A canoe-kayak trip on the Dordogneis about reconnecting with yourself, taking your time, and rediscovering nature and the wonders that surround us. During our journey, we might encounter herons, kingfishers, otters, coypus, and kites.
We will also pass throughmagnificent villages, most of which are classified as "Most Beautiful Villages of France". Let's not forget that this certification mark originated in our own region, in the village of Collonges-la-Rouge.
Our advice
When stopping in riverside villages, bring a lock or padlock with a chain to secure your canoe or kayak.
Also, bring a small bag to carry your valuables and essentials.
Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne
Since the Middle Ages, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne has been a strategic and spiritual place, a witness to the epic journey of the barges, embodying the gentle way of life in the Dordogne Valley.
In the early Middle Ages, Beaulieu was a small village of fishermen and livestock farmers on the banks of the Dordogne River, called Vellinus. Today known as the Limousin Riviera, Beaulieu is the symbol of the tranquil life in the Dordogne Valley.
Our favorite spots:
🏕️ Huttopia | 4-star campsite
☕️ Pilea café | Coffee shop
🍴Lucille Flaconneuse | Charcuterie boards and wine cellar
🥕 Market days in Beaulieu
Carennac
Overlooking the river, Carennac borders the banks of the Dordogne. It was the Abbey of Cluny that made this small village famous by founding a priory there in 1047.
After a long period of prosperity, the Hundred Years' War ravaged the monastic town of Carennac. It was then rebuilt at the end of the 15th century. The village subsequently embraced the new art of the Renaissance with the construction of the Château des Doyens.
Opposite Carennac lies the island named Calypso , after the nymph of Greek mythology. She seduced Ulysses and welcomed his son Telemachus. It is even said that Fénelon wrote his famous treatise on education , "The Adventures of Telemachus," here for the grandson of Louis XIV.
Our favorite spots:
🛏️ Les Perluettes | Bed and Breakfast
☕️ Chez Paul | Coffee Shop
🍴Le Fénelon Restaurant | Restaurant
Gluges
Located near Martel and Rocamadour, Gluges, a former fishing village, is a unique spot in the Dordogne Valley. It is distinguished by its impressive limestone cliffs overlooking the village and its houses, some of which are built into the rock. This picturesque little village , full of charm and character, boasts a heritage that truly deserves a stop during your canoe trip!
A shaded and supervised beach invites you to dive in during the hot summer days, right in front of a large, majestic cliff! It's also the ideal spot for a family picnic if not everyone wants to go canoeing.
Gluges was also a refuge for Edith Piaf, the icon of French song, who came here to recharge. She adored this quiet, almost secret little village. She even financed the restoration of two stained-glass windows, on the condition "that it not be known during her lifetime!"This promise was kept until her death on October 10, 1963. Today, the village square bears her name, and Gluges continues to live to the sound of her songs!
Creysse
This typical Quercy village takes its name from the stream that crosses the commune, the Cacrey, which means the stream that comes out of the rock.
There's nothing quite like wandering through the narrow streets to soak up the atmosphere. Here, you won't find imposing, grandiose monuments, but rather charming hidden gems around every corner. Access from the river is easy during your canoe trips.
Come and discover a place where time seems to stand still.
Meyronne
Meyronne is a small, picturesque village on the banks of the Dordogne, surrounded by hills and rocks.
Its beautiful houses perched on the cliff overlooking the left bank offer a remarkable view of the village from the river. The Meyronne area boasts a wealth of varied and contrasting landscapes. It offers nature enthusiasts magnificent canoe trips and superb hikes.
On beautiful sunny days, look at the stones of the buildings of Meyronne reflected in the waters of the Dordogne .
The village castle, which was once the summer residence of the bishops of Tulle, is now a 3-star hotel and restaurant, La Terrasse. It offers breathtaking views of the Dordogne.
Our top picks:
🛏️ Le Kouloury | Bed and Breakfast
🍴La Terrasse | Hotel-Restaurant
Saint-Sozy
Saint-Sozy is a charming little village nestled on the banks of the Dordogne, overlooked by the majestic Roc des Monges. Its typical stone houses and peaceful, welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal stop on your hiking trip.
