Renting a canoe on the Vézère in Périgord: why it’s the best idea

When you’re on holiday in the Dordogne, there’s no shortage of activities. But canoeing on the Vézère River is something special. It’s a nature outing, a cultural immersion, and a family activity to share with all ages. That’s why we recommend it without hesitation.

Discover the Vézère Valley in a new way

The Vézère Valley is a protected area, its banks largely inaccessible by road. By canoe, you can reach viewpoints and landscapes that no other mode of transport can offer.

• We start by paddling through Montignac-Lascaux and its stilt houses that have withstood winter floods for centuries.
• Next, the Château de Losse comes into view. You can even pass under its balcony and enjoy the cool shade of its ivy-covered rocky overhang from your canoe.
• Further on, we paddle under the Thonac bridge and its remnants of a lock.
• Then, we are captivated by the Château de Belcayre, aptly named “Beautiful Stones” in Occitan, and its terrace that inspires all sorts of desires…
• And from bend to bend, we continue our beautiful canoe trip to Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, with its castle, its church, its secret “courédous” (little alleyways in Occitan).
• A beautiful island upstream and another downstream, then several beaches offer opportunities for swimming and contemplative or culinary stops.
• We recharge our batteries and finish by passing under La Roque Saint-Christophe, a veritable troglodytic city inhabited throughout history and prehistory.
• Before reaching the end of the river, we glimpse the cliff-castle of Reignac from our canoe, watching over us from above, before we cross the Tursac-Lespinasse bridge.

These are all moments you won’t forget.

An activity accessible to all

This is one of the great advantages of canoeing on the Vézère River:

• Children as young as 5 can participate
• No upper age limit (our oldest clients are over 80!)
• No experience necessary
• The river is Class 1: calm, with no dangerous rapids
• The current does most of the work

Routes for every preference

We offer several route lengths starting from Montignac-Lascaux:

• 8 km – to Thonac (short route, about 2 hours, perfect for families)
• 12 km – to Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère (the ideal half-day trip)
• 20 km – to Tursac (a full day for the more athletic)

In all cases, the shuttle bus takes you back to the starting point. No need for two cars or complicated logistics.

Unbeatable value for money

For the price of a museum admission, you can spend half a day or a full day in nature, with equipment provided, shuttle service included, and unforgettable memories. All this in one of the most beautiful corners of France.