You are planning a stay in Périgord, it is unthinkable not to go down in a canoe! It’s the perfect family activity for memorable memories.
Canoeing is the flagship activity of the Dordogne.
If you don't have children, a trip down the river with friends is fun too.
Many canoe rental companies offer varied tours, which suit everyone. Yes, of course, the river always remains the same, although… Vézère vs Dordogne? We'll come back to that later! However, the type of descent is adapted to each visitor: for you, will it be a stroll to discover the heritage or a quiet activity in the heart of nature? We guide you…
Castle lovers will favor the upper part of the Vézère river. Departing from Montignac–Lascaux, you can sail under the castles of Belcayre or Losse.
By renting a canoe in Saint-Léon sur Vézère, you go down the Vézère towards the troglodyte sites. THE cliffs of Roque Saint-Christophe or La Madeleine are even more impressive when seen from the boat.
And for lovers of tranquility, the Campagne–le Bugue route can be booked now!
Book a descent on the Dordogne or Vézère?
Why choose a descent on the Dordogne? For the view of the castles of Beynac and Castelnaud: the Vitrac–Saint Vincent de Cosse section is preferred. Be careful, you share the river with the barges, be vigilant and respect the safety instructions given at the start.
Why choose a descent on the Vézère? For calm, landscapes and natural sites. We have already mentioned the Renaissance style castles at the top of the route, the troglodyte sites in the middle of the valley, the tranquility of a route departing from Campagne, do you need other arguments? Let's go!
The Vézère by canoe is easy
Good to know
The legal age for a canoe trip is 5 years old.
If you are a thrill-seeker, we have other activities to offer you: activities section. For everyone else, those looking for peaceful paddling for a rejuvenating holiday in the Dordogne, welcome to our region!
Enjoy the harmonious landscapes and limestone cliffs where numerous caves nestle. The Vézère river does not have no dam on the section between Montignac-Lascaux and Limeuil, there is no no strong current and no banine. Your canoe is in no risk of overturning and your children are safe.
Admiring the flora and fauna on a canoe, royal, right?
The Vézère valley is classified as a “Grand Site de France” and local stakeholders are committed to preserving this environment and the lush nature that surrounds it. Canoe rental companies contribute to this collective effort through concrete actions such as collecting waste on a daily basis or cleaning the Vézère once a year.
Some providers are eco-chartered, you will find the logo on their dedicated sheet.
Discovering the Vézère valley by canoe means having the chance toobserve aquatic buttercups closer, to admire dragonflies which fly above the river and sometimes pass in front of much more massive animals. You may come across horses coming to water on the banks. Discover theAtlas of the biodiversity of the Vézère Valley to learn more about the preserved nature that surrounds us.
Canoe or Kayak?
The choice turns out to be difficult when you don't know the difference between the two boats. Our canoe rental companies ( including a champion ! ) will be happy to advise you.
For a family descent, choose the canoe, more stable, it can accommodate up to 5 people in the boat.
For a challenge between friends, each take your kayak (more streamlined) and race to your arrival base. Don't forget to look up to admire the Périgord all the same! By trying to cross the finish line too quickly, you could miss the village of Madeleine in Tursac, the villages of Eyzies, Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère or the Fortified House of Reignac, a unique cliff castle.
Pure moment of pleasure
Regardless of the route and type of boat chosen, you will be amazed.
And arms full too!
Let's not forget that it remains an (Olympic) sport!
You go canoeing for the first time ?
We advise you to test the activity on a 1 hour course. Canoe rental companies will offer you easy routes for this duration. For information, we always go down the river, we will never offer you a circuit that goes uphill.
Are you a canoe enthusiast?
Accommodation tip: you can leave from camping The Rocher de la Granelle in Bugue or else Le Paradis campsite in Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, small sessions are organized for customers because the campsites have direct access to water.
Some canoe providers also offer “ hiking + canoeing » for a more intense sporting day. Contact them!
All the canoe providers are here:
A paddle and good shoes, that's all!
Are you independent? You can go up the river via the greenway over part of the valley, then go back down the river by canoe. A Le Bugue – Les Eyzies circuit can be done in one day without any problem. Of the New Aquitaine bus serve the area in the summer if the altitude of the Dordogne is underestimated. ?
Canoeing at night, so nice!
Under the “Active Summer” program the department offers nighttime canoeing sessions. Discover the summer program to reserve your ticket.
If you would like more information on the canoes, prices, equipment used, do not hesitate to consult our Canoe kayak section.
