The Dordogne Valley, a stone's throw from Sarlat (just 8 km away), is an unmissable destination. Its "valley of the castles" is a captivating region to explore! Canoeing on the Dordogne River offers a unique perspective on this exceptional landscape. This article provides practical information for planning a canoe trip from Vitrac, focusing on the popular Vitrac to Beynac route.
Canoe Dordogne: The Best Canoe Rental to Discover the Valley of the Castles!
Are you in the Périgord Noir and wondering where to rent a canoe in the Dordogne? Look no further! Canoe Dordogne near La Roque Gageac offers the best canoe descent on the Dordogne, in the heart of an exceptional landscape between unspoiled nature and historical heritage. Located just 8 km from Sarlat, our canoe rental base is the ideal starting point for an unforgettable ride on the Dordogne to discover villages such as La Roque Gageac, Beynac, Castelnaud or Domme.
Starting Your Adventure: Location and Itinerary
The canoe trip typically starts at Vitrac, near the iconic rock formation. Several options exist, with a common route being from Vitrac to Beynac. One popular starting point is Canoes Loisirs, located in La Roque-Gageac.
Sample Itinerary (Vitrac to Beynac):
- Starting Location: Canoes Loisirs, La Roque-Gageac (or another base in Vitrac).
- Along the Route:
- Pass by the village of Domme.
- See the Castle of La Malartrie with the village of La Roque Gageac.
- The village and the castle of Castelnaud and Beynac.
- The castel of Fayrac, of les jardins de Marqueyssac and Les Milandes when you will arrive at the end !
- Optional Stops: Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, Beynac. Each stop can include a break time of approximately one hour.
- Ending Point: Beynac. Butterfly canoes base, located to the left of the Beynac bridge. Before turning, take a moment to look to the right. You will see the majestic Château des Milandes, former home of Joséphine Baker.
Important Note: Itineraries are subject to change.
What You'll See: A Journey Through History and Beauty
The canoe trip from Vitrac to Beynac offers a visual feast of natural beauty and historical landmarks. Prepare to be amazed by:
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- La Roque-Gageac: Marvel at the unique view of La Roque-Gageac from your canoe, as this troglodytic village clings to the cliffs of the Dordogne. Paddle along this spectacular site and soak up its medieval charm and breathtaking natural beauty. This village, nestled between cliff and river, is one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France and seduces with its timeless charm.
- Château de la Malartrie: Admire the majesty of the Château de la Malartrie from your canoe, as its towers stand proudly on the banks of the Dordogne.
- Castelnaud-la-Chapelle: Situated on the banks of the Dordogne, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is a magnificent medieval village that offers stunning views from the river. Soak up its historical charm and picturesque architecture as you paddle along its banks in a canoe. See the Village and the castle of Castelnaud.
- Château de Fayrac: Perched on the banks of the Dordogne, the Château de Fayrac displays all the elegance of its medieval architecture in a green setting. As you paddle at its feet, let yourself be seduced by its historical charm and the serenity of the surrounding landscapes.
- Beynac: Dominating majestically the Dordogne, Beynac is a medieval village perched on a steep cliff that offers a breathtaking view from the river. Glide in a canoe along its imposing ramparts and soak up its timeless charm and captivating history. See the village and the castle of Beynac.
- Château des Milandes: As you approach the end of the route, take a moment to admire the Château des Milandes, the former home of Josephine Baker.
Practical Information for Your Canoe Trip
How It Works
You come to our office at Domme, you will take your canoe for the Trip Vitrac Beynac. You will be just you and your friends or your family. There is no guide with you. Don't worry, the trip is verry easy for everybody. No rapids, no watertalls, it's just for the view !
The duration is 3 hours trip without break. But of course you can take a break along the way to visit a village, a castle, to have a drink or a picnic. Just stop when you want , leave the canoe and enjoy.
At the end of the trip at Beynac. We have a shuttle back every hour until 6 a clock to pick you up and brings you up at your car. You understand ? You can do the trip in 3 hours or in 6 hours, you have all the time you need to go at Beynac !
