Canoeing on the Dordogne in the South of France

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The Dordogne Valley in France is the ideal holiday destination for partners and families with children who are looking for a unique holiday experience. One of the most popular activities here is canoeing. The Dordogne region in France offers a great opportunity to explore the beautiful nature and the historic landscapes from the water whilst being able to completely relax and unwind. It is only a short drive from your holiday home in the Dordogne. In the Dordogne region, the water flows towards the west coast of France, which explains why all canoes head to the west. The Dordogne landscape is very varied. In the past, everything was transported by water which is why the most beautiful buildings are often located on the water. After every river bend, you are greeted with a completely different and unique landscape, scattered with castles and fortresses. You will sail past high rocks and extensive vineyards. Sometimes the river narrows, resulting in a rapid. This all makes canoeing an exciting and adventurous sport.

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Holidays in the Dordogne Valley in France

The Dordogne Valley is a popular region for holidays, as evidenced by the many holiday parks in the Dordogne and the Lot. The region is loved because of its great diversity. The region is home to touristic hotspots such as Rocamadour, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Beynac-et-Cazenac and La Roque-Gageac. The region also has many historic sites such as Gouffre de Padirac, Lascaux and dozens of castles and fortresses. Add to this the beautiful nature with vast views, vineyards, rock formations, cliffs and winding rivers and you can see why this region is the ideal place for an amazing holiday. The Dordogne river flows through this valley and is the perfect river to embark on an adventurous canoe trip.

Highlights of the Dordogne Region

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Exploring the Dordogne River by canoe

The Dordogne is one of the longest and most iconic rivers in France. It has a length of about 483 kilometres and offers up to 120 kilometers of canoe routes. Not only is the river a beautiful waterway, but it is also an important source of leisure and tourism in the New Aquitaine region. The Dordogne rises in the Puy de Dôme, where two small streams, the Dore and the Dogne, meet and form the Dordogne river. The river winds through a beautiful landscape of valleys, castles, and medieval villages, making it an ideal destination for both nature and culture lovers. The Dordogne River in France offers one of the most picturesque canoe routes in Europe. With its crystal-clear waters, medieval castles, and beautiful villages, canoeing on the Dordogne is a must-do activity for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. One of the best ways to experience the Dordogne is by renting a canoe and going on a river adventure. During your canoe trip you will pass through some of the most beautiful villages in the region, make sure to hop off at Souillac, Vitrac or Domme to soak up the local atmosphere.

Canoe routes on the Dordogne

There are various things to think about when planning your ideal canoe route. Your ideal route, for example, depends on where you are staying in the Dordogne. You could first go upstream by van and then canoe down to the canoe rental company. You could also do it the other way around, first canoe downstream to the end point and then go back to the starting point by van. One of the most popular routes is the 14 km long route of Port d'Envaux, which takes you through beautiful sites such as La-Roque-Gageac, Castelnaud, Beynac and the hanging gardens of Marqueyssac. For those who have a little more time, we recommend the route from Vitrac to Beynac. This 16 km long tour also passes medieval castles and picturesque villages. These routes are suitable for all levels, even beginners, and offer the perfect blend of natural beauty and historical sites. Another popular route is the one that goes from Argentat to Au Soleil d'Oc. This is a short trip of about an hour, perfect for beginners. The more extreme trips last several days.

Resting places and breaks

During your canoe trip on the Dordogne, you will need to take a couple of breaks to relax your arm muscles, stretch your legs or to visit one of the many pretty villages in the region. During your canoe trip you will have plenty of time for yourself. There are many beaches along the Dordogne where you can picnic, some are not even accessible by road making those beaches an oasis of peace. You can also stop at one of the campsites along the Dordogne and have something to eat there. Some recommended villages and castles to visit in the Périgord are the following:
Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle After a large bend in the river, this imposing castle looms. It is the perfect place to moor, have a drink and enjoy the breathtaking view.
La Roque-Gageac This charming village is built against an imposing rock. You can moor here to explore the village or simply enjoy the view of Château de la Malartrie.
Beynac-et-Cazenac A historic town that is well worth a visit. Here you can rest, eat and drink, and explore the area.

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Canoeing on the Dordogne: For all levels

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced canoeist, the Dordogne has canoe routes that are suitable for all levels.
Beginner level
In general the Dordogne is a calm river which makes it ideal for beginners and families with children. Many pathways are simple and do not require any previous experience:

  • Vitrac to Beynac: A popular 14 km route, accessible to all levels.
  • La Roque-Gageac to Beynac: An 8 km long tour, perfect for beginners and families.
  • Cénac to La Roque-Gageac: This 12 km route offers spectacular views and is suitable for all levels.

Intermediate level
For those seeking more of a challenge, there are routes with slight rapids:

  • Argentat to Beaulieu: With higher water levels in May/June, this section offers some easily navigable rapids.
  • Vayrac to Saint-Sozy: An 18 km long "classic" route accessible to beginners, but does require some prior experience.

Advanced level
For the more experienced canoeists, there are longer routes that offer more of a challenge:

  • Argentat to Limeuil: A nine-day kayak trek for the adventurous canoeist.
  • Carsac to Beynac: A more challenging route of 18 km with beautiful views.

Tips

Some general tips to take into account when canoeing on the Dordogne:

  • The level of difficulty may vary depending on the season: May/June: Higher water level offers more "spice" and even makes some caves accessible. July/August/September: Lower water levels ensure slower trips and sometimes shallower and less challenging routes.
  • Bring sunscreen, a cap and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Wear closed shoes to avoid injuries and have better support.
  • Bring plenty of water and food for the road.
  • Book in advance with an authorized rental company.
  • Opt for an early start to avoid the crowds.
  • Book on time: In high season, it is wise to book your canoe trip in advance to avoid any disappointment.
  • Be sure to check out the current water level and weather conditions.
  • Choose a suitable route, especially if you are sailing with young children. A 9 km route is ideal for beginners.
  • Be considerate of other people on the water and respect nature.

Safety

No matter your level, keep these safety tips in mind:

  • Always wear a life jacket, these are usually provided by the rental companies
  • Listen carefully to the safety instructions on how to use the canoe, paddling techniques and safety rules.
  • The legal minimum age for canoeing is 6 years old, but some rental companies will allow children from 5 years old to go canoeing, as long as they can swim 25m.
  • Check the canoes and equipment to make sure everything is in good condition
  • Choose a route that suits your level. Don't take a difficult route if you are a beginner.
  • Check the weather conditions and river forecast before setting off, as high water levels can make canoeing more difficult
  • When in doubt about a rapid, moor and explore by foot first.
  • In case of emergency, immediately call the emergency number 18 and use the SOS button on the Canoë France app for exact location determination.

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