All You Need to Know About Canoeing in Dordogne
Canoeing in Dordogne is one of the most unforgettable experiences in southwest France. The Dordogne River winds through a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offering calm waters, stunning landscapes, and endless opportunities to explore castles, medieval villages, and hidden beaches along the way. Whether you’re a family looking for a relaxed half-day paddle or an adventurer planning a multi-day river journey, canoeing in Dordogne is the perfect mix of nature, culture, and fun.
And if you’re looking for a place to stay nearby, La Perle de Domme offers a selection of charming holiday apartments in Dordogne, making it an ideal base for your river adventure.
Summary
- Getting Ready For Your Canoeing Trip
- When to Canoe in Dordogne?
- Practical Tips and Safety for Canoeing in Dordogne
- What Type of Canoeist Are You?
- Beginners
- Experienced
- Easy-Goers
- Daredevils
- Canoeing Rental Companies in Dordogne
- Explore Charming Dordogne Villages by Canoe
- Saint Vincent de Cosse
- La Roque Gageac
- Circuit des Châteaux
- Other Villages To Visit While Canoeing in Dordogne
- More Activities To Do in the Dordogne
- Where to Stay in the Dordogne?
Getting Ready For Your Canoeing Trip
The waters of Dordogne are suitable for canoeists of all skill levels. However, you must still prepare for your canoeing adventure to ensure you have the safest and most enjoyable experience possible. So, here’s a quick rundown of how to prepare for your Dordogne canoeing adventure.
When to Canoe in Dordogne?
The best time for a Dordogne canoe trip is during the summer months, which are between May and September in France. These months bring warm temperatures and lots of sunshine, making it ideal for exploring the river and the different villages in Dordogne on a canoe.
That said, the weather can vary, so make sure to check the weather forecast before planning your trip to ensure you don’t encounter a rainy day (if that’s something you’d like to avoid during your trip).
Practical Tips and Safety for Canoeing in Dordogne
While the Dordogne waters are relatively calm and safe to canoe in, there are still some inherent risks associated with canoeing. So, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind before you embark on your canoeing adventure.
- Always wear a life jacket
- Know the route and the possible hazards
- Check the weather and river conditions
- Stay hydrated and sun-protected
- Maintain distance from other watercraft
- Carry essential safety gear
- Paddle with a partner or group
- Respect the wildlife and the local habitat
- Don’t consume alcohol before canoeing
- Have a plan for emergencies
What Type of Canoeist Are You?
Dordogne waters are good for canoeists of all levels, and in general, you won’t have to deal with strong currents and unpredictable waters when canoeing in this part of France.
However, it’s always best to understand your canoeing preferences and realistic skill level. That way, you can gauge if the Dordogne waters are the right pick for the type of canoe trip you’re looking for. So, here are the different types of canoeists who would typically enjoy the Dordogne waters.
Beginners
Beginners are canoeists who are in the process of learning all paddling techniques and safety practices, and are new to the canoeing world. Novices would enjoy the Dordogne waters as they are calm and welcoming, making it a great place to learn the sport.
Experienced
Seasoned canoeists with advanced paddling abilities and extensive knowledge of river navigation will enjoy their time in Dordogne. Instead of opting for the calmest areas of the river, experienced canoeists can explore everything Dordogne has to offer, providing them with a thrilling variety of canoeing experiences.
Easy-Goers
If you’re an experienced canoeist looking for a relaxed trip through the river, Dordogne offers various easy-going routes for you. There are areas with limestone cliffs, steady but calm currents, and wide areas making it a beautiful place to go sightseeing.
Daredevils
If you are seeking nothing but an adrenaline-pumping and thrilling adventure, Dordogne definitely has what you are after. If you start your trip at Argentat, the waters there will typically be faster and stronger, offering a more adventurous experience. It’s also a fairly long river, so if you’re looking for a long canoeing trip with various sights, this is also a great pick.
Canoeing Rental Companies in Dordogne
Now that you have identified your level of canoeist and know the main considerations to enjoy your adventure safely, here is a short list of canoeing rental companies in Dordogne that have a wide range of routes for all levels.