Duration
The canoe trip from Vitrac to Beynac typically takes around 3 hours without stops. However, you have the flexibility to extend the trip and take breaks along the way to explore the villages, visit the castles, or enjoy a picnic. You can easily turn the 3-hour trip into a 6-hour adventure by taking your time and soaking in the surroundings.
Included Services and Equipment
Canoe Dordogne's included services - with no hidden costs!
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- Equipment provided: canoe or kayak, paddles, life jackets.
- Free return shuttle: to take you back to your vehicle after the descent.
- Comfortable base in Vitrac: free parking, picnic area, toilets and beach.
- Dogs are allowed on board at no extra charge!
Standard rentals typically include:
- Canoe or kayak
- Paddle
- Life jacket
- Transportation back to the starting point
Restrictions and Important Considerations
- Children under 5 years old are generally not allowed.
- Non-swimmers should exercise caution.
- You must exchange your voucher at the Canoes Loisirs ticket counter before the tour begins.
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothing suitable for getting wet
- Sunscreen and hat
- Water and snacks
- Towel
- Swimsuit (if you plan to swim)
- Camera to capture the stunning scenery
Optional Activities
- Swimming: Take a refreshing dip in the Dordogne River.
- Picnicking: Enjoy a delightful picnic along the riverbanks.
- Sightseeing: Explore the charming villages and castles along the route.
Why Choose Canoe Dordogne?
🌿 A unique natural setting: the Dordogne river is classified as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, guaranteeing protected nature and clean water for swimming.🏰 An exceptional heritage: discover the Most Beautiful Villages of France such as Beynac, Domme, La Roque-Gageac and Castelnaud, as well as their castles perched on the cliffs.🚣♂️ An activity accessible to all: our canoe and kayak tours are easy and suitable for beginners, perfect for a family outing, with friends or as a couple.💰 The best prices guaranteed: Canoe Dordogne offers the cheapest canoe rental in the valley for an adventure accessible to all and thus discover the most beautiful villages in France.
With Canoe Dordogne, enjoy a flexible canoe rental with several routes adapted to all levels:
🛶 Discovery tour (2h30 - 12 km): Vitrac → La Roque Gageac → CastelnaudThe ideal course for families with small children (5 to 7 years old) and beginners! This canoe descent takes you through the iconic landscapes of the valley of the castles, with several swimming spots and shaded beaches to take a break.🏰 Panoramic descent (3h - 16 km): Vitrac → La Roque Gageac → BeynacA complete immersion in the heart of the Périgord Noir, with a breathtaking view of the castles of Beynac and Castelnaud. A perfect course for nature and heritage lovers and families with children.⛺ Multi-day adventure: from 25 to 120 kmFor a unique experience, go on a multi-day canoe expedition with bivouac on the banks of the Dordogne!
All our Canoe Dordogne courses are secure and accessible. No difficulty, no rapids, simply a peaceful ride along the water.
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Imagine your descent in Canoe Dordogne…
✨ A majestic castle appears on your left… Take the time to admire it by paddling quietly. Here, no rapids, the Dordogne is a calm and accessible river.🦢 A little further on, a heron watches you from a pebble beach. Take the opportunity to take a break and admire the nature.🌞 A shaded beach awaits you: it's the perfect time for a swimming and picnic break, or simply to enjoy the sun.🌉 The last bridge appears in the distance… Your adventure is coming to an end. A little tired but amazed, you reach your vehicle or board our return shuttle to continue your discovery of the Périgord Noir.
Booking Your Canoe Trip
📅 Quick booking online or by phone.💳 Secure payment and no surprise prices.📍 Departure from our canoe rental base in Vitrac.
Don't miss the opportunity to discover the Dordogne in a different way, between nature, history and swimming! The canoe rental base of Vitrac de Périgord Aventure et Loisirs is 8km south of Sarlat. It is located on the left bank of the Dordogne river, at the Pont de Vitrac (on the right after crossing the bridge). Phone no. Canoe rental point and arrival in the heart of the village of Beynac. The rental office is located between the car park and the Restaurant Maleville. Bus departure every hour (as a precaution, inquire and book). Phone no. 2nd day: “Tourist circuit” Vitrac/Beynac.