A gentle strollalong the Lot valley

Green route Cajarc Larroque-Toirac

An old railway line, a ribbon of nature and the Lot as a backdrop… Between Cajarc and Larroque-Toirac, the new voie verte offers 9.6 km of accessible walking in the heart of the Lot Valley. From Cajarc, the route leads to Cadrieu, past the foot of Montbrun and then on to Larroque-Toirac, in a setting emblematic of the Quercy region: limestone cliffs, stone villages, views over the river, railway heritage and a tunnel cut through the rock. A gentle interlude between nature, history and the great outdoors.

A green lane

on the old railway line

Here, trains have given way to soft mobility. The greenway follows the route of theold Cahors – Capdenac-Gare railway line, a railway heritage that has now been revived in the form of a safe and accessible itinerary.

From the old railway station at Cajarc, the route heads eastwards in a peaceful atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll come across traces of the railway’s history: old stations, level crossings, engineering structures, tunnels, low walls and the typical railway outlook.

This conversion gives the stretch of track a special atmosphere: you move along slowly, without too much difficulty, as if suspended between industrial memory, nature and local heritage.

From Cajarc to Montbrun

life-size Lot Valley

Starting out from Cajarc, the village where Françoise Sagan lived, the green route takes you quickly through the landscapes of the valley. The Lot is close by. In places, the views open out onto the meandering river, the hillsides and the cliffs that give this area its character.

On the way to Cadrieu, the route alternates between sections close to the river and at the foot of the hills. It’s an ideal section for a leisurely outing: a morning stroll, a photo break, a family outing or a stopover during a cycling holiday in the Lot Valley.

Thefinish at Montbrun is one of the highlights of the route. Perched high above the valley, the village boasts a remarkable silhouette with its private castle.

The Montbrun tunnel

An unusual passage

This section also has a nice surprise in store: the Montbrun tunnel. This former railway structure, which bears witness to the line’s history, adds a touch of adventure to the walk. At the entrance, a light is switched on for safe passage through the tunnel. The red LED light is both discreet and appropriate, minimising disturbance to the bats that frequent the tunnel.
This is a highlight of the route, much appreciated by children, and adds to the charm of this greenway. Here, you don’t just cycle: you cross a landscape, a history and an entire region, while also respecting the local biodiversity.

Towards Larroque-Toirac

and its castle clinging to the cliff

Continuing towards Larroque-Toirac (Mas del Suc), the green route returns to the mineral atmosphere of the valley. Cliffs, low walls, walnut trees, views over the hillsides: the scenery gently accompanies the end of the route.

Larroque-Toirac is famous for its medieval castle, clinging to the side of the cliff. With its towers, caves and spectacular setting, it’s a great idea for a visit to round off your outing.

In this way, the voie verte becomes much more than a simple cycle route: it’s a gateway to the villages, panoramas, châteaux and landscapes of the Lot Valley.

The green route in practice

A greenway, a shared stretch

Reserved for soft mobility, the voie verte can be explored on foot, by bike, on a mountain bike, on rollerblades, in a wheelchair or with a pushchair. For everyone’s comfort, adjust your pace, keep to the right and watch out for other users.

The right reflexes

Slow down at intersections, local access roads and old level crossings.

Motorised vehicles are not authorised, except for emergency services, maintenance or specific access points. Dogs must be kept close to you, ideally on a lead.

When cycling, remember to check your brakes, tyres, lights and bell. Helmets are compulsory for children under 12 and recommended for everyone.

Sleep, eat and explore

Want to extend your ride? Find accommodation, restaurants, hire companies, repair shops and visitor sites around the Greenway and the V86 that are suitable for cyclists, thanks to the national Accueil Vélo label.