The 8 places to make canoe-kayak in the Dordogne

Are you going to relax in the Périgord? Discover the sites where to make canoe-kayak in Dordogne!

Located southwest of France, between the Gironde, le Lot and the Corrèze, the Dordogne is the former province of Perigord. With an area of more than 9,000 km2 and an estimated population of more than 413 000 in 2017, it is the third French department. Its temperate climate makes it a pleasant destination for a holiday in the open air.

The choice of activity offered to you to discover the region is immense. And if there is something to be tested at all costs, it is to make canoe-kayak in Dordogne. Indeed, the department has 5 rivers: the Dordogne, the Vézère, the Isle, the Dronne and the Auvézère ... So there's something to do.

Here is our selection of sites where canoeing in Dordogne, along the different rivers of the region.

Canoe-kayak on the Dordogne

Looking for a canoe-kayak in Dordogne? On the Dordogne of course, it seems obvious! The Dordogne is a quiet river, which is born at the Puy de Sancy , cross the whole department, and join the Garonne.

1. Carennac

A wonderful day awaits you on the Dordogne, with 3 courses to choose from, from 9, 15 or 25 km, depending on your desire and motivation. Depending on the course you choose, you will leave Girac or Carennac to reach the village of Montvalent. An ideal setting to spend a nice day between friends or family.

2. Veyrignac

It’s gone for the discovery descent “St Ju”, 5km long, or the descent “the rock” which it makes 15km. For 1h30 or 3h, depending on your choice, you will advance in the midst of fabulous landscapes and exceptional fauna and flora. The small course is ideal for an initiation or for a quiet moment with children. If you want a little more sporty time, choose "the rock".

3. Castelnaud-La-Chapelle

Here, two ideal courses to make canoe-kayak in the Dordogne offer you. A 12 km course from Cénac, and the other 20 km from Vitrac, both arriving at Beynac. Throughout the course you can see the Roque-Gageac, the castle of Marqueyssac, Fayrac, and finally Castelnaud.

Canoe-kayak on the Vézère

If there is a must-see river to go down in canoe-kayak in Dordogne, it is Vézère. Along the water and at your own pace, you can admire the valley of prehistory, the castles of Losse or Belcayre, the troglodytic villages of the Roque Saint-Christophe or the Madeleine or the prehistoric shelters. La Vézère is at its own pace, from Montignac to Limeuil, considered one of the most beautiful french villages. You will also pass by Les Eyzies de Tayac, the world capital of Prehistory.

Here we have selected four courses that can make your happiness if you are looking for a canoe-kayak in Dordogne.

4.Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil

1:30, 2:30, 4:00, 5:00...? Make your choice!

• Discover the beautiful 9km course, named "the Marzac", ideal can be for a first time in canoeing. Here the river is wide and the few rapids are safe.
• The "La St-Christophe" route extends 13km, with a start at the Roque St Christophe, facing the largest troglodytic site in Europe. During 2:30, you will sail in the part of the most encumbered river, while admiring the footprints left by the prehistoric man under the great cliffs of Ruth.
• “La St-Léon sur Vézère” is a 19km journey from one of the most beautiful French villages: Saint Léon sur Vézère.
• Finally, for the bravest/short, discover the course of the "3 castles", 26km long. Here you'll have to count about 5 hours. But you will not regret it: typical villages, cliffs, troglodytic sites... It is a memorable moment that awaits you, be sure!

Canoe-kayak on Isle

Did you hear about the “gold glitter river”? It is in fact the Isle that it is. This river is composed of gorges upstream, towards Jumilhac, crossing Périgueux, and then calms down, when it meets the Auvézère.

If you want to make canoe-kayak in Dordogne, the descent of the banks of the Isle, where the mills and picturesque villages follow, is a moment of pure happiness guaranteed.

5. Montpon-Menesterol

Several bases offer boat rentals, ranging from rental to time to full day. Here too, different courses are offered, in order to best match your expectations.

Ideal to start, you have the opportunity to rent a canoe for 1 hour and stay around the base. Otherwise, opt for the 4km route of the "Pont Cassé", the " Moulin du Duella" which makes 9km, the " Fournils" of 14km or finally the "Chapter St Martin" that descends over 20km. Whatever your choice, you will spend a pleasant day on the water, by the rapids, on the banks of the Isle.

Canoe-kayak on the Dronne

To make canoe-kayak in Dordogne, visit the Dronne. This river will make you discover all along, several castles like Saint-Front, Pommier , Vaugoubert, or Bourdeilles, but also pretty authentic villages like Brantôme or Bourdeilles.

6. Fontaine d’Amour

From Fountains d’amours, two courses are offered to you. A short, 2 hours for about 8 km, which will take you to the base of Brantôme. This route with a "toboggan" and playful, easy and pleasant. But if you prefer, you can continue to Bourdeilles for the 18km course. Here you will find 4h30 dams, rapids and slides, in the middle of the castles and mills of the region.

Canoe-kayak on the

Are you amateur/lovers and are you looking for a canoe-kayak in Dordogne? This is where it happens! Indeed, this river alternates bright waters and calm waters, to seduce along its course, all profiles and all levels.

7. Cherveix Cubas

Here, three courses are offered to meet every desire: 1h, 3h or 4h30. You will discover beautiful landscapes along the river valley. Depending on the course you will go from Cherveix-Cubas, with the possibility of going back to Guimalet or Cubas. The 3h course will bring you to Tourtoirac and 4h30, in St Eulalie d’Ans.

8. Cubjac

To make canoe-kayak in Dordogne, Camping de l’Ilot is a good solution. Here, 2 routes are announced: the small 6km with a start in Ste Eulalie d’Ans, and the great 10km route from St Pantaly d’Ans. During this descent you will evolve into a rural environment, where meadows, fields, woods, mills, castles and perigord properties will succeed.

Rates and practical information

Rates

What are the prices for canoeing in Dordogne? Here is an idea of the prices practiced: The rates range from 5 to 30€, depending on the duration of the course.

• 5km : about 5€ per person
• 10km : around 15€ per person
• 15 km : around 20€ per person
• Waterproof handle : 2€

Practical information

• Reservation : you can easily book the activity on the website of kayak canoeing bases in Dordogne.
• Equipment : plan a bathing suit, closed shoes, water, a cap, sun cream and sunglasses.
• Accessibility : there are courses adapted to all levels and for all ages, but most often all courses are accessible to beginners. This may vary depending on the amount of rain also fallen.
• If you have never practiced canoe, that you are not sporty/sportive, start gently with short distances! Do not hesitate to call them centres to have more information on the routes.