FAQ – A canoe or kayak trip

Yes, as long as you can swim more than 25 meters unaided, submerge yourself, and are over 6 years old (even when accompanied by adults).
The routes are open to beginners; we recommend starting with the 9 km route to get a feel for the activity.
We provide a life jacket to wear throughout the trip; it is mandatory.

For people with reduced mobility, the activity is accessible to adventurous individuals with a good aptitude for sports. Participants must be able to swim independently and reach the shore if the boat capsizes. Please note that we are in a natural environment; the embarkation and disembarkation points may be uneven and make access difficult.

The 9km "Minis" courses, classified as Class 1 (Vayrac-Gluges, Saint-Sozy-Pinsac), are the shortest, making them ideal for younger paddlers or those wishing to combine several activities in a single day.
The 9km Class 2 course (Monceaux- Brivezac) is no more challenging, although the water is slightly faster and cooler as it flows from the dams upstream. 
The 18km "Classic" courses, also classified as Class 1 (Vayrac- Saint-Sozy, Saint-Sozy-Souillac), are not technically more difficult than the 1.5-hour courses, but they are simply longer.

It depends on whether your companion is more of a gentle otter or hates water!
Only you know them, but it's true that if they're not used to this kind of activity, boarding can be stressful for your pet, and it's possible they might capsize during the descent. Also, be mindful of their tolerance for heat, which can sometimes be high.

If you want to bring your companion along, your dog can occupy the middle seat in a dedicated canoe. Please let us know when you book. There will be a €5 charge per dog.

Please note:
You will be required to keep your dog on a leash at the activity centers and on the bus.
It is essential to remove your dog's leash and harness on the boat.
Your dog must be sociable to board the bus with other people and potentially other dogs.
life life jackets are not provided.

➜ Read also "Our tips for a canoe-kayak trip with your dog"

Booking for a full-day or half-day excursion is not mandatory, but highly recommended during peak season. Equipment availability cannot be guaranteed for those without a reservation, especially on sunny days!
For multi-day treks, booking is mandatory to secure equipment and reserve seats on the bus, via the booking platform.

The shuttle service is included in your rental.

If you plan to leave your vehicle at the arrival point, the shuttle will pick you up in the morning (check the available times) at the parking area. Reservations are required.

If you have chosen to leave your car at the starting point, the shuttle will pick you up at the end of your tour. The chosen time will be noted on your rental agreement.

Large free parking lots are available to allow you to leave your vehicle at the different bases. These car parks are private, but not monitored.

In summer, a swimsuit, shorts, a t-shirt, and a hat are sufficient.
In spring and autumn, you should bring a windbreaker and warm clothes to put on during stops. Pack a dry outfit to change into upon arrival.
In all cases, closed-toe shoes such as water shoes or sneakers are necessary for walking in the water. Glasses should ideally be secured with a strap. 
Do not bring any valuables that you will not need and that you risk losing in the river.

Canoeing is 100% fun, so take the time! A break is necessary! Descend at your own pace, swimming, ricocheting and picnicking on the pebble beaches... keeping an eye on the shuttle schedule. The time of your bus is noted on your contract, plan to arrive 15 minutes before the chosen time.

Of course, you can bring your own picnic and stop wherever you like along the way. Don't forget to bring water to stay hydrated.
Nature is beautiful, let's respect it. Remember to take your trash with you!

The river is a natural environment, and its bed changes every year. Its depth varies from a few centimeters to several meters, sometimes very quickly. Be careful and choose beaches with a gentle slope and no strong current for your picnics or swims. This way, you can fully enjoy these moments of pleasure.
Tip: you can swim with your life jacket on; you'll be the kings and queens of the water!

The difference between a canoe and a kayak lies in two aspects: the paddle and the legs.
The kayak is an Inuit invention. The paddler sits inside the boat and uses a double-bladed paddle, allowing their legs to be extended.
In contrast, in a true canoe, we kneel and propel ourselves with a single-bladed paddle.

Nowadays, our boats are hybrids of these two types of craft: we paddle comfortably seated and use a double-bladed paddle. The boat is most often a sit-on-top, leaving the legs free. We are no longer seated at the bottom of the boat, but rather on top of it. Comfort and safety!

Prices are fixed and calculated per person, according to age, type of boat and chosen route.

Rain doesn't prevent navigation on the Dordogne. 
However, heavy rain over several days can cause the water level to rise. Beyond a certain threshold, we will be forced to postpone or cancel your trip. Every effort will be made to ensure your comfort and safety.

In case of emergency, immediately call the fire department: dial 18 (the French emergency number), and use the SOS button in the Canoë France. We will then be able to provide the fire department with your exact position.
If you wish to abandon your trip, go to one of the pick-up points shown on the app and call us to arrange your return as soon as a vehicle is available. 
Please note that a surcharge may apply.

Safaraid Dordogne accepts no responsibility for theft or loss of your personal belongings during your trip down the Dordogne River or in any of the parking areas provided. 

If you damage or lose any equipment, you will be charged for the replacement. You should therefore contact your insurance company to file a claim under your personal liability insurance.

