Riders wanting a relaxed, self-guided ride combining canal greenway and river valley scenery; suitable for families, with children's bikes and trailers available.