Canoeing down the Dordogne at Vitrac
Flower camping La Sagne near Sarlat, on the banks of the Dordogne, offers you the chance to hire a canoe and explore the Châteaux Valley.
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Departing from the campsite, you can board a 2 or 3-seater canoe and cruise along the river in complete safety, at your own pace, for a unique experience full of emotion!
As a family or with friends, you’ll be able to admire some of the most beautiful sites along the way: the port of Vitrac, the medieval town of Domme, La Roque Gageac, one of the most beautiful villages in France, the feudal castle of Castelnaud la Chapelle
and the Château de Beynac overlooking the valley.
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Take the time to stop off at one of the many pebble beaches along the Dordogne, or on the sandbanks in the middle of the river.
You can swim in the clear water without any risk, or enjoy a picnic while contemplating the wild beauty of nature. No need to take the car; we suggest you set off directly from the La Sagne campsite to the Vézac bridge, just before the Château de Beynac,
The route is around 16 km long.
We provide the equipment: life jackets, paddles, one waterproof canister per canoe to store your personal belongings and your picnic.
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We organise 2 departures during the day in July/August, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, every day. In the low season, we offer 1 departure only (departure at 10.30am, return at 3.30pm) every day.
We will pick you up at the pont de Vézac and drive you straight back to the campsite.
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The Dordogne is a 1st category river and is accessible to everyone over the age of 5. You must be in good physical condition and be able to swim. Children aged between 5 and 12 must be accompanied by an adult. You must wear a life jacket all the way down, and we advise you to wear closed shoes. In very hot weather, remember to wear a hat or cap, and bring water and sun protection.
At La Sagne campsite, we do our utmost to ensure that you have a pleasant holiday and an unforgettable stay!
What is the minimum age for canoeing on the Dordogne?
The Dordogne is accessible to everyone over the age of 5.
Children aged between 5 and 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
How do I book and what are the rates?
We offer a single route (Vitrac – Vézac) of around 16 km.
For your information, here are our timetables:
- In low season (April to June and September): departure at 10.30 am and arrival at 3.30 pm.
- In high season (July and August): two departures a day, one in the morning from 9.30am to 1.30pm and one in the afternoon from 2pm to 6pm.
Reservations can be made before your stay by telephone on 05 53 28 18 36 or by email at info@camping-la-sagne.com, or during your stay at reception.
Our prices:
People over 13: €19.00 per person.
People aged between 5 and 12: €12.00 per person.
How difficult is it to get down the Dordogne?
The Dordogne is a category 1 river, indicating calm water without significant rapids. This river is accessible to beginners and generally offers a pleasant experience for people of all levels.
The route we propose has no major difficulties.
Is it compulsory to know how to swim?
To enjoy the trip down the Dordogne, it’s important to be able to swim a distance of around 25 metres and to be able to master immersion in the water.
At the start, we provide you with a lifejacket, which you must wear for the duration of the activity.
What clothes should I wear?
For your comfort and safety, please adapt your clothing according to the weather and the season. On sunny days, remember to bring sun cream, sunglasses and a hat or cap to avoid sunstroke. Be aware of the risk of hydrocution and make sure you take plenty of water with you.
We recommend that you wear closed shoes.
Can 3 people get into a canoe?
The maximum capacity of a canoe is 2 or 3 people. If you have young children, and according to our recommendations, it is possible to go up to 4 people, by placing the two small children in the middle seat.
In a kayak, you can paddle alone.
Can we take our dog with us?
You can take your dog on board your canoe, as long as you don’t overload the boat or tie the dog to the canoe.
Can we stop along the way?
You can stop wherever you like on the banks as long as you don’t leave any rubbish and you respect the area.