The day before departure:
Welcome at the Safaraid in Vayrac between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm. We will draw up your rental agreement, provide a description of your trip (a river map will be provided), and distribute luggage tags to those who have chosen this option. You can also bring your dry bags if you wish, so they are ready for the next day's departure.

The following day:
For departures from Argentat, meet at 8:30 am at the Vayrac for the bus departure.
For departures from Vayrac, you can meet anytime between 9:30 am and 12:00 pm at the Vayrac.
A private, unsupervised parking lot is available in Vayrac for your vehicle.
At the end of your trip, we will pick you up at the meeting point and time indicated on your contract.

If you have chosen to reserve campsites : all campsites are directly accessible by canoe. Please check in at reception to be shown to your pitch and to pay for your night. If any changes need to be made to your reservation, the campsites are available to assist you directly.

If you have chosen luggage transport: your luggage will be collected daily from 11:30 am and delivered to the next campsite around 3:00 pm (1 piece of luggage per person + tent folded into a bag + sleeping bags tied together or grouped in a bag). 
Each campsite has a Safaraid.

At the Vayracbase, you will find free private parking to park your vehicle during your stay.

If you are arriving by train, you can go to Saint-Denis-lès-Martel train station and walk to the base (it's a 4 km walk). You can also take a taxi from your current location or hitchhike if you have some time.
If you are arriving by plane,Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne Airport is 30 minutes from Vayrac (approximately 25 km). You can order a taxi from there.

➜ Read also "How to get to our place?"

Depending on the length of your stay and the number of people per boat, we will provide you with a sit-on-top kayak (1 or 2 people) or a Canadian canoe (2 or 3 people). A 55L dry bag per person is included (without luggage transport; otherwise, one bag per boat), as well as a life jacket and a paddle per person. 
A waterproof map with all the instructions will be given to you before your departure.
Remember to download the Canoë France to prepare your trip and guide you throughout your journey.

It is best to bring a padlock and chain or even a bicycle lock to secure your boat.

Along the route, you'll find towns and villages offering shops where you can stock up on supplies. Some riverside campsites also have small grocery stores. Pack your first picnic before leaving Vayrac, as you won't find anything from Monceaux until you reach Beaulieu (18km downstream).

Yes, wild camping is tolerated on the banks of the Dordogne River. Fires are prohibited to protect the environment.
It is also important to respect private property and local residents.

Pack your camping gear (tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, stove, etc.), and clothing appropriate for the current weather. Bring water shoes or sneakers to protect your feet from the pebbles, something to cover your head, and your toiletries. Don't forget the essentials: natural sunscreen (or better yet, a UV-protective t-shirt to avoid polluting the environment), a headlamp, mosquito repellent, a first-aid kit, and water.

➜ Read also "Top 5 bivouac equipment for canoeing and kayaking"

No, campfires are prohibited in the Dordogne Valley to prevent any fires from starting and to protect this site, which is classified as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

For maximum comfort, consider staying in one of the hotels or bed and breakfasts near the river. You can find addresses through our partner, or by planning your route using a route planner. Don't hesitate to contact your hosts to arrange your arrival; most are accustomed to canoe and kayak stops. You'll find places to land nearby, just remember to properly remove your boat from the water and bring a lock to secure it overnight.

Pack only the essentials for your trip to minimize your luggage. Don't bring much food; you'll find villages along your journey where you can resupply.

You have space for a 55L jerrycan at the rear of the single-seater kayak and also the possibility of putting a dry bag at the front of the kayak.

You are provided with a 55-liter jerrycan per person. These boats allow you to carry the equivalent of four 55-liter jerrycans. If you choose to take a canoe for three adults, you will not be able to bring your luggage. The weight destabilizes the boat, and capsizes are too frequent. In this case, we recommend taking a canoe and a single-person kayak.

You can bring one piece of luggage per person. For small items like sleeping bags or mattresses, please tie them together; this makes handling your luggage much easier for us 😉
We will label all your luggage before your departure.

We take great care in moving your bags and tents each day from campsite to campsite; however, we cannot be held responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to them.

In France, we've adopted a system of classifying river difficulty from 1 to 5.
Level 1 is accessible to everyone, provided they know how to swim. This is absolutely essential! Capsizing is always possible in a canoe or kayak. These rivers have been here for millennia, and they'll be here the next time you visit, so if you're afraid, don't push yourself! It's best to find a designated spot to meet up for a picnic.
Level 1 : The river is flowing downhill. Unexpected capsizes can happen! You have to steer the boat, and you might end up getting wet!
Level 2 : It's not Olympic level, but it's still challenging! Some experience on lower levels or having taken an introductory course is recommended, but not mandatory.
Level 3 : French law restricts independent rentals to this technical level. We're entering serious descents! Obstacles are not visible, and there are significant rapids and waves.
Level 4 : The Olympic Games, slalom gates to navigate, the clock, etc.
Level 5 : that's the extreme! It's the limit of navigability.
Level 6 exists, but that's more like freefall!