Canoeing on the Dordogne

Safe, undemanding canoeing holiday on the most celebrated river in France.

Canoeing on the Dordogne

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Trip Fee

$ 2.255

Single Room Difference

$ 588

Date

30 August - 07 September 2025

Trip Information

This canoeing holiday offers a leisurely way to explore one of France's most interesting waterways. The Dordogne River runs alongside glorious golden-pink limestone cliffs and passes the walnut groves and truffle woods of the Perigord; an area rich in history and striking views. The canoeing is safe, not demanding, and we give you a lesson on handling your canoe before you set off. There are no major weirs to carry your canoe round, and the flow of the water does much of the work for you, so you can travel downstream looking out for imposing and magnificent chateaux, mediaeval villages and prehistoric sites including the Grottes de Lacave. There are plenty of diversions away from the river too; from Carennac visit the Gouffre de Padirac, or, from Meyronne, head out to Martel, the medieval 'town of seven towers'. The local gourmet markets are also a great way to experience Dordogne culture and taste amazing produce such as duck, goose, walnuts and cheeses. We have chosen lovely, friendly hotels throughout, all with their own swimming pools. These include a converted 11th century chateau, a 4 star Villa that sits on the ancient site of a vast Gallo-Roman farm and a family run inn on the banks of the Dordogne. NB: All customers must be able to swim at least 50m fully clothed. We provide 2/3 person canoes (minimum age 8 years). Single-person kayaks are also available if specified when you book. Only suitable for children over 12 unless experienced. Should the river, at any point, be deemed too high to safely canoe, we will provide Headwater bikes at no extra charge for all days affected.

Activity Areas

Family
Foodie Holidays
Kayaking & Canoeing
Mixed-Activity
Mixed-Activity
New Mixed-Activity Holidays

Region & Country & City

Europe: Dordogne, France

Included in the Price

— All continental breakfasts and 2 evening meals — Canadian canoes or sit-on-top kayaks — Buoyancy aid and canoeing helmet — Luggage transfers between hotels

Not Included In The Price

— Visas and vaccinations — Travel insurance — Single supplements

Accommodation Information

— 8 Nights, hotel-to-hotel — 4 Days canoeing — Luggage transfers between hotels — Canadian canoes or sit-on kayaks included — Buoyancy aid and canoeing helmet provided — Option to hire bikes for 'rest days'

Map

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Rocamadour

Our family run 3 star hotel is set within its own parkland just outside Rocamadour's ancient town walls. Wander round the town's medieval alleyways before dinner, which is included. You stay at the Hotel Les Esclargies (breakfast included)

Day 2 Rocamadour to Carennac

After breakfast, we take you upstream to the small hamlet of Thezel, just south of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne for the briefing and canoeing lesson. Then it's an easy paddle down to Carennac. This is one of the Dordogne's most picturesque villages, with lovely 16th century houses. Our hotel, with outdoor pool, is right in the heart of the village, overlooking the river. (Staying at Hostellerie Fenelon)

Day 3 At Carennac

A fairytale village with a jumble of cottages and 16th century turreted manor houses along with the remains of the ramparts and the once-magnificent priory. Fenelon, still celebrated as the village's most famous son, was the very popular bishop here in 1681, and a local aperitif is named after him! It's fun exploring the narrow streets and alleyways and walks around the village, and on the causse, provide some of the very best views of the Dordogne. To explore further afield, you might like to hire a bike (request at time of booking) or take a taxi and visit the Gouffre de Padirac (9km away, via an uphill route), one of the region's important spectacles where you'll find amazing caverns, huge galleries, and a boat trip on the underwater lake. (Staying at Hostellerie Fenelon)

Day 4 Carennac to Meyronne

On the first part of the journey you pass below massive cliffs, paddling past four impressive riverside chateaux before arriving at Meyronne and our spectacular 11th century chateau hotel. (Staying at Hotel La Terrasse)

Day 5 At Meyronne

Why not relax at the hotel's pool, or visit the south of the river, by the Rochers Sainte-Marie and the Grotte de Lacave? Rocamadour (only a 15km taxi ride away, or use our cycling and walking route notes), together with the Mont St-Michel, is France's most venerated religious site. Kings once climbed the steps to the basilica on their knees, sailors prayed to the Black Madonna when in peril and the bell of her chapel rang each time she rescued another ship. The chapel is full of little model ships presented in gratitude. (Staying at Hotel La Terrasse)

Day 6 Meyronne to Souillac

Today is an easy paddle, with lots of interesting things to see along the river, including some beautiful riverside chateaux (look out for Belcastel and the impressive Chateau de la Treyne in particular). (Staying at La Vieille Auberge)

Day 7 At Souillac

The prosperous farming country around Souillac was created from marshland by industrious 12th to 13th century Benedictine monks. Of the powerful abbey they built, just the abbey church remains, with outstanding bas-relief sculpture. Today Souillac is a bustling town, with good shops and a weekly local market. Visit the Musee de l'Automate, the largest collection of mechanical toys and dolls in France. (Staying at La Vieille Auberge)

Day 8 Souillac to Sarlat

Today it's relaxed canoeing down to Grolejac via St-Julien (a lovely village and a good lunch stop) through the heart of peaceful and prosperous Perigord countryside, with lots of time for swimming or lazing by the river. We pick you up from here and take you to your hotel. Explore Sarlat's stunning Old Town with its beautiful jumble of varying architectural styles. (Staying at Hotel Le Renoir)

Day 9 Leave Sarlat

The tour ends after breakfast in Carsac- Aillac.

