The best traffic-free bike rides around Saint-Matré
4.5
(134)
776
riders
55
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Saint-Matré traverse a varied landscape within the Lot department, characterized by its transition from hilly terrain to extensive limestone high plains known as the Causses. The region features numerous river valleys, including the Lot and Dordogne, which create scenic routes alongside vineyards and agricultural fields. Cyclists will encounter a mix of white limestone plateaus and small agricultural valleys, offering diverse riding experiences. The area's topography provides options from flat riverbank paths to more challenging…
Last updated: July 17, 2026
8
riders
43.0km
02:52
590m
590m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
9
riders
16.2km
01:00
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
8
riders
18.5km
01:11
170m
170m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
19.3km
01:13
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
34.3km
02:47
530m
530m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Saint-Matré
Tips from the Community
I stayed here from November 5th to 7th, 2025. It's very beautiful here, great view, beautiful lake.
0
0
in Montcuq observe the sculptures of the St-Hilaire church, built around 1250/1270 in La COUnco (Conca in written oc, the SHELL) OUTSIDE the first ramparts (it replaced a primitive St-Sernin, located at the foot of the tower , Place del Plàn, west, therefore prior to Charlemagne) The church, said OUTSIDE the WALLS again in 1350, is marked by interior sculptures (transept, choir, apse) of the most esoteric...their hidden meanings are foreign to Christianity. ..Other old medieval houses are also rich in sculptures with secret meanings: house with the sign "Four 4", shortly after the town hall going up towards St-Hilaire, on the right, 13th century house at the bottom and on the right from the rue du Plàn, Very old names have been preserved: Pàtus (= small square) del Potz/Pouttss, Carriéro (= Rue) de l'Aste (de la Lance en oc: Asto), Carriéro Dréytsho (rue Droite) d 'others, known: quarry of the Fourns, fourn nàut é fourn batch, quarry of the Gatsharîo, quarry of the Ribiéyro de Mouncuc, Fîu Soubiràn (Sovereign Fief "or--Sup Latin eranus--- "from the top of the town"), Cantou de Quantard, Cantou de VillaBorgonh--Billobourgounn--, Plàça de la Caminada (from the Old Presbytery after 1450, below the Parish House): under the Mediatheque , Prat del Gassàyrou, Bàrri (district) of Valeta, de Rozet, Camy de Pènn..etc..), have not had the happiness of being formalized, replaced by falsely "occitanizing" names! of Montcuq of the "vanellas (banéllos), empty spaces separate the houses and wide of 75cms, two and a half feet, a distance dating from the Roman Empire! Montcuq was legendaryly founded in the year of the Millennium of Rome, a combe bears the name de Vielha Roma" (Byélyo Roumo) OLD ROME,..the house at the bottom of the Rue du Plàn seems to have been a Jewish house, even of a rabbi and descendant of the tribe of Judah...In the Tower the points of the horizon indicated by the median axes of the openings, windows and door, correspond to places loaded with myths and related to sunrises and sunsets s solar, lunar, stars, constellations, on key dates of the year and therefore of the Old Calendar of the "Old Religion", as said of the secret and mysterious depths of old Quercy, the real one, not the one Tourists, such as "More-Than-Healer" of the Pays de Montcuq..
2
0
The problem is that Montcuq is a village in the OC region and that the pronunciation of the name follows the rules of OCCITAN, and southern French, region (33 departments in the south of France...) and languages ( Occitan and southern French) where ALL the LETTERS are PRONOUNCED!!....in all the Oc countries and in Quercy in particular (White or other!) we therefore pronounce "Monkükkk" by stating very clearly the last consonant.. .and if you want to be, or pass for being, from the country you will even pronounce "Mounnkükk" or even MounKütt"..as for the inhabitants, they are not the Montcuquois but the Mountcuquiols..and Quercy is pronounced Càrci (tonic accent on Cà ,Rroulé) and Quercy Blanc is called, in Oc, Càrci Albènc (albènnkk)...As for Barguelonne, we do not know it under the name of Barguelonnette...but, in Oc, of bargoLOUno...The name de Quercy-Blanc is very recent, it has no historical roots...it is a creation of geographers...the only old name is "Pàis dels Valls" (Country dellss Ballss: Spanish style)Country Valleys...(direct tributaries of the Middle Garonne) in a North-East to South-West direction... The causses are invaded by spontaneous Mediterranean vegetation, wild fig trees, pistachio trees, terebinths, asphodels, wild asparagus, Montpelleier maples, Phillyres (sub-Saharan shrubs!) attest that ..the environment lends itself to it...the great master of the sky in these regions is the Autan Wind..coming from the Balearic Islands...and the culture is all Occitan...
