Varaire is a commune located in the Lot department of the Occitanie region in France, situated within the Causse de Limogne, which forms part of the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park and a UNESCO Global Geopark. This area is characterized by distinctive limestone plateaus, often featuring lavender fields, junipers, and truffle oaks, alongside the rolling green landscapes and winding rivers of the broader Lot Valley. The unique geology and diverse terrain make Varaire a notable destination for outdoor activities,…
75
Routes
4.6
(77)
Average rating
699
People visited

4.3
(4)
6
riders
49.4km
03:16
460m
460m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
18
riders
144km
09:46
1,940m
1,940m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8
riders
21.5km
01:55
220m
220m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
24.6km
01:42
290m
290m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(15)
84
hikers
29.5km
07:50
290m
290m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(12)
56
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(10)
37
hikers
9.26km
02:26
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
11
hikers
6.07km
01:37
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
12
riders
67.5km
04:53
740m
740m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
17
riders
55.0km
04:15
1,000m
1,000m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
riders
21.7km
01:40
220m
220m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
19.1km
01:19
170m
170m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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30
riders
64.5km
03:15
940m
940m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

5.0
(1)
22
riders
52.3km
02:50
850m
850m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

17
riders
54.6km
02:31
640m
640m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

3.0
(1)
19
riders
87.1km
04:19
1,220m
1,220m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(3)
33
riders
60.4km
05:37
1,110m
1,110m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

4.7
(3)
12
riders
38.4km
03:27
630m
630m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

5.0
(1)
6
riders
12.6km
01:03
160m
160m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
8
riders
26.3km
02:01
250m
250m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
8
runners
10.5km
01:12
150m
150m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8
runners
16.6km
02:04
350m
350m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
4
runners
7.58km
00:51
80m
80m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
runners
7.95km
00:52
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Varaire offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, mountain biking, jogging, and gravel biking. The region features diverse landscapes suitable for different skill levels. Explore specific guides like Hiking around Varaire or Cycling around Varaire.
Varaire is known for its marked hiking trails, including sections of the GR®65 (Via Podiensis), a pilgrimage route. Easier walks are available directly from Varaire, such as routes to Beauregard and around Saillac. The towpath from Bouziès to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is another notable hiking experience in the Lot Valley.
Yes, the Lot Valley offers extensive cycling opportunities, including the Lot Valley Cycle Route (V86) which spans over 260 miles (430 km). This route features greenways and traffic-free paths, some carved into rockfaces. Road circuits totaling over 100 miles (170 km) are also available. Find more details in the Road Cycling Routes around Varaire guide.
Mountain biking trails in Varaire traverse diverse and authentic landscapes. Riders can expect hilly trails, forests, limestone plateaus, and picturesque villages. The overall status for mountain biking trails in the Vallée du Lot is generally considered clear and in good condition. Consult the MTB Trails around Varaire guide for more information.
The Varaire region is characterized by the distinctive landscapes of the Causse de Limogne, featuring vast limestone plateaus with lavender fields, junipers, and truffle oaks. The broader Lot Valley includes rolling green landscapes, impressive cliffs, and winding rivers. Geological formations like the Igue of Crégols, a large natural pit, are also present.
Varaire offers various marked trails suitable for different levels, including easier walks directly from the commune. These routes can be suitable for families looking for less strenuous outdoor activities. Specific family-friendly routes can be found within the general hiking and cycling guides.
Routes in Varaire have an average rating of 4.62 out of 5 stars, based on over 900 ratings. More than 7,500 visitors have explored the 16 available routes in the region. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among outdoor enthusiasts.
Varaire's appeal lies in its combination of a well-preserved natural environment, rich historical heritage, and unique geology. The region features karst plateaus, subterranean wonders, and authentic villages like Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Opportunities to discover ancient megalithic tombs and traditional dry-stone huts add to its distinct charm.
The official website for Varaire is varaire.intramuros.org. For general tourist inquiries, the local tourist office can be reached at +33 (0)5 65 53 20 65. The Mairie (town hall) of Varaire can be contacted at +33 5 65 31 53 61.
Yes, komoot offers several guides tailored to specific sports in Varaire. These include Hiking around Varaire, Cycling around Varaire, Road Cycling Routes around Varaire, MTB Trails around Varaire, Running Trails around Varaire, and Gravel biking around Varaire.
The Lot Valley Cycle Route (V86) is a significant cycling path that spans approximately 260 miles (430 km). It extends from La Canourgue to Aiguillon, offering a refreshing experience for cyclists. The route incorporates greenways and sections along old railway lines converted into traffic-free paths.

