General questions about your canoe descent of the Dordogne

We are open every day from Easter to All Saints.

No, he Dordogne river is rated as level I. It presents few (if any) difficulties.
This river is accessible to all, whether beginners or otherwise, as long as they can swim and are in sufficient physical shape for the journey.

Yes, the Dordogne river is a very clean river with very few dangers.
However:
On the unmonitored parts, you will need to organise your own safety: Do not bathe alone. Keep an eye on your family and children when they are in the water. Avoid steep or slippery banks which may be prone to slippages or which may prevent you from getting out of the water. When getting into the water, do so slowly and gradually to avoid immersion syncope (hydrocution) or fainting.
For information about the quality of bathing water:
DDASS DE LA DORDOGNE – Cité Administrative – 24016 Périgueux Cedex
Email : dd24-santeenvironnement@sante.gouv.fr – Tel. 05 53 02 27 27 – Fax 05 53 08 00 73

Yes, booking is recommended and even compulsory as this enables us to organise better and to minimize waiting time.

You have a choice, with two parking sites.
Vitrac, on our large, shaded car park.
Beynac, in the municipal car parks.
Our shuttle service will take you there and back. View the information here… https://www.perigordaventureloisirs.com/tarifs.

2-seater, 3-seater, 4-seater (2 adults + 2 children).

1 person.

Yes, you must be able to swim. Before setting off, a life jacket will be issued to you and must obligatorily be worn.

Children under 5 are not allowed, and it is mandatory to know how to swim in immersion and submersion.
A life jacket is compulsory.
Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied.
Unaccompanied minors must be in possession of written permission from their parents.

Generally, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and days after rainfall are the busiest. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays tend to be quieter.
However, this is only an approximate guide.

You should adapt your attire to the weather and the time of year. Just remember that you will be on the water and it is quite possible that you will get wet.
Wear clothing which allows you to move easily and comfortably.
In sunny weather, take care to protect yourself with sun cream, sunglasses, hats and caps.
Take a bottle of water with you (these can be purchased on site)
Take care to avoid the risk of immersion syncope (hydrocution), wetting the nape of your neck regularly.
You should wear shoes suitable for use in the water, which grip the foot firmly.
No flip-flops!

The proposed routes can be travelled unaccompanied, adapting the chosen route to your abilities. A monitor will help you to improve your technique although this naturally comes at a cost. Supervision is vital for groups of schoolchildren, scouts and teenagers, etc. (Please call us for details of our conditions and prices).

Bring the strict minimum to avoid overloading yourself: 1 towel, 1 bottle of water, a tube of sun cream, mobile phone (we sell watertight bags for phones) and your picnic.

You have the possibility to stop off in villages along the way to eat in restaurants or pubs, or to buy food (further information available from reception).
Or you can bring along your own picnic.
You’ll find numerous pebble riverbanks where you can stop off along the way.
For groups, a picnic may be proposed by a caterer.

Yes, with a fishing permit.
Visit the website http://www.federationpechedordogne.fr/1-125-la-Dordogne.php.

The Dordogne river offers plenty of possibilities to stop off wherever you like, while at the same time respecting the rights and privacy of residents. Please do not leave any rubbish behind you.

You can bring them along but under your own liability. When you’re not using them, you should store them in the container which we will rent to you unless you have waterproof bags with you.

Yes, Yes, you can berth next to villages and castles, ensuring that you remove your craft from the water and taking your personal belongings with you.
Before setting off, check how long your trip is scheduled to last and be sure to be back by the end of the time allotted to you.

Yes, we accept dogs. Please keep them on a lead but do not attach them to the canoe.
Please ensure that they do not disturb anyone during trips on the water and in the shuttle bus.

Multi-day canoe trips on the Dordogne

We do not recommend bivouacking on the banks of the Dordogne because the level of this river is regulated by hydroelectric dams. Consequently, releases can be made at any time, creating a danger for people bivouacking on the beaches.

We strongly advise you to book the campsite or the hotel where you have chosen to spend your night.

We do not provide a tent or mattress or transport of luggage.
Plan your equipment accordingly.