Practical information
What can you expect ?
Important note on respect for the environment
Canoeing guarantees you a real change of scenery, a life in harmony and the rhythm of nature, in an idyllic setting.
During these few days of canoeing, you will be immersed in the heart of nature.
We are proud and encourage each of you to take care of our environment.
Be careful not to throw any polluting material into the river and collect all your waste when you pass through different places.
Notice to anglers : although your fishing rod may be a little bulky on a canoe, people who wish to engage in the activity will be able to do so on condition of purchasing
prior to the fishing card (available at merchants and in some campsites) allowing to practice the activity on the river.
The rules to follow before going canoeing
Level Class 1 > Navigation forbidden to children under 5 years old
Level Class 2 > Navigation forbidden to children under 7 years old
For canoeing longer than 3 days, we advise that children are at least 8 years old. With teenagers, it’s a great experience !
All participants are required to be able to swim 25 meters and dive
Children aged 5 to 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult
Where to sleep ?
If you are looking for accommodation, many campsites are available throughout the Dordogne. Whether for a night or several days, you will easily find a place to rest after your descent.
Good news for nature lovers ! Wild camping is tolerated, provided that the environment and local regulations are respected (forbidden fires). Install your bivouac in peace and enjoy a night under the stars, surrounded by nature.
How to eat ?
You can embark your own picnic to enjoy a meal in the middle of nature! We provide waterproof containers to keep your food and belongings away from water.
If you prefer to eat on site, several villages border the river, with restaurants and grocery stores easily accessible. These stops are indicated on the navigation map provided before your departure.
Finally, some campsites along the Dordogne have restaurants or grocery stores, ideal for a gourmet break. Be careful though, these establishments may be closed in low season.
Lists of campsites nearby
Argentat > Camping Europe 05 55 28 07 70
Brivezac > Camping La Champagne 06 48 47 23 51
Beaulieu > Camping Huttopia 05 55 91 02 65
Puybrun > Camping Magali Plage 05 55 28 11 39
Carennac > Camping L’eau Vive 05 65 10 97 39
Gluges > Camping Les Falaises 05 65 37 37 78
Creysse > Camping du Port 05 65 32 20 82
Saint-Sozy > Camping Les Borgnes 05 65 32 21 48
Pinsac > Camping Les Grands Chênes 06 61 05 67 58
Souillac > Camping du Pont de Lanzac 05 65 37 02 58
Cazoulès > Camping Les Belles Rives 05 53 28 27 13
Saint-Julien-de-Lampon > Camping Les Ombrages 09 53 53 25 55
Groléjac > Camping du Lac 05 53 59 48 70
Carsac > Camping Le Rocher de la Cave 05 53 28 14 26
Domme > Camping Le Perpetuum 05 53 28 35 18
Vezac > Camping Les Cinq Châteaux 05 53 29 52 28
Saint Cyprien > Camping Le Garrit 05 53 29 20 56
Siorac > Camping Le Port de Siorac 05 53 31 63 81
Limeuil > Camping du Port de Limeuil 05 53 63 29 76
Frequently asked questions
The regulations and prohibitions for navigation on the river Dordogne must be applied according to the prefectural decree of 12 May 2015 and the law of 4 May 1995 relating to the practice of canoeing in inland waters.
Children are allowed to sail from 5 years old on the river Dordogne.
All participants must be able to swim 25 meters and dive.
Children aged 5 to 12 years old must be supervised or accompanied.
A life jacket is provided at departure and it will be mandatory to wear it on board the boat.
Wear closed shoes.
Respect nature, the river and its hosts.
Classified in the first category on all the lower part, there is only the part of Argentat at Beaulieu which offers difficulties of 2nd category. Children are allowed to sail from 7 years old on this portion.
The river is accessible to beginners with tours that do not present any particular difficulty.
The restrictions on navigation on the main part of the Dordogne (Cazoulès > Beynac) are based on the river’s limnimetric scale reaches of the bridge of Cénac (values available on the site Vigicrues)
Level less than 1.50m : Navigation is free
Level from 1.50m to 2m : Navigation is prohibited except with supervision by a person holding a specific qualification for the canoeing activity
Level over 2m : Navigation is prohibited
Departures of rental canoes-kayaks are allowed between 9:30 am and 6 pm.
Not necessarily. If you have never practiced, ask for a small initiation before departure.
The golden rule is that you have to be able to swim. We see different rules for different water levels. In July and August, when the river level is lower, we let children of 5 years old go more easily
Anyone under the age of 5 years old can not participate in this activity. No baby on board !
Yes, all our canoes and kayaks are equipped with backrest
All departures are from the Canoë Explorando Dordogne leisure base located at :
226 Chemin de la Borgne « Les Drouilles » 24250 Groléjac
Next to the bridge of the Greenway that connects Sarlat-la-Canéda directly by bike
Sarlat train station : You have the number 6 line that goes to Sarlat > Souillac with a stop at La Poste of Carsac-Aillac. You then have the Greenway that will take you to the starting point
Souillac train station : You have the same line number 6 that goes to Souillac > Sarlat with the same stops
For more information, please contact transports.nouvelle-aquitaine.fr
All our rates include return by bus. Several return shuttle schedules are offered at the time of departure depending on the chosen tour.
The navigation time indicated on each tour is an approximate duration. It has been calculated for the High Season period, when the water level is normal. You will need to add the additional break time that you want. You can enjoy your descent in peace.
You can stop where you want on the banks as long as you leave no waste and respect the place. During a visit or stop, the canoe can be left on the river for the time of your stop. You can stop for a picnic, swim or just enjoy a break.
We accept dogs on our canoes. However, we ask you to respect the equipment rented, not to overload the boat and to keep your pet on a leash on the base and in the shuttles. Warning ! Do not tie your dog to the canoe
You must adapt your clothing to the season and weather.
On sunny days, do not forget to take sunglasses, sunscreen, and cover your head to avoid insolation.
Do not forget to hydrate and be careful of the risk of hydrocution.
You are solely responsible for the items you bring on board. We provide container for your stuff but we do not guarantee the tightness because it depends mainly on the proper closing of the lid.
For canoeing longer than 3 days, we advise that children are at least 8 years old. With teenagers, it’s a great experience !
Have more than 7 years old for the trip Argentat > Beaulieu !
Even in high season the campsites on the banks of the Dordogne generally always welcome canoes, it is better to book in advance in July and August. For hotels, it is better to book in advance.
The bivouac is tolerated on the banks of the river but fires are forbidden there. We
remember that the places must remain clean and that respect for the environment is the key word.
We offer kits for rent if you do not have the necessary equipment to enjoy your canoeing hike in peace.
Kit Tent 2 people (1 tent + foam mattress) : 5€ per night
Kit Bivouac 2 people (1 tent + foam mattress + 1 popote kit + 1 gas stove + 1 table lamp) : 15€ per night
