LE CHALLENGE DU DIABLE

Driving into Saint-Géry-Vers, the landscape shifts from open plateaus to the deep, winding cuts of the Lot valley. The road hugs the riverbank, revealing the limestone cliffs that define this stretch of the Occitanie region. As you reach the Camping de l’Arquette, the river’s presence becomes the focal point, a slow-moving but powerful corridor that has carved its way through the Causses du Quercy. This year’s 2ème Challenge du Diable, scheduled for June 27, 2026, utilizes these waters for a series of open water swims of 500m, 1.5km, and 3km, inviting participants to navigate a river ecosystem that feels largely untouched by the modern world.

The river environment

Swimming here means moving through a designated Natura 2000 protected zone. The limestone walls flanking the course are more than just scenery; they are critical habitats for raptors that you might spot gliding above the water as you sight for your next buoy. The course is deeply integrated into the local history of the valley. At one point in the swim, you pass the remnants of the old Saint-Géry railway station, an industrial relic from 1886 that once connected this isolated valley to the rest of France. Further downstream, near the confluence where the Célé river feeds into the Lot at Bouziès, the water clarity and temperature reflect the geological makeup of this UNESCO Global Geopark.

Historical currents

While the river is the primary path, the valley is dominated by the silhouette of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Perched 100 meters above the river, this cliff-top village served as a defensive stronghold for centuries, though it is now best remembered as a refuge for artists like André Breton. As you swim, the height of these cliffs provides a sense of scale that is hard to grasp from the bank. The event itself, organized by Cahors Triathlon and Compagnons de Neptune, offers a mix of distances that cater to different abilities, with the 3km M-distance being the most demanding. Registration fees range from 5€ to 100€, and the logistics are managed through the Camping de l’Arquette base, where the atmosphere on race morning is focused and quiet, punctuated only by the sound of water against the limestone. Participants should be prepared for typical river conditions, where the flow remains steady, providing a constant companion throughout the stroke.