2
0
Montcuq means "a pointed height" in Celtic. Like Cajarc, mentioned above, Montcuq was also the subject of a report for Jacques Martin's comedy TV show in 1976: Le Petit Rapporteur. It was Daniel Prévost who cheerfully joked about Montcuq, obviously playing on the double meaning of the village's name. He could barely contain his laughter, and the mayor at the time played along: it was a cult classic. Today, the village continues to capitalize on this reputation, banking on the tourist benefits of pilgrims coming here. In July 2022, the village was chosen over the city of Lyon to host the first Popcorn Festival. "Popcorn" is a show broadcast every Tuesday on Twitch. It is hosted by Domingo with hand-picked guests. It discusses current events, but not only that. For over two and a half hours, the viewer has no time to get bored. The event is now one of the most watched on the streaming platform. Montcuq is a charming village. Its tree-lined promenade runs along the lower part of the village, offering a lovely stroll as well as a perfect place to relax.
2
1
Pleasant walk to discover the quercy blanc. With a plus on Sunday market day. Magnificent view of the village, discovery of a japan wind phone phone booth and picnic area in a wooden cabin.
2
0
Lauzerte is a magnificent fortified medieval city perched on top of a hill. Lauzerte is a very picturesque town and offers spectacular views of the surroundings.
2
0
The elevated village of Lauzerte, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France and a stopover on the route to Santiago de Compostella, dominates the valleys and hills of the Quercy Blanc. Nicknamed the Toledo of Quercy, this medieval bastide, founded in 1241 by the Count of Toulouse, is home to a beautiful square with cornières in its city center, surrounded by old stone houses with wooden facades. At one of the ends, a surprising work of art – the curled corner – gives a particularly original touch to the whole! Next door, the Saint-Barthélemy Church deserves a visit for its beautiful Baroque altarpiece in gilded wood.
4
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many traffic-free touring cycling routes are available around Saint-Matré?
There are over 50 dedicated traffic-free touring cycling routes around Saint-Matré, catering to various skill levels. You'll find 6 easy routes, 30 moderate routes, and 20 more challenging options to explore the beautiful Lot department.
Are there any easy, family-friendly traffic-free cycling routes near Saint-Matré?
Yes, Saint-Matré offers several easy, traffic-free routes perfect for families. For instance, the Views over rolling hills loop from Clos Barat is an easy 16.2 km ride that provides gentle gradients and scenic vistas without significant traffic. The region's greenways along the Lot River are also known for being flat and accessible.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on traffic-free touring cycling routes in the Saint-Matré area?
The Saint-Matré area, part of the Quercy Blanc and Lot department, offers a diverse range of landscapes. You'll cycle through rolling hills, agricultural valleys with sunflowers and lavender fields, and alongside the scenic Lot River with its vineyards. The broader region also features limestone plateaus (Causses) and charming white stone villages, providing a rich and varied backdrop for your rides.
Are there any circular traffic-free cycling routes available?
Many of the traffic-free routes around Saint-Matré are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the moderate Romanesque Church of Saux loop from Clos Barat, which covers 18.5 km and brings you back to your starting point.
What historical or cultural attractions can I see along the traffic-free routes?
The region is rich in history and culture. You can discover charming villages and historical sites. For example, the Puy-l'Évêque – Puy-l'Évêque Castle loop from Clos Barat takes you near the picturesque town of Puy-l'Évêque. Other nearby attractions include Montcuq Old Town and the Saint-Hilaire Church of Montcuq, offering glimpses into the area's heritage.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Saint-Matré?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from 77 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the routes, the beautiful rolling landscapes, and the opportunity to explore charming villages and historical sites away from heavy traffic.
What is the best time of year for traffic-free bike touring in Saint-Matré?
The spring and autumn months are generally ideal for traffic-free bike touring in Saint-Matré. During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, the landscapes are vibrant with wildflowers or autumn colors, and the tourist crowds are typically smaller than in peak summer. Summer can also be enjoyable, but it's advisable to start rides early to avoid the midday heat.
Are there any routes that offer particularly scenic viewpoints?
Absolutely. Many routes are designed to showcase the region's beauty. The Views over rolling hills – Beautiful view of the Lot loop from Saint-Matré is a moderate 32.4 km route specifically highlighted for its scenic vistas, including views of the Lot River valley and the surrounding rolling hills.
Can I access traffic-free bike trails near Saint-Matré using public transport?
While Saint-Matré itself is a small village, the broader Lot department has some public transport options, though direct access to specific trailheads might be limited. For longer routes like the "Tour du Quercy Blanc à vélo," which is 355 km, you might find public transport connections to larger towns like Cahors, which can serve as a starting point for exploring the wider network of routes.
Are there any longer, more challenging traffic-free touring routes for experienced cyclists?
Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a greater challenge, the region offers longer routes with more elevation gain. While specific 'no traffic' challenging routes are within the 20 difficult routes available, the broader region features extensive tours like the 355 km "Tour du Quercy Blanc à vélo" (which can be explored in sections), guiding cyclists through varied terrain including some hilly sections and along the Canal de Garonne. You can find many moderate to difficult routes, such as the 20 difficult routes listed in the guide, which will provide a good workout.
Where can I find parking for traffic-free cycling routes in Saint-Matré?
Parking is generally available in and around Saint-Matré, particularly near the village center or designated public parking areas. For routes starting from specific points like 'Clos Barat' or 'Saint-Matré' as indicated in the route names, you can usually find convenient parking nearby. It's always a good idea to check local signage upon arrival.
Most popular routes around Saint-Matré
Most popular attractions around Saint-Matré
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
