The best traffic-free bike rides around Villemade
4.4
(66)
4,603
riders
56
rides
Road cycling around Villemade, situated in the Tarn River valley and bordered by the Aveyron, offers diverse terrain for no traffic road cycling routes. The region features fertile plains and river valleys, alongside the Canal des Deux Mers Greenway which provides mostly flat, shaded paths. Further afield, the Aveyron Gorges present limestone cliffs and more challenging sections, while the rolling hills of Quercy offer varied topography with gentle climbs. This area provides a mix of landscapes suitable for different road…
Last updated: July 4, 2026
4.3
(7)
99
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3.0
(1)
28
riders
60.4km
02:32
160m
160m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.0
(1)
23
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
9
riders
23.2km
00:58
70m
70m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Villemade
Tips from the Community
Very smooth section of the canal with little traffic. Be careful of a section on the bridge with large cobblestones.
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The Montech Canal is very pleasant, the lock houses are picturesque
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At the beginning of the 17th century, after the assassination of Henri IV (1610), the France of Louis XIII launched an attack on the republic of parpaillots. The Edict of Nantes (1598) allowed them to obtain a certain number of freedoms such as the practice of religion but also political advantages: places of security, assemblies, deputies representing the Protestant party at court. Supported by his mother Marie de Medici, the young Louis XIII did not intend to maintain this situation which defied the royal authority which, for its part, could only be Catholic. Tensions between the two religious communities were now such that the royal army mobilized to face Huguenot resistance. Protestant strongholds which deny the religion of the King of France are systematically besieged. Refractory to this authority, Montauban must therefore suffer the wrath of the canons of the Catholic King. At that time, Montauban was a place of safety like La Rochelle. The Quercy stronghold was then called Little French Geneva. Entirely Huguenot, its population of approximately 15,000 inhabitants includes 10,000 Calvinists. The management of the city is in the hands of consuls (elected by 25 inhabitants representing all the city's corporations) who enjoy great autonomy. Since 1600, there has been a college and an academy there which recruit students from all the provinces of the kingdom and abroad. It is for all these reasons that Montauban-la-Protestante gives the image of a true Huguenot republic where Catholics no longer have the right to live. Louis XIII, after subduing Agen, decided on August 10, 1621 to put an end to the Montalbanese revolt. On August 17, the king moved to the castle of Montbeton and began the siege. The latter only stopped four months later with the victory of the Montalbanais. Effective resistance to modify It is a fact that the Montalbanais were able to resist thanks to a small number of men against the plethoric royal army. It is also true that the city's first Consul, Jacques Dupuy (1591-1621) had taken care to prepare the city for the siege by building up large reserves of food. Throughout the siege, the Montalbanais did not suffer from hunger at any time. The royal army suffered dramatic losses. Louis XIII would have called on an Aragonese Discalced Carmelite, a very well-known alchemist. He would have meditated for a long time before giving the following recommendation to the King: “we must scare the inhabitants of the city. A great fear that will make them surrender.” The cannonade was mentioned by Marshal de Bassompierre in his Memoirs where he wrote that the king, incited by the Discalced Carmelite to bombard the city with 400 cannon shots, “sent for me on Sunday September 20 to fire the 400 cannon fire; as I did.” There were more than 650 shots that day, according to another witness... The expression "400 shots" recalls the violence of the cannonades, but these 400 shots could not be fired at the same time as legend has it. In total, there have been nearly 16,000 shots in two and a half months. In vain… Let us add for the sake of understanding, that until then the cannonades were mainly aimed at the ramparts to create breaches... The Carmelite's idea was to fire 400 shots into the city, to frighten the population, which was actually without effect. Decimated by purple fever, a serious epidemic which caused bright red spots on the body, Louis XIII's army capitulated at the beginning of November and the king lifted the siege.
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Montech is worth a stop and a visit for its rehabilitated industrial site and the historic center of Montauban is remarkable. Between the Toulouse-Bordeaux and Montauban-Auch axes, Montech has experienced industrial growth. The site has been rehabilitated and equipped for the visit, from the Site House and the Intercommunal Tourist Office. Signs have been installed to guide your visit. The water slope is a unique site at its creation. It operated from 1974 to 2009 and saved time without going through the 5 historic locks of the lateral canal. A concrete slope more than 400 m long, 6 m wide and more than 4 m deep was built parallel to the canal. A mobile shield pushed by two locomotives on wheels made it possible to push a large volume of water where a barge floated.