In the heart of the village, one can discern a pretty square surrounded by traditional houses, several shops and a church built in 1905. One can also discover the local heritage through ancient elements such as the wash house and the wells.
Nature lovers will be delighted by the numerous hiking trails that crisscross the village, offering magnificent scenery. Saint-Sozy is also the perfect starting point for superb canoe trips on the Dordogne River.
From its past, the village still retains two castles :
- The Château de Saint-Sozy, which notably served as a school and town hall, explains its large republican pediment. The château is now privately owned.
- Château Lachièze, built in the 15th century, was the home of a wealthy merchant family from the lower Limousin region. The château is now a holiday rental.
Our top picks:
🏕️ Le Village du Port | 4-star campsite
🛏️ Les Noyers de Gaudelle | Bed and Breakfast
🍴Restaurant Grangier | Restaurant
🫶 Les Mijoteurs | Local produce shop
Souillac
Souillac is a pretty little town on the banks of the Dordogne, rich in its abbey church and history. Thanks to its privileged location, Souillac was a key stopover town at the crossroads of the Paris-Toulouse route and the Dordogne waterways.
In the 10th century, Benedictine monks chose it as the site for a priory. Two centuries later, a vast Romanesque abbey was built, surrounded by a wall. It was during the Hundred Years' Warthat the monastery was ruined and the bell tower of the parish church was destroyed.
Thebuildings were resurrected from their ruins in the 17th century. Later, the arrival of the bargemen on the Dordogne River breathed new life into the town. The barges stopped here, at the port of Larroumet, and on their return journey, they unloaded sea salt, dried fish, spices, and wine at the port of Les Cuisines.
Today, Souillac owes its renown to its magnificent Sainte-Marie Abbey and its viaducts, which have earned it the nickname "the town of seven viaducts." Visitors can admire the famous sculpture of the prophet Isaiah, and also discover some inaccessible places through a virtual tour.
Our top picks:
🏕️ Flower Camping, Les Ondines| 4-star campsite
🛏️ Maison Borrèze | Charming hotel
🍴L'Aromate | Restaurant
La Roque-Gageac
During your canoe trip along the water, you will see the famous medieval village of La-Roque-Gageac appear, a must-see when visiting the Dordogne in the Périgord Noir!
With its golden stone houses, slate roofs, and flower-filled alleyways, the village invites you to stroll. Admire the typical architecture and be surprised by the rich local flora.
You will be impressed by the Troglodytic Fort of La Roque-Gageac. This medieval fortress, built into the cliff, is a unique example of medieval military architecture integrated into the natural landscape of the Périgord Noir. Constructed in the 12th century, this strategic outpost served to monitor the Dordogne Valley and protect its inhabitants from invasions. Its steep access and naturally impregnable location made it a veritable citadel suspended in mid-air, virtually unassailable.
In addition, the site offers breathtaking views of several iconic sites in the Périgord Noir such as the Château de Castelnaud, the gardens of Marqueyssac or the village of Beynac-et-Cazenac.
Our top picks:
🛏️ Hotel Belle Étoile | Hotel
🍴Les Courtines | Restaurant
Beynac
You have now reached the final point of your hiking trip. This site, perched above the Dordogne River, will transport you to the heart of the medieval heritage of the Périgord Noir region.
Upon arrival, you can't miss the imposing rock on which the village clings. Below, the Dordogne river flows peacefully.
Here, every stone tells a story: narrow alleyways, houses made of blond stone, shutters made of weathered wood… Consequently, you are plunged into the Middle Ages in a few minutes.
Tip : Position yourself under the eaves to discover unusual architectural details!
As you stroll around, do you get a feeling of déjà vu? That's normal!
The place is known to great filmmakers and has served as a filming location for movies like The Visitors and Joan of Arc. No wonder, considering it's one of the best-preserved castles in the region.
After being amazed in the village's narrow streets, pay attention to the time, and don't miss your shuttle at 3:30 pm.
Our favorite spots:
🍷 Beynac Wine Shop | Wine Bar
🍴 Le Melting Potes | Restaurant
🫶 Lembert Foie Gras | Producers' Shop
