Along the Dordogne River
The Dordogne River in a Nutshell
The Dordogne River is a Category 2 river, which means, among other things, that it is largely populated by whitefish and predatory fish. It is also home to many salmonids. This is, in fact, one of the characteristics it shares with the Maronne, the Cère, and the Ouysse, which are also second-category rivers in the Dordogne Valley in the Périgord Noir region within the Dordogne department.
The Dordogne River, which is 483 km long, originates at the confluence of the Dore and the Dogne, two streams of the Puy de Sancy, in the municipality of Mont Dore. It flows through the departments of Puy-de-Dôme, Cantal, Corrèze, Lot, Dordogne, and Gironde, as well as the regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Occitanie, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
It flows into the Gironde at Bec d’Ambès, forming an estuary with the Garonne. It is this shared estuary with the Garonne that also allows the Dordogne to be classified as a river, as does the tidal bore that forms and travels upstream for about thirty kilometers during high tides.
Activities on the Dordogne River
There are several activities you can enjoy with friends or family during your vacation in the Dordogne at our campground.
Canoeing on the Dordogne River
The Dordogne River is prized for its calm, clear waters, which are ideal for activities such as swimming or canoeing down the Dordogne. The stretch between Argentat and Souillac (130 km), in particular, offers a mosaic of landscapes to admire: from meandering stretches with lush green banks to steep cliffs, sandy beaches, and pebble beaches…
The whole family can go on a canoe or kayak trip—children as young as 6 are welcome, as long as they can swim. France’s most beautiful river welcomes beginners and enthusiasts alike, as well as experienced paddlers and even daredevils.
Argentat-sur-Dordogne is an ideal starting point for thrill-seekers. The river is narrower here, and you can enjoy some exciting rapids. When kayaking with children, it’s best to start your trip in Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, where the river widens and the current slows down. It’s also along this stretch that the first limestone cliffs appear and the most beautiful villages of the Vézère and Dordogne valleys follow one after another, such as Carennac, Gluges, Saint-Sozy, and Lacave…
Fishing
Fishing in the Dordogne is one of the most iconic activities in the Dordogne Valley. It’s worth noting, in fact, that local anglers consider this region to be “a mecca for fishing,” particularly fly fishing.
In any case, both residents and visitors enjoy the variety of waterways. There are several fishing spots to choose from, depending on the techniques used or the types of fish you want to catch, for example. Among the most popular fishing spots are Astaillac, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Floirac, Lacave, Lanzac, Latouille-Lentillac, and along the river in Souillac in southwestern France.
Whitefish, game fish, and migratory fish are among the common catches in the Dordogne River Nature Park and the region’s other waterways. Anglers can also catch salmonids or crayfish, which are ideal for a fun fishing experience, especially with children. To enjoy all this, our fishing campground in the Dordogne is ideally located on the banks of a pond.
Rent a stand-up paddleboard on the river
Stand-up paddleboarding is a unique and fun way to explore the region’s natural sites, prehistoric ruins, and medieval buildings. Vacationers can contact specialized companies for introductory sessions or trips down the Dordogne River. These guided excursions allow families and groups of friends alike to reconnect with nature and share precious moments together.
Swimming in the Dordogne
In the Dordogne Valley, near the Périgord Pourpre, there are several lakes, streams, waterfalls, and small coves. The beautiful sandy and pebble beaches are perfect for swimming, relaxing, and picnicking.
The Dordogne Valley has several lifeguard-patrolled beaches. One notable example is Gluges Beach, known for its wide expanse and shallow, crystal-clear water. Another highlight is the mill pond in Camp-Saint-Mathurin Léobazel, where vacationers can swim, go stand-up paddleboarding, or practice yoga-paddleboarding, among other activities.
The Dordogne River is also dotted with beautiful, unspoiled beaches that are often hidden away in the lush green landscape. Among these hidden beaches are Magali Beach in Liourdes, the beach at Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, and the beach at Montvalent.
Adventure seekers won’t be able to resist the urge to take a trip to the waterfalls in the Dordogne Valley. The Autoire and Murel waterfalls, among others, are the perfect places for a true getaway.
If you prefer heated water, then the aquatic area at our campground with a pool in the Dordogne is perfect for you.