Castles & Canoeing in France – Focus on the Loire and Dordogne

Canoeing the Loire : Love, Loire and Beauty!

The Loire , majestic and wild, is undoubtedly the royal river par excellence. Its calm waters (half of which come from the Allier ) and its varied landscapes make it a privileged place for canoeing and touring .

But above all, it is the presence of iconic castles that attracts visitors from all over the world.

The castles between Cavereau and Saumur

For a successful canoe trip, we recommend starting from Cavereau (upstream from Blois) and paddling to Amboise, Tours, or Saumur. This section of the Loire offers magnificent scenery and breathtaking views of the castles from your canoe .

We have listed here the castles open to the public and easily accessible during your canoe trip (a few others dot the landscape but are private). Here they are, in the order of your descent of the Loire :

• Château de Blois : a royal residence, built within the city, currently opposite the Maison de la Magie (House of Magic). With its three façades, and three kings having left their mark and blended architectural styles, this château bears witness to the evolution of French royalty over the centuries.
• Chaumont-sur Loire and its gardens are built on the hillside overlooking the river. The medieval keep was transformed into an aristocratic residence in the 19th century, and the entrance is via the drawbridge. A unique experience awaits those who take the time to stop for a visit.
  Note: a fantastic Garden Festival takes place between April and October.
• Amboise , an emblem of the Renaissance, offers a prime vantage point overlooking the Loire , with its imposing fortress perched above the river. Its history is linked to Leonardo da Vinci and to the death of Charles VIII following a violent impact on one of its door lintels.
• Tours , a little-known castle, is a medieval residence. Other nice places to visit in the city: the cathedral, the basilica, and Place Plumereau.
• Langeais royal fortification somewhat entrenched in the town, entrance via the drawbridge.
• Montsoreau , a private castle with its feet in the water at the confluence of Vienne and Loire , now houses a museum of contemporary art.
• Saumur , a medieval dwelling steeped in the equestrian culture of the Cadre Noir of Saumur and the Dukes of Anjou.

Map & Tips for viewing these castles from your canoe

Multi-day canoe trip

The ideal way to take your time on the water and visit these castles on the Loire is to go on a multi-day canoe trip .

La meilleure période pour naviguer se situe entre mai et septembre, lorsque le niveau de l’eau est optimal et les températures agréables.

Day trip downhill

Prefer a day trip? The route between Blois and Chaumont-sur- Loire will allow you to admire these two castles from your canoe. Allow 5.5 to 7.5 hours on the water.

👍 And also after your descent

And of course, don't hesitate to visit Chambord with its unique Renaissance architecture and French-style gardens. Just 4 kilometers from the river, this château isn't visible from your canoe, but it's worth exploring before or after your trip.

The Cher: a charming tributary of the Loire

A tributary of the Loire , the Cher is a more frequented river in summer but remains peaceful in the off-season. It is ideal for a family canoe trip.

In summer, there is little current because the needle dams are raised: you can therefore pass by canoe under the Château de Chenonceau !

You can also pass by the Château de Villandry , famous for its French-style gardens. It's a must-see in the region. To get there, simply follow the Cher River for a few kilometers from its confluence with the Loire , allowing you to admire this Renaissance gem from a new perspective.

The Dordogne : an epic medieval adventure!

The Dordogne , with its calm waters, its rapids, and its rugged landscapes, offers a slightly more sporty canoeing experience than the Loire . It is also a region rich in history, with numerous castles and medieval villages.

To see as many castles as possible, we recommend starting in Beaulieu and heading to Beynac on a 6-day canoe trip. This section of the Dordogne offers spectacular views of the castles around every bend, which you can admire from your canoe.

Castles to discover on the Dordogne during your canoe trip between Beaulieu and Beynac

Castelnau Castle

• Location: Located in the commune of Prudhomat, in the Lot, the castle overlooks the Dordogne from its rocky promontory.
• History: Founded in the 12th century by the Castelnau family, the castle has evolved over the centuries. It withstood attacks during the Hundred Years' War and was transformed into a more comfortable residence in the 17th century. After a fire in 1851, it was restored by Jean Mouliérat, an opera singer, who donated it to the State in 1932.
• Architecture: The castle features medieval military architecture with a triangular plan, nine round towers, a 30-meter-high keep, and a 15th-century artillery tower. The red stone materials give it a distinctive hue.
• Visit: The castle is open to the public and offers guided tours. Visitors can explore the furnished apartments, admire the art collections, and enjoy the panoramic views from the ramparts.

Mirandol Castle

• Location: Located in the commune of Martel, in the Lot department.
• History & Architecture: Public information about Mirandol Castle is limited. It can be seen halfway along the trail, perched atop a high cliff. In summer, be observant as it can be partially obscured by foliage.
• Visit: As the castle is private property, it is not open to public visits.

Belcastel

• Location: Located in the commune of Lacave, in the Lot department.
• History & Architecture: The castle is mentioned as early as 930, built by Adhémar de Turenne. It features an 11th-century keep, a 13th-century residence, and a separate chapel.
• Visit: The castle is private property and is not open to the public.

