Do you dream of discovering the Dordogne River by canoe? But with its 483 km length and 6 departments crossed, knowing where to start can be a real puzzle! We guide you through the particularities of the most beautiful sections.
From Argentat to Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne : navigate in Corrèze
Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy starting from Argentat-sur-Dordogne or its surroundings, such as Monceaux. The Corrèze region, and therefore the upper reaches of the Dordogne , offers particularly lush green landscapes. This is the least frequented part of the river.
This descent also offers some thrills with two rapids . The Malpas rapid is located between Argentat and Monceaux. For those who prefer to avoid it, starting from Monceaux is the better option. Only the Battut rapid remains to be navigated, which is easier than the Malpas.
To conclude this adventure in the heart of nature, you will arrive at the foot of the village of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”. Beaulieu is a small haven of peace where you can spend the rest of the day or even an evening.
Discover the routes offered by Safaraid on the Dordogne between Argentat and Beaulieu
Between Vayrac and Souillac, the most beautiful canoe trip on the Dordogne… in the Lot
Once you've passed Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne , you'll arrive in the Lot region, where cliffs and castles line the banks. With architecture and landscapes typical of this area, it's our favorite route!
If you paddle from Vayrac to St-Sozy, you can admire numerous cliffs , including the Copeyre viewpoint and the Gluges cliffs with their beach right opposite, perfect for a well-deserved picnic. You'll catch glimpses of the hidden Château de Mirandol and other elegant townhouses around a bend in the river. At the end of your descent, upon arriving in St-Sozy, you can explore the village center with its square and small church while waiting for the bus back to Vayrac. The Mijoteurs shop just across the river is also a great place toallier relaxation with a delicious treat.
If you're traveling from St-Sozy to Souillac, you can't miss the three castles along this scenic route. There's Belcastel Castle near the Lacave caves, Treyne Castle with its Relais & Châteaux hotel, and Lanzac Castle.
The added bonus? Near Lacave, you can even take your boat into a small cave – a truly refreshing experience during your trip.
To enjoy the cliffs and castles and feel like you're alone on the water, we recommend renting a kayak or canoe from Vayrac to St-Sozy. The further downstream you choose a route, the busier the Dordogne will be. Therefore, we recommend choosing a descent between Vayrac and Souillac if you want peace and quiet and castles during your canoe or kayak trip.
Further down the river, in the Dordogne, you will also find magnificent villages and castles, but the river will be much busier there.
Discover the Périgord and Dordogne by canoe or kayak
If you'd like to paddle down the stretch of the river past Souillac, you can choose a rental boat from charming villages like La Roque-Gageac, Vitrac, or Beynac. The scenery from your canoe or kayak is varied and breathtaking ! You'll encounter the cliffs and castles of the Lot region, along with some charming villages.
Combine Corrèze, Lot and Dordogne during a canoe-kayak trip
If choosing your route is too complicated, why not opt for a canoe-kayak trip on the Dordogne ? From 2 to 7 days, you can embark on a multi-day trip to discover the Corrèze, Lot, and Dordogne. Whether you prefer an adventurous, bivouac-style experience or a more comfortable one with camping and luggage transport, Safaraid offers a tailor-made package to suit all your nature-based holiday desires.
