Canoeists passing french village on Dordogne Rver

Canoeing The Dordogne

Classic or Première Inn to Inn ✦ 7 days ✦ Leisurely ✦ From $3950

Inn to Inn Canoeing in France

Paddle through the heart of France's enchanting Dordogne region on our serene canoe tour, a journey through picturesque landscapes, historic villages, and world-renowned culinary delights. This French inn-to-inn canoeing adventure combines the tranquility of the river with the charm of exploring medieval towns like Rocamadour, Sarlat, and Lacave. Prepare to be captivated by stunning chateaux, savor delectable regional cuisine, and indulge in fine wines as you glide along the gentle currents of the Dordogne.

Our journey begins in Sarlat, a medieval gem, and takes us through a tapestry of idyllic countryside, lined with poplar trees, quaint farmlands, and majestic chateaux. We'll paddle past charming villages like Carennac and Saint Sozy, stopping to explore their historic districts and soak in the local atmosphere. Along the way, we'll discover hidden gems like the impressive Padirac Cave and enjoy lunch at charming riverside cafes. Each evening, we'll relax in carefully selected boutique hotels, often nestled in restored historical buildings, savoring the region's rich culinary heritage.

From exploring the walled city of Domme to paddling beneath towering cliffs and past feudal chateaux, every day brings new discoveries. We'll visit the picturesque village of La Roque Gageac, nestled against multicolored cliffs, and explore the historic town of Beynac before returning to Sarlat for a farewell dinner at one of the region's finest restaurants. This Dordogne canoe tour isn't just a trip; it's an immersion into the heart of French culture, history, and natural beauty. Join us for one of France's best paddling adventures and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Canoeing The Dordogne
rides: 30 to 65 kms
sleep: boutique inns
eat: best regional cuisine

Go Private
This tour is only available as a Private Date. Spring & Fall are best for canoeing.

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Paddling the Dordogne itinerary

day 1: Arrival in Sarlat & Exploration of the Périgord – A Taste of France

Walking tour of Loubressac
Exploring Carennac
Welcome dinner featuring Périgord cuisine

Our Dordogne adventure begins in the charming medieval town of Sarlat. From there, we'll venture south, exploring the heart of the Périgord region. We'll take a leisurely walking tour of Loubressac, a hilltop village considered one of France's most beautiful, before settling into our hotel in the quaint village of Carennac. Tonight, we'll indulge in our first feast of the rich and flavorful cuisine de Périgord.
Relax: Free to explore until dinner
Eat: Dinner
Sleep: Hostellerie Fenelon

day 2: Carennac to Saint Sozy – Gentle Paddling & Riverside Charm

First day of canoeing on the Dordogne
Paddling through scenic countryside

Our first day on the Dordogne! We'll embark on a leisurely paddle through the picturesque French countryside. Poplar trees and farmlands line the riverbanks as we make our way downstream, passing by charming villages like Belvédère de Copeyre and Creysse. Our hotel in Saint Sozy is just a short stroll from the river.
Paddle: 11 mi / 18 km
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: La Terrasse

day 3: Chateaux & Souillac – Feudal History & Culinary Stops

Paddling past feudal chateaux
Exploring Lacave

Our journey downstream continues, taking us past impressive feudal chateaux. We'll stop to explore the village of Lacave and enjoy lunch at Le Pont de l'Ouysse, a delightful restaurant run by the same family for five generations. We'll then continue downriver to Souillac, the first sizable town we'll encounter on our trip.
Paddle: 11 mi / 18 km
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: La Vieille Auberge

day 4: Rouffillac & Aillac to Carsac – Entering the Dordogne

Exploring the ruins of Château d'Aillac
Relaxing at a riverside hotel in Carsac-Aillac

Today, we leave the Lot department behind and enter the Dordogne region. Our paddling adventure takes us past Le Rouffillac and towards the ruins of the Château d'Aillac. Our longest day of paddling concludes in Carsac-Aillac, where a comfortable riverside hotel awaits. Perhaps a relaxing dip in the pool before another delicious Périgord dinner?
Paddle: 14 mi / 23 km
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: La Villa Romaine

day 5: Domme & La Roque-Gageac – Walled Cities & Cliffside Wonders

Exploring the walled city of Domme
Paddling to La Roque-Gageac
Admiring the cliffside village

Our destination today is the incredibly photogenic village of La Roque-Gageac, nestled against multicolored cliffs—a favorite stop along the Dordogne. But first, we'll take a break to explore the historic walled city of Domme, perched on a plateau overlooking the river.
Paddle: 9 mi / 14 km
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: La Belle Étoile

day 6: Beynac & Sarlat – Farewell to the Dordogne

Exploring Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
Ending our paddle at Château de Beynac
Farewell dinner in Sarlat

Our final day of paddling! We'll continue downstream, passing the Château de la Malartrie and exploring the charming village of Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, before ending our paddle at the imposing Château de Beynac. We'll then say a fond farewell to the Dordogne and transfer back to the medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda. We'll explore the old cathedral and celebrate the end of our tour with a farewell dinner at one of the region's best restaurants, followed by a luxurious overnight stay in the historic center of town.
Paddle: 9 mi / 14 km
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Hôtel Restaurant La Couleuvrine

day 7: Departure – Bon Voyage!

Departure from Sarlat

After breakfast, we'll bid everyone a fond adieu and *bon voyage* as you make your way by train to Bordeaux or continue your travels elsewhere in Europe.
Travel: Shuttle to train station
Eat: Breakfast

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Whatcha gonna get

Expert local bilingual guides
Entrance and activity fees
Handpicked lodges, ensuite rooms, double occupancy
Daily breakfast, lunch, snacks*
Dinners featuring fine local cuisine*
Baggage transfer between hotels
Free use of canoe and safety gear
Airport pick up & drop off

*as noted in itinerary

Getting there

The Canoeing the Dordogne Tour meets and ends Sarlat-la-Canada, France.

Sarlat can be reached by train from Bordeaux, with multiple departures daily. We do suggest arriving a day ahead of the tour, as Sarlat is great town to relax and rid yourself of jetlag.

Bordeaux airport code: BOD Local Time: GMT+1

Documents Please

A little prep goes a long way! All travelers need a valid passport, and some may require a visa for France. Check with the nearest embassy ahead of time so you can breeze through immigration and straight into adventure!