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Very pretty canal, very bucolic, with pretty lock houses...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many traffic-free road cycling routes are available around Villemade?
There are over 50 traffic-free road cycling routes around Villemade, offering a wide range of options for all skill levels. You'll find 19 easy routes, 34 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route.
What is the best time of year for traffic-free road cycling near Villemade?
The region around Villemade is pleasant for cycling from spring through autumn. Spring offers lush green landscapes and comfortable temperatures, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Summers can be warm, but routes along the Canal de Garonne offer welcome shade from plane trees.
Are there easy traffic-free road cycling routes suitable for beginners or families around Villemade?
Yes, there are 19 easy traffic-free road cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. Many of these routes follow the flat, shaded paths of the Canal des Deux Mers Greenway, offering a relaxed cycling experience. A great example is the Montech Canal – Mortarieu Lock - Montauban loop from Montauban Ville Bourbon, which is 41 km long with minimal elevation.
Can I find loop road bike routes around Villemade that are car-free?
Absolutely. Many of the traffic-free routes around Villemade are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For instance, the Montech Canal – Montauban loop from Montauban Ville Bourbon is a 60 km moderate loop that offers a great car-free experience.
What scenic viewpoints or attractions can I discover along traffic-free road cycling routes?
The routes often pass through picturesque landscapes and charming towns. You can cycle past the historic city of Montauban, known for its pink brick architecture and the iconic Old Bridge. The Canal des Deux Mers Greenway also offers views of the tranquil canal and its locks, such as the Mortarieu Lock - Montauban.
Are there any historical sites or charming villages to visit on these routes?
Yes, the region is rich in history. While cycling, you can explore Montauban's Place Nationale and its distinctive architecture. The broader Tarn-et-Garonne department features medieval villages like Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val and Bruniquel, though specific traffic-free routes directly through these villages may vary. The The Four Hundred Cannon Shots of Montauban is another historical point of interest.
Where can I find parking for traffic-free road cycling routes around Villemade?
Many routes start from Montauban, which is approximately 8 km from Villemade and offers various parking options. For routes along the Canal des Deux Mers Greenway, you can often find parking in the towns and villages adjacent to the canal sections, such as Montech or Montauban Ville Bourbon, which is a common starting point for routes like the View from the Montauban Bridge – Montauban loop.
How long are the traffic-free bike trails near Villemade?
The lengths of the traffic-free routes vary significantly. You can find shorter routes, such as the Château de Montauban – Montauban loop from K. Marx at 31 km, or longer options like the Montech Canal – Montauban loop from Montauban Ville Bourbon, which spans over 60 km. This variety allows cyclists to choose a route that fits their desired distance and duration.
Are there cafes or places to stop for refreshments along these routes?
Yes, especially on routes that pass through or near towns and villages. The Canal des Deux Mers Greenway, for example, often has benches for breaks and passes by small communities where you can find cafes or shops. Montauban itself offers numerous options for refreshments and meals.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about the traffic-free routes around Villemade?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the peacefulness of the traffic-free paths, the scenic beauty of the Tarn River valley and Canal de Garonne, and the opportunity to explore charming towns like Montauban without the distraction of cars.
Are there routes that follow canals or rivers without traffic?
Yes, a significant portion of the traffic-free cycling in this region is along the Canal des Deux Mers Greenway, which runs alongside the Canal de Garonne. These routes offer flat, shaded paths perfect for enjoying the tranquil waterside scenery. The Tarn and Aveyron river valleys also provide picturesque cycling opportunities, often on quiet roads or dedicated paths.
Can I explore the Canal des Deux Mers Greenway on a traffic-free road bike route?
Absolutely. The Canal des Deux Mers Greenway is a highlight for traffic-free cycling in the Tarn-et-Garonne. It offers extensive sections of car-free paths, ideal for road bikes, allowing you to cycle alongside the Canal de Garonne. You can find more information about cycling along this canal on the Tarn-et-Garonne tourism website.
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