Canoës Loisirs
Web: www.canoes-loisirs.com
Contact: +33 05 282343 | contact@canoes-loisirs.com
Address: Le Brat, 24250 Domme
Prices: From 22€ per adult and 13€ for kid from 5-10 years old
Canoe Dordogne
Web: www.canoerandodordogne.com
Contact: +33 05 53 28 22 01
Address: 2 chemin des pêcheurs 24250 Domme
Prices: From 18€ per adult and 12.50€ for kid from 5-10 years old
Canoës Butterfly
Web: www.canoes-butterfly.fr
Contact: +33 (0) 5 53 30 41 21 | contact@canoes-butterfly.fr
Address: Le Pont du Pech 24250 Castelnaud la Chapelle
Prices: From 19€ per adult
Canoë Vacances
Web: www.canoevacances.com
Contact: +33 (0)5 53 28 17 07 | contact@canoevacances.com
Address: Lespinasse 24250 La Roque Gageac; Dordogne
Prices: From 18€ per adult
Canoë & Kayak Safaraid Dordogne
Web: www.canoe-kayak-dordogne.com
Contact: +33 05 65 37 44 87 | contact@safaraid.com
Address: Base de Loisirs des Granges 46110 VAYRAC, France
Prices: From 23€ per adult and 18€ for kid under 12 years old
- Ask at La Perle de Domme’s reception desk about exclusive discounts on canoeing experiences with Canoë & Kayak Safaraid Dordogne.
NOTE: Prices are referential; they may vary according to the itinerary you choose and the number of people who will get into the canoe. Contact your preferred Canoeing Rental Company for more information.
Explore Charming Dordogne Villages by Canoe
Here are a few great routes you can take via canoe in Dordogne.
Saint Vincent de Cosse
Experience a peaceful journey while you canoe the Dordogne River, passing by lush landscapes and charming villages, with opportunities for leisurely exploration and wildlife spotting.
La Roque Gageac
Glide through stunning scenery while you canoe the Dordogne River, flanked by towering cliffs and historic buildings. If you plan to canoe with family in Dordogne, here, you’ll also come across many breathtaking stops, which are great for sightseeing or picnics.
Circuit des Châteaux
Embark on an unforgettable adventure, paddling through a scenic circuit that winds past magnificent castles and châteaux, offering a unique perspective on the rich history and architectural heritage of the Dordogne Valley.
Other Villages To Visit While Canoeing in Dordogne
While the villages mentioned above are the most popular, there are other villages from Domme you can pass when canoeing in Dordogne.
Beynac-et-Cazenac boasts over 100 well-preserved castles, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is renowned for the scenic confluence of the Dordogne and Céou rivers, Limeuil offers stunning panoramic gardens, Bergerac has been honored as the City of Art and History since 1985, and Domme features architectural treasures including imposing walls and the Porte des Tours.
Undoubtedly, countless beautiful villages in the Dordogne are teeming with culture, history, and charm, awaiting discovery along the river’s banks.
Stay in Style at La Perle de Domme.
Escape to the Dordogne and stay at our holiday apartments in Domme.
More Activities To Do in the Dordogne
While canoeing and kayaking are great activities for adventurers, that isn’t all that Dordogne has to offer. If a Dordogne canoe trip down the river isn’t something you’re looking for, here are some other activities to try out in the area.
Previously, we’ve written about Top 10 Things to do in Domme, Dordogne where you can find our best recommendations to make the most out of your time in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, and of course, you can’t miss visiting La Grotte de Domme, which is one of the major attractions of this beautiful medieval place.
We encourage you to keep checking La Perle de Domme Travel Guide & Blog regularly for more information on traditional markets, charming villages, and more entertaining activities to make your trip a memorable experience.
Where to Stay in the Dordogne?
If you’re looking for holiday apartments in Dordogne to stay in when you visit the valley, we have just the right options for you. At La Perle de Domme, we offer wonderful designer apartments for Domme visitors where they can relax after a long day of exploring the valley. La Perle de Domme team hopes to be part of your journey to Domme and welcome you soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Dordogne is an excellent choice for beginners and families. Its calm waters and gentle currents provide a safe and relaxing environment for paddling, with many short routes designed for easy navigation.
The ideal time for a canoeing trip is from May to September. These months offer the best weather with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, making for a perfect day on the water.
You can choose from a range of trip lengths, from a relaxing half-day paddle to a full-day adventure. Multi-day trips are also available for those who want to explore more of the river.
Yes, the Dordogne River offers a unique perspective on the region’s famous castles. The “Circuit des Châteaux” route allows you to paddle directly past stunning fortresses like Château de Beynac and Château de Castelnaud.