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France: The Dordogne

Canoeing on the Dordogne

Trip code: B08DO

Average customer rating 4.9 / 5(40 verified reviews)

Self-Guided Canoeing
8 nights hotel-to-hotel
Flights available
CO₂ rating 1/5
Printed route directions

Trip highlights

One of France’s most celebrated rivers: wide, peaceful, calm, flat

Excellent for families, easy for beginners

Friendly hotels, superb cuisine

Excellent views all along the river: picturesque perched villages and troglodyte cave dwellings

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Trip details

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.

What's included

Included

  • 8 nights in 2-star and 3-star accommodation
  • All breakfasts and 2 evening meals
  • Comprehensive route directions
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Canadian canoes or sit-on kayaks
  • Buoyancy aid and helmet
  • Transfers to and from the river at the start and end of your holiday

Not included

  • Flights
  • Local taxes/fees
  • Travel insurance

Travel options

Flights and rail

Our air-rail prices include standard flights, onward rail and station transfers.

Transfers

Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Souillac train station at 16:30 Mon-Thurs & Sat, 15:18 Fri and 18:34 Sun and back to Souillac train station at 10:45 Mon-Sat and 07:45 Sun.

Itinerary

Route map, with each night's stop marked
The full route, night by night. Select the map to view it full screen.

Day 1 · —Arrive in Rocamadour

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 choosing a restaurant for dinner.

You stay at Hotel les Esclargies

Esclargies Rocamadour
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Hotel les Esclargies

Rocamadour

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Other email access
  • Swimming pool
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Visa cards

The Hotel les Esclargies is set within lush parkland surrounded by oak trees, just outside Rocamadour’s ancient town walls. Designed in wood and stone, it aims to be in harmony with nature, and to offer the most tranquil of stays whilst providing easy access to Rocamadour. The modern and comfortable rooms are decorated in light tones, with ensuite facilities and air conditioning as standard.

Day 2 · 13km/8.1miRocamadour to Carennac

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.

You stay at Hostellerie Fenelon

HOSTELLERIE FÉNELON, CARENNAC

Hostellerie Fenelon

Carennac

  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Shops
  • Swimming pool
  • Television
  • Wifi access

This pleasant, traditionally Quercynois hotel is on the edge of Carennac – officially one of France’s ‘plus beaux villages’ – next to the river Dordogne. The hotel’s pool and dining terrace both overlook this mighty river.

The hotel’s 15 rooms are all ensuite with either shower or bath. All are also equipped with direct telephone lines, television and hair dryers.

Day 3 · —At Carennac

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.

You stay at Hostellerie Fenelon

HOSTELLERIE FÉNELON, CARENNAC

Hostellerie Fenelon

Carennac

  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Shops
  • Swimming pool
  • Television
  • Wifi access

This pleasant, traditionally Quercynois hotel is on the edge of Carennac – officially one of France’s ‘plus beaux villages’ – next to the river Dordogne. The hotel’s pool and dining terrace both overlook this mighty river.

The hotel’s 15 rooms are all ensuite with either shower or bath. All are also equipped with direct telephone lines, television and hair dryers.

Day 4 · 20km/12.4miCarennac to Meyronne

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.

You stay at Hotel La Terrasse

Hotel La Terrasse
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Hotel La Terrasse

Meyronne

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Swimming pool
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Wifi access

The Hotel La Terrasse, ideally situated overlooking the Dordogne, is a converted 11th century chateau, which has survived in spite of the turbulent history of the region. It was converted into a hotel in the 1920s by the Liebus family – who still own the hotel – but it still retains many of its original features – wooden beams, exposed stone walls, stone fire places and stone spiral stairwell. Period furniture completes the impressive, yet comfortable, interior.

Your evening meal is taken in the hotel’s restaurant, where the menu reflects the local specialities. If you eat on the hotel’s terrace, you’ll also get to savour views over the river!

The hotel also benefits from an outdoor pool.

Day 5 · —At Meyronne

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? Alternatively, if you’ve hired bikes, pedal to picturesque Martel, one of the best preserved and architecturally integral mediaeval towns in the region.

You stay at Hotel La Terrasse

Hotel La Terrasse
Image 1 of 9

Hotel La Terrasse

Meyronne

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Swimming pool
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Wifi access

The Hotel La Terrasse, ideally situated overlooking the Dordogne, is a converted 11th century chateau, which has survived in spite of the turbulent history of the region. It was converted into a hotel in the 1920s by the Liebus family – who still own the hotel – but it still retains many of its original features – wooden beams, exposed stone walls, stone fire places and stone spiral stairwell. Period furniture completes the impressive, yet comfortable, interior.

Your evening meal is taken in the hotel’s restaurant, where the menu reflects the local specialities. If you eat on the hotel’s terrace, you’ll also get to savour views over the river!

The hotel also benefits from an outdoor pool.

Day 6 · 17km/10.6miMeyronne to Souillac

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).

You stay at La Vieille Auberge

Facade of La Vieille Auberge in Souillac
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La Vieille Auberge

Souillac

  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Television
  • Wifi access

La Vieille Auberge, a coach house from Napoleonic times, has been modernised to create a charming auberge in a quiet part of Souillac.

The restaurant serves traditional regional specialities with a modern twist.

Day 7 · —At Souillac

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.

You stay at La Vieille Auberge

Facade of La Vieille Auberge in Souillac
Image 1 of 4

La Vieille Auberge

Souillac

  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Television
  • Wifi access

La Vieille Auberge, a coach house from Napoleonic times, has been modernised to create a charming auberge in a quiet part of Souillac.

The restaurant serves traditional regional specialities with a modern twist.

Day 8 · 20km/12.4miSouillac to Sarlat

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.

