Canoeing on the Dordogne River

Canoe hire companies offer their services from over 30 bases along the river in Dordogne. It is often best to park your vehicle at the departure base. A shuttle service is available to pick everyone up on arrival.

Most hire companies offer half-day trips (usually 14km) or full-day trips (between 14km and 28km). Paddlers opting for the shorter itinerary are free to take their time and make the most of their day on the river, with picnic breaks, swimming... All they need to do is be on time for the return shuttle they have chosen.

Prices are based on the length of the route you choose, not the time it takes to complete it. Most hire companies offer 2, 3 or 4-seater canoes or kayaks (with two small children in the middle), as well as single-seater kayaks.

You can also go canoeing for several days, stopping off at a campsite on the banks of the Dordogne. Trips can last anywhere from 2 to 7 days, depending on your preferences.

It's best to book in advance, especially during the high season. Lifejackets are provided and compulsory. Watertight containers for personal items, picnics, towels, etc. are available if required.

Short trips are preferable, especially if you're with children. This allows you to take swimming breaks, nap and enjoy the unspoilt natural environment at your own pace. If you're the sporty type, you may want to consider longer routes.

For a canoeing trip, whatever the distance, you need to remember to take along:

• Sufficient water.
• A picnic, as there are a few "guinguettes" along the way, but they are sometimes a long way from the starting point.
• Closed shoes that fit your feet properly.
• A hat and sun protection (don't forget mineral sunscreen to protect ecosystems, or anti-UV T-shirts).
• Water protection for your mobile phone.
• Sunglasses with a cord so you don't lose them.
• Towels and a change of clothes for the return journey.

From Vitrac to Beynac

Leaving from Vitrac and its rock, the bastide town of Domme and La Roque-Gageac, built between cliff and river (two of the most beautiful villages in France), the castles of Castelnaud and Marqueyssac, Fayrac and to finish your descent the famous castle of Beynac (the last of the most beautiful villages in France). These are places that will leave you breathless with their beauty and history.

Distance: 16 km | Duration: approximately 3 hours

The price is usually around €19 per adult, €12.50 per child aged 6 to 12.

From Carsac to Beynac

This trip is perfect if you want to spend the whole day discovering the beauty of the Périgord Noir from the most beautiful vantage point there is: the river Dordogne. With 6 undeniably rich châteaux on either side of the river, and 4 villages classified as 'Most Beautiful Villages in France', this route will leave you with barely enough time to paddle between photos and visits that will engrave this day forever in your minds.

Distance: 25 km | Duration: approximately 4h30

The price is usually around €25 per adult, €14.50 per child aged 6 to 12.

From Castelnaud to Beynac

A short hour. On the programme is a view of the Château de Fayrac, and the passage under the Château de Beynac, which marks the sublime point of our route.

Distance: 4 km | Duration: approximately 1 hour

The price is usually around €11 per adult, €6.50 per child aged 6 to 12.

From Cénac to Beynac

Time stops… You'll descend into a film set, with the most beautiful villages nestling against their cliffs and medieval castles standing guard, making this an unforgettable experience.

Distance: 12 km | Duration: approximately 2h30

The price is usually around €17 per adult, €11 per child aged 6 to 12.

Accessibility

Thanks to the calm waters of the Dordogne, canoeing is accessible to all, if you can swim unassisted and are at least 6 years old. This activity is reserved only for people who can swim a full length of the pool without armbands. Canoeing on the Dordogne river is a perfect activity to do with family and friends.

Rules

• Have an adult in the group to sign the rental contract
• Respect the navigation hours ( 9.30am-6.30pm )
• Respect other users of the river, such as fishermen and bathers.
• Dogs are allowed (sometimes at extra cost) but must NEVER be tied to the boat.

How to go canoeing?

Through a canoeing company: The most common way to go canoeing on the river is to go with a private canoeing company. The company will give you the appropriate and prepared material for canoeing. Also, the staff will give you all the information you need about the canoe trip. And most importantly, private canoeing companies provide shuttles at multiple locations to take you back to your car. Here are some private canoeing companies: Canoës Butterfly, Safaraid, Canoës Loisirs.

On your own: You can board your own canoe from any public landing stage. However, if you have your own canoe, professional rental companies will not be able to take you on their shuttles unless they have a transport licence. Also, to be safe on your own you will need the app for safe leisure activities on lakes and rivers (link here). You'll find all the information you need about river flows for canoeing and kayaking, as well as the accessibility of launching points, fishing and swimming. As a reminder, you can't go canoeing above a flow of 100 m³/s downstream of Argentat-sur-Dordogne and above a flow of 150 m³/s at Souillac.