The best gravel rides around Cours
4.3
(8)
108
riders
15
rides
Gravel biking around Cours traverses the Lot Valley, a region characterized by river landscapes, ancient architecture, and cultural heritage. The terrain features scenic trails and riverside paths, including historic towpaths carved into rock. This area offers a blend of unpaved roads and natural beauty, providing diverse environments for gravel cycling.
Best gravel bike trails around Cours
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Towards – Vers loop from Quercy, a 51.7 miles (83.2 km) trail that takes 6 hours 20 minutes to complete. This difficult route navigates through varied landscapes, including sections near the Lot river and the Quercy region.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Towards – View of Vers loop from Saint-Géry-Vers, a difficult 36.2 miles (58.2 km) path. This route features significant elevation gain through the Lot Valley.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Arcambal lock – Vers loop from Cahors, a 34.9 miles (56.1 km) trail leading through river valleys and past historic locks, often completed in about 3 hours 40 minutes.
- Gravel biking around Cours is defined by river valleys, historic towpaths, and cultural sites. The network offers options for different ability levels, though most routes are considered difficult.
- The routes in Cours are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 3.8 stars from over 3 reviews. More than 30 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Cours's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 6, 2026
5.0
(2)
28
riders
39.3km
02:38
580m
580m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
83.5km
06:24
1,540m
1,540m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
58.8km
04:38
1,150m
1,150m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
90.2km
06:30
1,520m
1,520m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
26.1km
01:53
540m
540m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The magnificent corniche road overlooking the meanders of the river is located at the level of the spectacular Lot valley, particularly on the heights of the limestone plateaus and cliffs. In Saint-Cirq-Lapopie: The Lapopie rock and the Bancourel dovecote offer a spectacular 360-degree plunging view over the river.
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The magnificent cornice route overlooking the meanders of the river is located at the level of the spectacular Lot valley, particularly on the heights of the limestone causses and cliffs. In Saint-Cirq-Lapopie: The Lapopie rock and the Bancourel dovecote offer a spectacular 360-degree plunging view over the river.
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The magnificent corniche road overlooking the meanders of the river is located in the spectacular Lot valley, particularly on the heights of the limestone causse and cliffs. In Saint-Cirq-Lapopie: The Lapopie rock and the Bancourel dovecote offer a spectacular 360-degree plunging view over the river.
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The magnificent corniche road overlooking the meanders of the river is located at the level of the spectacular Lot valley, particularly on the heights of the limestone causse and cliffs. In Saint-Cirq-Lapopie: The Lapopie rock and the Bancourel dovecote offer a spectacular 360-degree plunging view over the river.
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The Ganil towpath: Carved into the limestone cliff rock in 1845, it once allowed horses to tow barges up the Lot river. Between 1985 and 1989, the artist Daniel Monnier sculpted an impressive bas-relief here, representing local fauna and flora. The path connects Bouziès to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie over about 4 to 5 km of easy walking.
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It is a place particularly appreciated for walks or bike rides along the towpath, offering a green, shaded and very peaceful setting.
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The Valentré Bridge is one of the few fortified medieval bridges remaining in the world. Its Gothic military architecture makes it a masterpiece of defense and engineering. 1308: The start of construction: The decision to build the bridge was made by the consuls of Cahors to secure the western access to the city and adapt to the flourishing trade. 1308-1378: An endless construction site: The work lasted nearly 70 years, slowed down by the Black Death and the Hundred Years' War. It is from this legendary slowness that the famous legend of the Devil was born. 1879: The great restoration: Having become dilapidated, the bridge underwent a major restoration led by the architect Paul Gout (a student of Viollet-le-Duc). He chose to add the famous sculpture of the little devil on the central tower to immortalize the legend. 1998: Worldwide recognition: The bridge was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela.
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The first bridge of Cabessut, called the "Pont Neuf", was built of stone in the 13th century by the consuls and clergy of the town. It originally had two defensive towers which were destroyed in 1816. The old stone bridge was demolished in the early 20th century (around 1906) to make way for a wider structure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cours located and what kind of terrain can I expect for gravel biking?
Cours is primarily situated in the Lot department, nestled within the picturesque Lot Valley. This region is characterized by its river landscapes, ancient architecture, and cultural heritage. For gravel biking, you can expect scenic trails and riverside paths, including historic towpaths carved into rock, offering a blend of unpaved roads and natural beauty.
How many gravel bike trails are available around Cours?
There are over 15 gravel bike trails around Cours listed on komoot, offering a variety of routes to explore the Lot Valley and its surroundings.
What are the typical difficulty levels for gravel biking routes in Cours?
Most gravel biking routes around Cours are considered difficult, requiring a good level of fitness and experience. For example, routes like Beautiful view of the Lot – Cahors loop from Vers and Towards – Vers loop from Quercy are rated as difficult due to their length and elevation changes.
Are there any long-distance gravel bike trails in the Cours area?
Yes, there are several long-distance options. For instance, the Cabrerets – Vers loop from Cours covers approximately 56.5 miles (90.9 km), and the Towards – Vers loop from Quercy is about 51.7 miles (83.2 km) long, offering extensive rides through varied landscapes.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the trails in Cours?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.8 stars from over 4 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, the scenic views of the Lot river, and the cultural heritage encountered along the routes.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes around Cours?
Yes, many of the routes around Cours are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Beautiful view of the Lot – Cahors loop from Vers and The English Castle of Bouziès – Cajarc town centre loop from Bouziès.
What kind of attractions can I see along the gravel bike trails in Cours?
The trails often pass by significant historical and natural landmarks. You might encounter the historic Ganil lock and towpath, the iconic Valentré Bridge, or the impressive Saint Stephen's Cathedral. Castles like The English Castle of Bouziès are also often visible or accessible from the routes.
Are there any viewpoints along the gravel bike routes in Cours?
Yes, several routes offer stunning panoramic views. For example, the Beautiful view of the Lot – Cahors loop from Vers is specifically highlighted for its expansive views of the Lot river. You can also find the Mont Saint-Cyr viewpoint overlooking Cahors in the wider region.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking around Cours?
While specific weather conditions vary, the Lot Valley generally offers pleasant conditions for cycling during spring and autumn, when temperatures are milder. Summer can be warm, making early morning or late afternoon rides preferable. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for cooler temperatures and potentially wet conditions on unpaved paths.
Are there any family-friendly gravel biking options in Cours?
Given that most routes are rated as difficult, the immediate area around Cours may be more suitable for experienced gravel bikers. However, the Lot Valley generally offers scenic trails and riverside paths, and shorter, flatter sections of towpaths might be adaptable for families with older children or those seeking a less strenuous ride.
Are there routes that pass by castles or historical sites?
Absolutely. Many routes in the Lot Valley are rich in history. The The English Castle of Bouziès – Cajarc town centre loop from Bouziès directly features a historic castle. Other nearby castles you might encounter or visit include Château de Cabrerets and Château de Mercuès.
Most popular attractions around Cours
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