You stay at Hotel Le Renoir

Hotel Le Renoir Sarlat
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Hotel Le Renoir

Sarlat

  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Safe
  • Shops
  • Swimming pool
  • Television
  • Visa cards

Established in a former distillery, just 350 meters from the city center of the medieval city, the Hotel Le Renoir, charming hotel in Sarlat centre, welcomes you all year round. This hotel in Sarlat center surprises. At first glance, you will discover an Italian-style building with a paved courtyard, colonnades and arcades , then as soon as you cross the door, you will observe a decoration reminiscent of the dark rooms of the cinema with large seats in red velvet. Let yourself be seduced by the Hotel Le Renoir, the charming hotel in the center of Sarlat!

Day 9 · —Leave Sarlat

Leave Sarlat

Please note that if hiring bikes, cycling helmets are compulsory in France for children under 12. As we are unable to provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own.

Please see our Planning you holiday page for full details.

Extending your holiday

Hotel Le Senat Paris
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Hotel Le Senat

Paris

  • Air conditioning
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Television

The 4 star Le Senat is simply stunning! There are just 41 rooms, all stylishly furnished and a couple of suites with terraces, if you really fancy splashing out! All have satellite television, mini bar, air-conditioning, safe and hairdryer, plus Internet access.

The hotel has its own small bar – adorned with photographs of eminent artists, being in the heart of the artists’ quarter – plus a reading room with complimentary internet access.

Breakfast is taken in the basement, where you’ll find a copious buffet of viennoiseries, cereals, fruit salad, ham, cheese, bread, yoghurt, bacon, eggs, sausage, fruit juices, tea or coffee. If you prefer, you can have a continental breakfast served to your room at no extra charge.

Le Senat is perfectly located on a quiet side street just a stone’s throw away from the Luxembourg Gardens and metro, and a five-minute walk from the vibrant Latin quarter, where you’ll find a plethora of restaurants to suit all budgets.

Pere Leon Toulouse

Hotel Pere Leon

Toulouse

  • Air conditioning
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Diners Club
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Shops

The Hotel Pere Leon is ideally situated just a short walk from the historic centre of Toulouse, with the main sights just a short walk away. Just 50 metres from the metro, there is easy access to the rest of the city. The hotel is in Place Esquirol, a bustling, lively square and in close proximity to many bars and restaurants.

The hotel itself has a modern contemporary feel, which has been recently renovated. The ensuite rooms have soundproof windows and all mod cons. Breakfast is a buffet affair with a good choice of French staples, and a hot section.

The hotel has its own bistro restaurant with seats outside where you can enjoy a drink or dinner.

What our travellers say

We enjoyed our holiday, the hotels, Locations were great and the food too. The canoeing was good but I feel it was a bit too isolated on the river for us.

Mrs Maile

A wonderful holiday to see a picturesque side of the dordogne region

Mrs Lovell

Wonderful French culture, cuisine and canoeing down the Dordogne river, enabled by an excellent riverside support team at Headwater. In a word, superb!

Mr O'Hea

Superb experience for family activity holiday; we loved it

Mr Brem

Wife says it was the best holiday of her life, one of my best. Accommodations were just right – small enough to be intimate yet with all the conveniences. Advise to bring an electrical adapter – one hotel was without one/one hotel gave us an extra to carry for the remainder of the trip. River was a little low in September but we didn’t bottom out anywhere. The weather was about perfect – very safe and beautiful — almost a float trip with some mild rapids thrown in. Would highly recommend others to check out the cave at La Cave – really worth the side trip – take a cab, it’s worth it. And the bike path from La Villa Romaine on an old railway line, even walking, shouldn’t be missed. Overall quiet and relaxing. Our first trip to Europe — we passed on the big cities (except for London) and glad we did – though we would probably have enjoyed a couple of days in Toulouse if we had the time.

Mr Hool

Excellent experience with outstanding food and accommodation, a gastronomic delight

Mr St John James

Surpassed all our expectations because we were the only canoes on the river. Great river, great hotels and helpful reps.

Mr Nicholson

A great holiday away from the crowds at a quiet time of year. Paddling was easy most of the time with some interesting parts where the river ran shallow or faster. Hotels and food were great with some characterful hosts.

Mr Brazier

The holiday lived up to our expectations. Unfortunately the weather was not kind and we had a lot of rain but our reps Andrew and Janet bent themselves over backwards to make our days as enjoyable as possible. They went out of their way to juggle the itinerary and came up with great places to go on our rest day, always willing to provide transport. The canoeing was great fun and the scenery was spectacular! Most days, apart from an occasional fisherman, we had the Dordogne to ourselves! The food and accommodation throughout was very good and in some places absolutely brilliant! We both put on weight despite the canoeing! A great holiday, would thoroughly recommend.

Mrs Willock

Our canoe trip in June 2019 was excellent. The weather was very hot (France’s recent heatwave) but the river was possibly the coolest place to be if you have all the right sun protection. Surprisingly, we were just about the only canoe on the river at this time. It made for a calm, surreal experience just for us. We found that the trip notes were misleading at times. Information on landing points and weirs/chutes could be updated and the maps made clearer. We brought a foam cushion for the seats and this made quite a difference when sitting in the canoe for up to 5 hours. Andrew and Janet were the reps in Souillac and they couldn’t be more helpful and friendly, even though they hadn’t been on the contract for long. They went out of their way to change the schedule to accommodate a wet day with a visit to Rocamadour. They were also keen to show us some of the key actual day 1 landing specifics which were ultimately essential in hindsight. The accommodations were good and we found that the food for dinner was generally high standard with good choices.

Mr Haley
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Positive impact

Carbon score for this trip

9.0

Kg CO₂e

per person, per night

Relative to other Headwater trips

We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more

From the journal

From£1,399per person