Canoeing in the Dordogne

The Dordogne is the department's main river, flowing through southern Périgord, Puy-de-Dôme, Corrèze and Lot. If you'd like to admire some of the Dordogne's finest châteaux, a canoe trip along the Dordogne is the perfect way to catch a glimpse of these mighty fortresses.

Discover the Château de Montfort, the Château de la Malartrie and the Château de Castelnaud, all along the river. château de Castelnaudas well as Château de Beynac and Château de Fayrac. These splendid edifices, overlooking the Dordogne River, are suspended from cliffs or built on rocky spurs. They are surrounded by greenery, providing a most bucolic panorama.

The Dordogne is also home to many of France's most beautiful villages. During your canoe trip down the Dordogne River, you'll be able to observe, from afar, some of the most charming and historically rich villages, such as La Roque-GageacCastelnaud, Beynac and Domme.

If you're looking for a wilder route, a real immersion in nature, get your canoes and kayaks in the water on the Céou. This small river meanders through an unspoilt, sparsely populated valley, linking the Lot-Quercy region to the Périgord Noir. On crystal-clear water, the course follows a peaceful, wooded valley and some of the most splendid waterfalls. Alongside your canoe, you may spot wild trout swimming happily in the river.

The Céou by canoe is a fairly sporty circuit, reserved only for experienced canoeists.

This canoe-kayak trip on the Auvézère river, with no particular navigation difficulties, is accessible to the whole family. On the Auvézère, you'll discover the central and northern part of Périgord. The river's many attractions include the Tourtoirac abbey, the picturesque village of Sainte-Eulalie, the commune of Saint-Pardoux, the Forge d'Ans and the majestic Blâme waterfalls, the charming village of Cubjac, not forgetting the Auberoche chapel and numerous mills dotted along the way.

If you're lucky, you'll be able to spot bighorn sheep or otters on the riverbank, as well as grayling in the water.

During your stay at our Slow Village Périgord, in the heart of the Périgord Noir region, treat yourself to a bucolic and sporty break with a canoe trip on the Dordogne. Many local service providers offer canoe-kayak hire on the Dordogne, Vézère, Isle, Dronne, Auvézère and Céou rivers. To book your canoe rental for the whole family, contact your local tourist office; they'll also give you a map of canoeing routes in the Dordogne, some of which depart from our campsite. Choose your guided or unguided canoeing circuit, and enjoy the beauty of the Périgord for a day of sport and discovery !