Travel Dates

30 August - 07 September 2025 $ 2.255

31 August - 08 September 2025 $ 2.255

01 - 09 September 2025 $ 2.150

02 - 10 September 2025 $ 2.150

03 - 11 September 2025 $ 2.150

04 - 12 September 2025 $ 2.150

05 - 13 September 2025 $ 2.150

06 - 14 September 2025 $ 2.150

07 - 15 September 2025 $ 2.150

08 - 16 September 2025 $ 2.150

09 - 17 September 2025 $ 2.150

10 - 18 September 2025 $ 2.150

11 - 19 September 2025 $ 2.150

12 - 20 September 2025 $ 2.150

13 - 21 September 2025 $ 2.150

14 - 22 September 2025 $ 2.150

15 - 23 September 2025 $ 2.150

16 - 24 September 2025 $ 2.150

17 - 25 September 2025 $ 2.150

18 - 26 September 2025 $ 2.150

19 - 27 September 2025 $ 2.150

20 - 28 September 2025 $ 2.150

21 - 29 September 2025 $ 2.150

22 - 30 September 2025 $ 2.150

23 September - 01 October 2025 $ 2.150

24 September - 02 October 2025 $ 2.150

25 September - 03 October 2025 $ 2.150

26 September - 04 October 2025 $ 2.150

27 September - 05 October 2025 $ 2.150

28 September - 06 October 2025 $ 2.150

29 September - 07 October 2025 $ 2.150

30 September - 08 October 2025 $ 2.150

01 - 09 June 2026 $ 2.240

02 - 10 June 2026 $ 2.240

03 - 11 June 2026 $ 2.240

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27 June - 05 July 2026 $ 2.240

28 June - 06 July 2026 $ 2.240

29 June - 07 July 2026 $ 2.240

30 June - 08 July 2026 $ 2.240

01 - 09 July 2026 $ 2.345

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03 - 11 July 2026 $ 2.345

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20 - 28 July 2026 $ 2.345

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24 July - 01 August 2026 $ 2.345

25 July - 02 August 2026 $ 2.345

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27 July - 04 August 2026 $ 2.345

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29 July - 06 August 2026 $ 2.345

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31 July - 08 August 2026 $ 2.345

01 - 09 August 2026 $ 2.345

02 - 10 August 2026 $ 2.345

03 - 11 August 2026 $ 2.345

04 - 12 August 2026 $ 2.345

05 - 13 August 2026 $ 2.345

06 - 14 August 2026 $ 2.345

07 - 15 August 2026 $ 2.345

08 - 16 August 2026 $ 2.345

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11 - 19 August 2026 $ 2.345

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15 - 23 August 2026 $ 2.345

16 - 24 August 2026 $ 2.345

17 - 25 August 2026 $ 2.345

18 - 26 August 2026 $ 2.345

19 - 27 August 2026 $ 2.345

20 - 28 August 2026 $ 2.345

21 - 29 August 2026 $ 2.345

22 - 30 August 2026 $ 2.345

23 - 31 August 2026 $ 2.345

24 August - 01 September 2026 $ 2.345

25 August - 02 September 2026 $ 2.345

26 August - 03 September 2026 $ 2.345

27 August - 04 September 2026 $ 2.345

28 August - 05 September 2026 $ 2.345

29 August - 06 September 2026 $ 2.345

30 August - 07 September 2026 $ 2.345

31 August - 08 September 2026 $ 2.345

01 - 09 September 2026 $ 2.240

02 - 10 September 2026 $ 2.240

03 - 11 September 2026 $ 2.240

04 - 12 September 2026 $ 2.240

05 - 13 September 2026 $ 2.240

06 - 14 September 2026 $ 2.240

07 - 15 September 2026 $ 2.240

08 - 16 September 2026 $ 2.240

09 - 17 September 2026 $ 2.240

10 - 18 September 2026 $ 2.240

11 - 19 September 2026 $ 2.240

12 - 20 September 2026 $ 2.240

13 - 21 September 2026 $ 2.240

14 - 22 September 2026 $ 2.240

15 - 23 September 2026 $ 2.240

16 - 24 September 2026 $ 2.240

17 - 25 September 2026 $ 2.240

18 - 26 September 2026 $ 2.240

19 - 27 September 2026 $ 2.240

20 - 28 September 2026 $ 2.240

21 - 29 September 2026 $ 2.240

22 - 30 September 2026 $ 2.240

23 September - 01 October 2026 $ 2.240

24 September - 02 October 2026 $ 2.240

25 September - 03 October 2026 $ 2.240

26 September - 04 October 2026 $ 2.240

27 September - 05 October 2026 $ 2.240

28 September - 06 October 2026 $ 2.240

29 September - 07 October 2026 $ 2.240

30 September - 08 October 2026 $ 2.240

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