Top 4 best cruises in the Dordogne

Slow Village invites you to navigate the Dordogne, to glide between cliffs, skirt stone castles, feel the freshness of forests and the calm of villages. The river traces a gentle path, punctuated by lights, reflections and ancient stories. Aboard a gabare or a more modern boat, each cruise becomes a parenthesis, a moment suspended between nature and heritage.

This guide brings together the most striking itineraries, the options you need to know about and a few simple tips for making the right choice directly from our open-air hotel in Seveilles.

Gabarre cruise at La Roque-Gageac

At the foot of the cliffs at La Roque-Gageac, Norbert's gabares follow the route of the old merchant ships. On board, the silence of the river alternates with the guide's comments, depicting castles, conflicts and salt routes. Our eyes follow the cingles, herons and brown village roofs clinging to the rock. The gabare trip on the Dordogne lasts an hour, with no detours, and a real sensation of slipping back in time.

• Ideal for: families, history buffs, first-time discoverers

For this cruise on the Dordogne, we recommend 2 different service providers:

• Gabares Norbert
  Two traditional 48-seater gabares offer river cruises of 50 minutes or 1h30. The atmosphere is family-friendly and historic, with audioguides available in several languages. Departure opposite the La Roque-Gageac parking lot, 6 km from our open-air hotel.
  Rates: €11.90 (50 min) / €18 (1h30).
• Caminade barges
  Two modern replica barges welcome visitors for a 55-minute cruise. The atmosphere is more classic, with a focus on nature. Same departure point as the Norbert gabares, opposite the La Roque-Gageac parking lot.
  Prices: €12.50 adult / €9.50 child.

• Ideal for: families, history buffs, photographers.

For this cruise on the Dordogne, we recommend : Les Gabarres de Beynac :

• Departure from the foot of the village, opposite the castle (6km from our open-air hotel Slow Village Saint-Cybranet).
• 50-minute cruise, accessible to all.
• Price: €10 adults / €5.50 children (aged 4-12).

The gabarre trip in Bergerac

Departing from Quai Salvette, the gabarre glides peacefully along the Dordogne, revealing the old town, its island, nature reserves teeming with herons and kites, and the remains of ancient mills. The guide punctuates the journey with tales of Cyrano's cityand the many treasures of Périgord Pourpre. A walk lasting around 50 minutes, simple, rhythmic, full of light and stories..

• Ideal for : families, nature lovers, history buffs

For this cruise on the Dordogne we recommend : Les Gabarres de Bergerac :

• Founded in 1991 and taken over by Diego Larequie.
• Two barges (the Cassiopée and the Carpe Diem) that can carry up to 50-55 people
• Departure : 65 km from our outdoor hotel
• Duration 50 minutes (daily circuit from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
• Price from €11 per adult (short circuit)

In summer, longer tours with wine tasting are available: 1h30 for €15 or 3h30 for €20, departing from Bergerac or Creysse, with tasting on board.

Canoeing down the Dordogne river

Fancy an unusual cruise on the Dordogne? The current is gentle, the river wide, the atmosphere quiet. The Dordogne is experienced differently by canoe: each stroke of the paddle opens up a new setting. Cliffs, wild beaches, overhanging villages. We stop to picnic, to swim, to take our time. No engine noise, just the lapping of the water, the wind in the leaves, dragonflies dancing low to the surface.

• Ideal for: quiet adventurers, sporty families, independent travellers

For this cruise on the Dordogne, we recommend: Canoë Détente à Vitrac :

• Possible departures: Vitrac, La Roque-Gageac, Beynac or Castelnaud.
• Several routes to choose from: from 9 to 28 km (approx. 1h30 to 5h downhill depending on option).
• Prices: from €18 per adult for a short course.
• Vests, watertight containers and return shuttle included.