La Treyne

• Location: Perched above the Dordogne , in the commune of Lacave.
• History: Dating from 1342, the castle was restored in the 17th century.
• Architecture: It is distinguished by a square keep, a round tower and Renaissance style elements.
• Visit: Transformed into a luxury hotel affiliated with Relais & Châteaux, the château also boasts a Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant. Visitors can stay on-site or enjoy the restaurant with its terrace overlooking the river.

Lanzac

• Location: Located in the commune of Lanzac, near Souillac, in the Lot.
• History & Architecture: Information available on this castle is limited. It is probably privately owned.
• Visit: As the castle is presumably a private residence, it is not open to the public.

Château Veyrignac 

• Location: Situated in the commune of Veyrignac, in Dordogne , overlooking the Dordogne .
• History & Architecture: Renaissance-style castle with French-style gardens.
• Visit: The castle is private property and is not open to public visits.

Montfort

• Location: Located in the commune of Vitrac, in Dordogne , the castle overlooks a bend in the Dordogne .
• History & Architecture: The castle has a turbulent history, having been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. It features medieval architecture with additions from different periods.
• Visit: The castle is private property and is not open to the public. However, it is visible from the surrounding area, particularly from the river.

La Roque-Gageac

• Location: Situated in the picturesque village of La Roque-Gageac, in Dordogne , on the banks of the Dordogne .
• History & Architecture: The village is known for its troglodyte dwellings and its fort built into the cliff. The castle, integrated into the village, features architecture typical of the region.
• Visit: The castle is privately owned and not open to the public. However, the village of La Roque-Gageac, listed among the most beautiful villages in France, is well worth a visit for its exceptional setting.

Castelnaud

• Location: Municipality of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, overlooking the Dordogne , opposite the castle of Beynac.
• History: Built in the 12th century, Castelnaud Castle was a major strategic point during the Hundred Years' War, changing hands between the English and the French. It was restored in the 20th century after having fallen into ruin.
• Architecture: The castle features medieval architecture with a 13th-century square keep, a barbican, a 15th-century artillery tower, and ramparts offering panoramic views over the Dordogne . Its imposing fortress, dominating the valley, bears witness to the conflicts that have marked the region.
• Visit: Open to the public, the castle houses the Museum of Warfare in the Middle Ages, a must-see. It displays a collection of weapons and siege engines. Guided tours, medieval reenactments, and interactive exhibits are offered.

Fayrac

• Location: Situated in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, on the banks of the Dordogne , between the castles of Castelnaud and Beynac.
• History: Dating from the 13th century, Fayrac Castle served as a lookout post during the Hundred Years' War. It belonged to the Caumont family and was used as a watchtower for Castelnaud Castle.
• Architecture: The castle features medieval architecture with two 15th-century round towers, mullioned windows, and a chapel.
• Visit: The castle is private property and is not open to the public. However, it can be seen from the surrounding area, particularly during walks or hot air balloon flights.

Beynac

• Location: Commune of Beynac-et-Cazenac, overlooking the Dordogne on a steep cliff.
• History: Built in the 12th century, Beynac Castle was a French stronghold during the Hundred Years' War, facing Castelnaud Castle, held by the English. It was restored in the 20th century after a period of neglect.
• Architecture: The castle features medieval architecture with a Romanesque keep, ramparts, towers and a chapel. It offers breathtaking views over the Dordogne .
• Visit: Open to the public, the castle offers guided tours allowing visitors to discover its history, architecture and collections.

Map & Tips for viewing castles from the Dordogne

Multi-day canoe trip

The best time for a canoe & castle trip on the Dordogne is June or early September , to avoid the tourist crowds on the lower part of the river.

Castles… and beautiful villages

Canoeing down the Dordogne is an adventure to be experienced, combining thrills and cultural discoveries. Depending on the route, you may pass by the villages of La Roque-Gageac and Domme , ranked among the most beautiful in France , which offer excellent stopping points.

In the surrounding area, be sure to also visit:

• Limeuil , at the confluence with the Vézère , is a sanctuary of Viking invasions and the Hundred Years' War. A former port with intense commercial activity, the medieval village with its typical Périgord Noir houses is a getaway not to be missed.
• Les Milandes , the former home of Josephine Baker, offers a different perspective on the history of the Dordogne . Its gardens and birds of prey shows will delight the whole family.
• The Cingle de Montfort , a loop of the Dordogne , almost closed, surrounded by steep cliffs and overlooked by a castle.

Full-day canoe trip – ❤️ Our favorite at Canoë Safaraid

THE THREE CASTLES
between St Sozy and Souillac Open in July and August , this route, accessible to all, will take you past the 3 castles of: Belcastel, La Treyne and Lanzac

A journey out of time awaits you…

Taking the time to discover the castles of France from a river offers a timeless escape, far from the tourist crowds of major sites. Canoeing then becomes much more than a simple leisure activity: a way to travel differently , closer to nature and history.

So, ready to embark? Don't wait any longer to experience this unique adventure on the water.

Canoë France rental centers : Loire Kayak , Safaraid Dordogne