Canoeing in the Dordogne
Home to prehistoric caves and medieval castles, and framed by breathtaking natural beauty, the Dordogne Valley in the south-west of the country is one of the most picturesque and historically rich regions in France. Visitors to the valley will find riverside villages and charming towns steeped in history, culture, and culinary delights, making it something of a haven for history buffs, food lovers, and wine connoisseurs.
Why the Dordogne Valley is perfect for canoeing and kayaking
Winding through the valley’s heart, the Dordogne River is the perfect place to visit for your canoeing or kayaking trip abroad. Framed by stunning cliffs and castles, the river offers visitors a unique and unforgettable view of the region.
Whether you are a beginner, an experienced canoeist, or are simply looking for a unique family-friendly adventure, the Dordogne River has something for everyone. The river’s peaceful, crystal-clear waters are accessible throughout the region, and with a variety of rental companies, river activities, and guided tours available, you really can build your own adventure.
Start planning your oar-some trip!
Driving to the Dordogne from Calais
The Dordogne is around 8 hours from Calais, and with so many diverting destinations en route, you’ll want to plan in time to explore. The fastest route will take you via the A16 and A20, past Amiens, Paris, and Orléans. The scenic, and only slightly longer, route takes you onto the A20 and through Rouen, Le Mans, and Tours. You will need to pay tolls on this route.
Driving to the Dordogne from Calais is easy with LeShuttle:
• Our service departs up to four times every hour, 365 days a year
• Your journey with LeShuttle lasts just 35 minutes
• There are no baggage restrictions, so you can be sure everything, including your canoe, paddles, dry bags and life jackets, will fit in just fine!
What to expect when canoeing or kayaking the Dordogne
Paddling along the Dordogne River, canoeists can expect to be wowed. Not only does the river place you amidst stunning landscapes and fascinating wildlife, but it also passes a wealth of prehistoric caves, medieval castles, and charming towns and villages.
Caves & prehistoric sites
Come ashore to explore one of the Dordogne’s many cave systems and prehistoric sites. Whether you want to learn more about early human civilisations, enjoy an adrenaline-fuelled adventure or simply admire the ethereal underground landscapes, you’ll have a story to tell after visiting the Dordogne’s darker side.
Families and history buffs will want to head to Grotte de Rouffignac, Les Eyzies or Grotte des Merveilles to see vast underground galleries of prehistoric art. Nature lovers will not want to miss Gouffre de Padirac, where visitors float down an emerald-green underground river to see stalactites and stalagmites from the unique viewpoint of their flat-bottomed boat. Adrenaline junkies will also want to put away their canoes – if only briefly – to squeeze into one of the many caves, tunnels and caverns that offer cave diving and potholing experiences.
With temperatures reaching just 13-14 degrees throughout the cave systems, an afternoon exploring these extraordinary spaces is a great way to cool off after a few days in the sun.
Cave painting of animals in La Grotte de Lascaux IV
Castles & medieval villages
Known as the ‘land of one thousand and one castles’, you’ll be hard-pushed not to see these fairytale fortresses and medieval masterpieces. While these pieces of history are scattered across the valley, many overlook the Dordogne River and can be enjoyed from this unique vantage point.
If you want to do more than just admire from afar, you’ll have to spend some time choosing which of the many, (many!) castles or châteaux you want to visit during your trip – you simply won’t be able to fit them all in!
Resting high above the Dordogne River, the Château de Beynac, home to Richard the Lionheart, has nearly nine centuries of history to explore. Opposite the legendary fortress, Château de Castelnaud houses the Museum of Warfare in the Middle Ages, where shows exploring castle life and combat techniques are frequently held.
Families will not want to miss the castle of one hundred games, Château de Bridoire, where visitors can immerse themselves in everything from archery and crossbow shooting to a medieval combat course
Towering over the Dordogne, Château de Beynac commands the landscape
Stunning natural landscapes & wildlife encounters
Despite being surrounded by examples of human craftsmanship, the Dordogne river strikes a thoughtful and complementary balance between nature and architecture. So much so that in 2012, the river was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Today, visitors will be rewarded with unbelievable scenes of turquoise waters, rolling hills, limestone cliffs and lush forests. With hundreds of footpaths and hiking trails surrounding the river, even furrier family members can enjoy the French outdoors.
Animal lovers may spy pine martens, badgers, foxes, deer, and river otters nearby. Birdwatchers should keep their eyes peeled for honey buzzards, middle-spotted woodpeckers, and crested larks.
Paddling through paradise and soaking in the scenery
Towns & riverside villages
Dry off to spend an afternoon in one of the valley’s many charming towns or villages. These riverside retreats and inland escapes are rich in history and culture and are the perfect opportunity to soak up the French landscape and capture some postcard-worthy photos.
Most of these villages boast the title “Most Beautiful Village in France,” and are renowned havens for food lovers, so you’ll have a hard time picking just one. In fact, you may want to make a point of squeezing in as many as you can as you paddle downriver.
Rocamadour, a village in Dordogne, at sunset
Canoe & kayak rentals and guided tours
You don’t have to own your own canoe or kayak to start your outdoor adventure in the French countryside! There are plenty of rental companies along the river that can provide you, and your family, with all the gear you’ll need to get started. Many even offer guided tours or recommended routes so you can make the most of your time on the water.
Canoe Without Borders
Canoe Without Borders offer rentals alongside pre-planned routes that allow you to enjoy some of the valley’s castles and picturesque architecture. With discounts for those under 12 and routes for every level of canoeist, you can plan the perfect day on the water.
Canoe Dordogne
Canoe Dordogne offer five different routes starting from their base in La Roque-Gageac. These tours are the perfect opportunity to see some beautiful flora and fauna. Plan to stop at one of the wild beaches or picnicking areas en route for a spot of lunch!
Aquafun Canoes Dordogne
Not only can you kayak or canoe at Aquafun Canoes Dordogne, but you can also pedalo and paddleboard. The base at Limeuil (listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France) is on the confluence of the rivers Vézère and Dordogne. Free parking facilities and a beach to relax on after any of your adventures make this a wonderful option for renting canoes.
Outdoor adventures across France
There are plenty of outdoor adventures to experience in France. So, whether you love horse riding or fishing, cycling or skiing, the real challenge will be choosing where to start! Find out more about activity holidays in France with our helpful guides:
FAQs
Still have questions about canoeing or kayaking in Dordogne? We’ve answered some of your frequently asked questions.
Where is the best place to canoe in Dordogne?
Surrounded by so many historic landmarks, riverside towns and beautiful landscapes, it’s hard to say where the best place to canoe in Dordogne is!
The upper valley, between Argentat and Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, will see you passing fewer crowds, challenging rapids and the ‘most beautiful village in France’, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne. Further down, the stretch between Carennac and Souillac will see you passing stunning cliffs, caves and castles. You’ll find more medieval fortresses between Vitrac and Limeuil before heading towards Bergerac.
It all comes down to what kind of canoeing experience you’re after!
Is it safe to swim in the Dordogne River?
It is safe to swim in the Dordogne River! If you’re looking for extra reassurance, you can visit one of the supervised beaches, which are manned by trained lifeguards during the summer months.
How clean is the Dordogne River?
The Dordogne River is the cleanest river in France and one of the cleanest in Europe!
What is the best month to visit Dordogne?
The best months to visit Dordogne for a canoeing or kayaking holiday are July and August when temperatures reach highs of 35 Celsius and the water is balmy and refreshing! But the region can be enjoyed any time of year – depending on the activities you have planned!
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