The Dordogne River
We have been canoeing on the Dordogne, in the Sarlat area, on several occasions. We love the clear water, due to the stone bottomed river. We are heading to Bordeaux this year, and wondered if anyone knew what the river is like between Bordeaux and Bergerac ?
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We have visited the Dordogne many times and when we travelled with the boys centred ourselves around Sarlat where they enjoyed the canoeing. This is definitely the tourist centre for being on the water.
In later years without the boys in tow we have preferred things to be less busy and headed west. The site at Limueil - https://www.leportdelimeuil.com/en/- is probably the best kept site we have visited in France. It sits on the south bank of the river with nice views, good size pitches, wonderful pool etc. The river tends to be wider as you head west and you do not see so many people on the water.
If you plan to be on the water every day I would stay nearer Sarlat. If you want to avoid the crowds and have an occasional day on the water, 1/2hr away in the car, then you would not be let down by a stay at Limueil.
Colin
Mod Comment - Link edited as original didn't work.
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I canoed the entire 300 mile length of the Dordogne on a 3 week trip in June 1976, including taking a kayak to the top of the Puy de Sancy (6,188ft) , the source of the river. The folly of youth !
I realise it's a long time ago, but rivers don't change their characters that much over short periods of time. My memories of the stretch between Bergerac and the confluence with the Garonne are that the river is tidal, relatively wide and not that interesting, particularly the later stages between Castillon-la-Bataille and Bec-d'Ambès, where there are numerous meanders.
The lower reaches of the river are fairly sedate, the middle reaches (between Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne and Lalinde) pass some spectacular scenery and historic places. The upper reaches have some amazing canoeing along the hydro-electric dams and, if you are brave and experienced enough, shooting the rapids below the generator outfalls when the sluices are opened.
Did you know that the Dordogne has a "bore" similar to the River Severn ? I watched it pass our campsite at Fronsac and it was quite a sight. Another "experience" was canoeing the final 5 miles against the incoming tide, with standing waves over 2 metres tall, without an accompanying safety boat. Not to be repeated.
What memories.
Jim
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We have stayed at a site next to the Dordogne river at Crreysse which is in the Lot and friends of ours canoed on the river straight from the site and lovely scenery from the canoe.
Thanks for the news of the bore JimE did not know that and eribamotters re site at Limueil noted as may go there in September.
Enjoy your break onepig.
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We stayed at Camping Le Port de Limeuil back in 2010, I think we were there right at the end of the season but it was lovely and peaceful. Nice little village across the river and if you climb to the very top there are some gardens that are open to the public with lovely views over the river. The picture below was taken from the campsite.
David
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