Dordogne

Length: 483 km
Source: Puy de Sancy (63)
Estuary: Dordogne

A peculiarity of the Dordogne

River or stream? Two factors support the theory that it's a river: The Dordogne shares an estuary with the Garonne, and during high tides, a tidal bore (a wave) forms and travels upstream for nearly 30 km. The Dordogne is the only river in France whose entire basin has been designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

Designated a "Land of Art and History" in its Lot region and a "biosphere reserve" by UNESCO in 2012, the Dordogne offers the perfect blend of nature and heritage for a canoe trip. It boasts routes of up to 120km, representing a 7-day excursion. It is suitable for beginners as well as experienced paddlers.

Canoeing on the Dordogne through Corrèze, Lot and Dordogne

Cliffs, villages, and castles will punctuate your journey through three departments: Corrèze, Lot, and Dordogne. You can visit villages like Beaulieu-sur- Dordogne, Carennac, Rocamadour, Martel, Souillac, and La Roque-Gageac, where you can also stock up on supplies. Perched atop cliffs, the castles of Belcastel, La Treyne, and Montfort will take your breath away. And don't forget the rich wildlife: grey herons, kingfishers, otters, trout, birds of prey, and more.

River Dordogne has been a source of food and wealth since time immemorial. Initially, it was used for fishing (with a fishing license, you can hunt your dinner!), then for the construction of mills, and later for transporting goods on flat-bottomed boats called gabares. Thanks to the high quality of its waters, you can enjoy swimming. Its beautiful pebble beaches also offer lovely spots for picnics or relaxation, as well as a great place to camp.
"However, beware of encountering the terrifying Coulobre, a giant (and thankfully mythical!) serpent of the Dordogne that used to make the gabare boatmen disappear!"

An ideal river for a canoe trip with family or friends

In short, as you've probably gathered, the Dordogne offers an exceptional and unspoiled setting, the ideal place to enjoy a unique experience and create unforgettable memories with family or friends. A canoe trip promises a complete change of scenery amidst lush, wild nature stretching as far as the eye can see. So, whether for a weekend or an holiday in the heart of nature, try the adventure of canoeing and kayaking.

A nature stay camping or wild bivouacking

Camp along the entire route, either wild camping or in a campsite.
Immerse yourself in nature, structuring your stay around the water, alternating between swimming and relaxing on pebble beaches.