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 stay?
Si vous cherchez un hébergement, de nombreux campings sont disponibles tout au long de la Dordogne. Que ce soit pour une nuit ou plusieurs jours, vous trouverez facilement un emplacement pour vous reposer après votre descente.
Good news for nature lovers! Wild camping is permitted, provided you respect the environment and local regulations (fires are prohibited). Set up your bivouac in peace and quiet 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.
List of campsites in the surrounding area
Argentat > Camping Europe +33 5 55 28 07 70
Brivezac > Camping La Champagne +33 6 48 47 23 51
Beaulieu > Camping Huttopia +33 5 55 91 02 65
Puybrun > Camping Magali Plage +33 5 55 28 11 39
Carennac > Camping L’eau Vive +33 5 65 10 97 39
Gluges > Camping Les Falaises +33 5 65 37 37 78
Creysse > Camping du Port +33 5 65 32 20 82
Saint-Sozy > Camping Les Borgnes +33 5 65 32 21 48
Pinsac > Camping Les Grands Chênes +33 6 61 05 67 58
Souillac > Camping du Pont de Lanzac +33 5 65 37 02 58
Cazoulès > Camping Les Belles Rives +33 5 53 28 27 13
Saint-Julien-de-Lampon > Camping Les Ombrages +33 9 53 53 25 55
Groléjac > Camping du Lac +33 5 53 59 48 70
Carsac > Camping Le Rocher de la Cave +33 5 53 28 14 26
Domme > Camping Le Perpetuum +33 5 53 28 35 18
Vezac > Camping Les Cinq Châteaux +33 5 53 29 52 28
Saint Cyprien > Camping Le Garrit +33 5 53 29 20 56
Siorac > Camping Le Port de Siorac +33 5 53 31 63 81
Limeuil > Camping du Port de Limeuil +33 5 53 63 29 76
Frequently Asked Questions
Regulations and prohibitions for navigation on the Dordogne River must be applied in accordance with the prefectural decree of May 12, 2015 and the law of May 4, 1995 relating to the practice of canoeing and kayaking in inland waters.
Children aged 5 and over are allowed to navigate the Dordogne river.
All participants must be able to swim 25 meters and submerge themselves.
Children aged 5 to 12 must be supervised or accompanied.
A personal flotation device (PFD) will be provided upon departure and must be worn on board the vessel.
Please wear closed-toe shoes.
Respect nature, the river and its inhabitants.
Classified as first category throughout the lower section, only the section from Argentat to Beaulieu presents second category difficulties. Children aged 7 and over are allowed to navigate this section.
The river is accessible to beginners with routes that do not present any particular difficulty.
Navigation restrictions on the main section of the Dordogne (Cazoulès > Beynac) are based on the water levels reached by the river at the Pont de Cénac gauge (values
Water level less than 1.50m: Navigation is free
Water level between 1.50m and 2m: Boating is prohibited except with supervision by a person holding a specific qualification in canoeing and kayaking.
Water level over 2m: Boating is prohibited.
Rental canoes and kayaks are allowed to depart between 9:30 am and 6:00 pm.
Not necessarily. If you’ve never done it before, ask for a short introduction before you leave.
The golden rule is that you must know how to swim. We observe different rules depending on the water level. In July and August, when the river level is lower, we more readily allow children as young as 5 to participate.
Anyone under the age of 5 cannot participate in this activity. No babies allowed!
Yes, all our canoes and kayaks are equipped with backrests.
All departures are from the Canoë Explorando Dordogne leisure center located at:
226 Chemin de la Borgne “Les Drouilles” 24250 Groléjac
Next to the bridge on the Green Way which connects directly to Sarlat-la-Canéda by bicycle
Sarlat train station: You have line no. 6 which runs from Sarlat to Souillac with a stop at the Carsac-Aillac post office. Then you can take the Green Way which will lead you to the starting point.
Souillac station: You have the same line no. 6 which runs from Souillac to Sarlat with the same stops.
For more information, inquire at transports.nouvelle-aquitaine.fr
All our prices include the return bus journey. Several return shuttle times are offered at the time of departure, depending on the route chosen.
The navigation time indicated for each route is an approximate duration. It was calculated during the High Season period, when water levels are normal. You will need to add any desired break time. This will allow you to enjoy your descent in complete peace and quiet.
You can stop wherever you like along the riverbank, provided you leave no litter and respect the environment. During a visit or stop, you can leave your canoe on the riverbank for the duration of your break. You can stop for a picnic wherever you wish, go for a swim, or simply enjoy a rest.
We welcome dogs on board our canoes. However, we ask that you respect the rented equipment, not overload the boat, and keep your pet on a leash at the base and on the shuttles. Important! Do not tie your dog to the canoe.
You should adapt your clothing to the season and the weather.
On sunny days, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and something to cover your head to avoid sunstroke.
Remember to stay hydrated and be aware of the risk of cold water shock.
You are solely responsible for the belongings you bring on board. We provide containers for your belongings, but we cannot guarantee they are watertight, as this depends primarily on the lid closing properly.
For hikes longer than 3 days, we recommend that children be at least 8 years old. With teenagers, it’s a fantastic experience!
Must be over 7 years old for the Argentat > Beaulieu route!
Even in peak season, campsites along the Dordogne generally still welcome canoes; it’s best to book in advance in July and August. For hotels, it’s also advisable to book ahead.
Camping is permitted on the riverbanks, but fires are prohibited. We remind you that the area must be kept clean and that respect for the environment is paramount.
We offer rental kits if you don’t have the necessary equipment to fully enjoy your hike.
Tent Kit for 2 people (1 tent + foam mattress): €5 per night
Bivouac Kit for 2 people (1 tent + foam mattress + cooking kit + gas stove + table lamp): €15 per night