Canoeing in the Dordogne
The Five Rivers of the Dordogne
The Dordogne: The Dordogne is characterized by its rushing waters, from its source to the Bec d’Ambès, where it continues its course alongside the Garonne. The river, often referred to as the “smile of France,” flows from Argentat in Corrèze…
The Dronne: The Dronne originates in the southern part of Haute-Vienne, at an elevation of 480 meters, and flows through several regions. This makes it an interesting waterway for a canoe trip on the Dordogne. The river initially marks the border between Limousin and Aquitaine. It then winds through the Périgord and the Charente regions before joining the Isle River in the Gironde.
The Isle: Rising from the Limousin plateaus, the Isle enters the Périgord region north of Jumilhac-le-Grand, a town located within the Périgord-Limousin Regional Nature Park. The river also flows through the limestone plateaus of the Causse Truffier before continuing its journey westward toward the Atlantic coast. A canoe trip on the Dordogne is, all in all, a wonderful experience that offers a fresh perspective on the valley and its heritage.
The Vézère: From Montignac to Limeuil, the Vézère offers a chance to explore the Valley of Prehistory. The river offers ideal conditions for boating, even if it can be somewhat turbulent upstream as it flows down from the high plateaus of Auvergne; the journey is certainly more peaceful as you approach the Périgord.
The Auvézère: Originating in the Millevaches plateaus, the Auvézère flows peacefully as it enters the Périgord region. It continues its course through various areas, including Rognac, where it joins the Isle.
Canoeing: Sure, but who’s it for?
A canoe trip on the Dordogne is a wonderful experience that allows you to discover lush landscapes, prehistoric ruins, and picturesque villages during your vacation in the Dordogne. This outing is perfect for enjoying quality time with family or friends. Both adults and children can enjoy the experience. Specialized agencies offer everything from challenging paddling trips to leisurely excursions. There are so many activities to enjoy right from your Dordogne campground.
Canoe Trips Down the Dordogne River
The Dordogne department offers a wide variety of routes and trails suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Argentat-sur-Dordogne is a particularly popular starting point, especially among thrill-seekers. With its narrow river, paddlers can enjoy the rapids in the Dordogne Gorges.
Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne is generally considered more of a stopover after Argentat-sur-Dordogne. But with the Dordogne River widening and the current slowing down, it remains a recommended starting point, especially when paddling with children. This canoe trip on the Dordogne offers the chance to admire the first limestone cliffs that come into view and to enjoy the villages lining the riverbanks, such as Carennac, Gluges, Saint-Sozy, and Lacave. You can also stop for a picnic on a small pebble beach and admire the castles of Belcastel and La Treyne, which stand majestically on their rocky promontories.
Some people also prefer to start the trip in Vitrac or Carsac-Aillac. These two towns mark the beginning of the most lively stretch of the Dordogne; here, the river winds its way past the medieval buildings and picturesque villages of Domme, La Roque-Gageac, and others…
Where can I rent a canoe in the Dordogne?
We’ve selected five rental services with physical locations in the department near your mobile home rental in the Dordogne.
Canoë River
Located in the town of Le Buisson-de-Cadouin, not far from Limeuil and Saint-Cyprien, Canoë River offers trips that take two or four hours. The company also offers one-day or six-day trips for adventure seekers and thrill-seekers. No matter which option you choose, the trip will let you discover iconic scenery, including castles overlooking the river, historic buildings, monuments, and caves…
- Tarifs sur une journée
- One-hour walk (on-site): €6
- A two-hour hike from Le Buisson to Sors (8 km): €11.50
- A 1.5-hour hike from Le Buisson to Limeuil (6 km): €10.50
- Rates for Multiple Days
- 2 days, from Carsac to Le Buisson: 32 €
- 3 days, from Souillac to Le Buisson: 44 €
- 4 days, from Meyronne to Le Buisson: €51
- 5 days, from Floriac to Le Buisson: €60
- 6 days, from Beaulieu to Le Buisson: 69 €.
Aquafun
Located in Limeuil, Aquafun offers leisurely and adventurous trips by stand-up paddleboard, kayak, and canoe. For canoe trips, the company offers several routes on the Dordogne River:
La Roque-Gageac – Limeuil (32 km): €25.50 for an eight-hour hike.
Le Buisson – Limeuil (5 km): €10.50 for a one-hour walk
Port Muzard – Limeuil (9 km): €12.50 for an hour and a half of adventure
Siorac – Limeuil (12 km): €15 for a two-and-a-half-hour hike
Saint-Cyprien – Limeuil (18 km): €18 for a three-and-a-half-hour hike
Beynac – Limeuil (28 km): €23.50 for a six-and-a-half-hour getaway
Canoes, Rivers, Recreation
Located in Limeuil, very close to our Le Bugue campground, the company offers boat tours to explore some of France’s most prestigious sites, such as castles, cave dwellings, and caves.
- One-Day Rates
- Le Buisson – Limeuil: €10.50 for a one-hour hike
- Siorac – Limeuil: €15 for a two-and-a-half-hour hike
- Saint-Cyprien – Limeuil: €18 for a three-and-a-half-hour hike
- Beynac – Limeuil: €23.50 for a seven-and-a-half-hour hike
- La Roque-Gageac – Limeuil: 23.50 € for a three-and-a-half-hour hike.
- Rates for Multiple Days
- Self-guided hike lasting two to six days: €18 per person per day.
Courrèges Canoes
Located in Le Bugue, the water sports center offers several canoeing tours along the Dordogne River. These routes pass through stunning areas such as Le Moustier, Les Eyzies, Limeuil, Saint-Cyprien, and La Roque-Gageac… to name just a few.
Rates
- 3-km trip on the Vézère River: starting at €5 per person
- A 14-km trip on the Dordogne River: starting at €16 per person.
CANOEric Canoes and Kayaks
Also located in Le Bugue, in the heart of the Périgord Noir, just a few kilometers from our Dordogne fishing campground, the water sports club invites you to get a breath of fresh air in the great outdoors with canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding excursions on the Vézère or the Dordogne. These trips let you discover typical villages such as Montignac-Lascaux and Le Moustier, as well as iconic landmarks like the castles of Losse and Belcayre, among others.
Tours and Prices
- Countryside – Le Bugue (5 km – 1 hour): €12 per person
- Le Bugue – Sors, via Limeuil (10 km – 2 hours): €16 per person
- Les Eyzies – Le Bugue (13 km – 3 hours): €18 per person
- Countryside Hike – Sors, via Limeuil (15 km – 3 hours): €20 per person
- Tursac – Le Bugue (26 km – 6 hours): €24 per person
- Le Bugue – Trémolat (21 km – 4.5 hours): €22 per person
- Cénac – Saint-Cyprien (21 km – day trip): €25 per person.
Children are entitled to half-price admission.
Canoeing in the Dordogne: Our Tips
- Vacationers at our campground with a pool in the Dordogne can choose from a variety of options at more than forty sites located along the river. Options include half-day hikes (usually 14 km) and full-day hikes (14 to 28 km).
- If you want to take your time and make the most of the day—by swimming or taking picnic breaks, for example—it’s recommended that you choose the shortest possible route. Short routes are also recommended for outings with children.
- You can also choose to go on a self-guided hike lasting several days; among other things, this will allow you to stop in a village or at a campground along the river.
- Rental companies set their rates based on the routes, not on the time it takes to complete them. The canoes available are two-, three-, or four-person models. Rental companies also offer kayaks and, in some cases, rafts or canorafts.