Dordogne Valley Canoe Trip from Sarlat: Castles, Villages & Swim Stops

Summary

Paddle the Dordogne past castles, swim spots & old stone villages

You’ll paddle down the Dordogne valley by canoe with a local guide, passing medieval castles and riverside villages from Sarlat la Canéda. There are stops for swimming or picnicking along quiet stretches of water, plus stories from your guide that bring each bend to life. Expect simple pleasures—fresh air, laughter, maybe a cold splash—and memories that stick around longer than any photo.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about the whole canoe thing — mostly about tipping over in front of French families who looked like they’d been paddling since birth. But the Dordogne valley from Vitrac is something else. There’s this slow morning light on the water, and you can smell wet grass and a bit of woodsmoke drifting from somewhere upriver. Our guide, Alain, handed us paddles and a waterproof box for our sandwiches (which I kept checking every ten minutes — not sure why, just anxious I guess).

We drifted past these hulking castles perched above the river — Beynac and Castelnaud, I think Alain said — and every so often he’d point out a story or some odd detail about the old stonework. The river felt calm but alive; you could hear kids laughing on the banks and sometimes a heron would flap up out of nowhere. We stopped for a swim at this pebbly patch where the water was cold enough to make my teeth hurt, but honestly it felt good after baking in the sun for an hour. Lunch was just bread and cheese, but sitting there with my feet in the water… it tasted better than any restaurant.

There’s something about seeing Dordogne valley by canoe that makes you pay attention to small things — how the shadows move across those cliffside villages, or how quiet it gets when you’re drifting under trees. At one point Alain tried to teach us a bit of Occitan (the local language) but we only managed “bon jorn” before giving up and laughing. I still think about that stretch where everything went silent except for our paddles dipping in and out of the water. If you’re anywhere near Sarlat la Canéda, don’t skip this day trip — even if your arms ache later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Canoe descent in Dordogne valley

• Start canoe descent from Vitrac
• Discover Dordogne valley by canoe
• Swim in the river
• Picnic along the river
• Visit castles and villages

Top questions

Is this Dordogne canoe trip suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and no experience is needed.

Are children or infants allowed on the canoe tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join—prams or strollers are welcome.

Is this canoe descent accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?

No—all equipment including vests, paddles, containers (box), and canoes are provided.

Are service animals allowed on this trip?

Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

Where does the tour start?

The canoe trip starts from Vitrac in the Dordogne valley near Sarlat la Canéda.

Is insurance included in the booking?

Yes, insurance is included as part of your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes all canoe equipment—vests, paddles, containers for your things—and insurance coverage throughout. A topo guide is provided to help you navigate or just learn more as you float along. Everything’s sorted so you can focus on drifting between castles and villages at your own pace.