Trip Overview
An active discovery of the tranquil Dordogne, as it twists its course
through one of the most scenic regions of France. By boat, cycle and
on foot, we discover its tiny villages, ancient farms and romantic châteaux.
We also explore caves, gorges - and plenty of the local cuisine too.
Put simply: the Great Outdoors, à la française!
Setting off downstream from the old walled village of Beaulieu, we wind
our way through a corner of France renowned for its serene backwaters,
picturesque hamlets and the friendliest of people. The Dordogne is also
home to many a fine wine and recipe - with Cahors and Bergerac labels
and confit de canard ruling the roost.
Paddling at a leisurely pace in our inflatable canoes, and following
quiet country roads on our bicyles, we gradually discover the historical
and geological richness of the region. With occasional sorties on foot,
we explore, amongst others, the well preserved fortifications of Castelnau-Bretenoux,
overnight at the medieval town of Rocamadour - precariously perched
on a sheer cliff - and, from Creysse, we visit the nearby market town
of Martel. Finally we paddle via Lacave to Souillac, where our journey
ends.
Day 1 - Join tour Brive railway station;
transfer to Beaulieu Arrive at Brive railway station and transfer
to our campsite near Beaulieu. Overnight camping and breakfast.
C+.
Day 2 - In Beaulieu. By boat to Puybrun Beaulieu is a typical
Dordogne village with its old city walls still largely intact.
Narrow cobbled streets fan out from the centre to reach a circular
perimeter wall with many entrance gates. The morning is free for
exploration; the 12th century Abbey church is well worth a visit
to see the carved doorway depicting the Last Judgement, a masterpiece
of Romanesque sculpture. In the afternoon we take to the river
for the first time, and learn the intricacies of propelling our
boats. The river twists and turns as we approach our campsite
at the hamlet of Puybrun near
Bretenoux. We have spectacular views of the the hilltop above,
dominating the whole valley. Approx 2-3hrs paddling. Overnight
camping and breakfast. C+.
Day 3 - Cycle to Castlenau-Bretenoux château; paddle to
Vayrac This morning we cycle (approx 1hr) from the riverside up
to the mighty château.
Constructed between the 12th and 17th centuries, Castlenau-Bretenoux
is one of the most impressive examples of medieval architecture
in southern France. Built on a high terrace and triangular in
shape, it is flanked by six huge towers. Deep ditches and a solid
rampart made it an impregnable
fortress which garrisoned 1,500 men and 100 horses during the
bloody Revolution. After our visit, we descend to the river and
continue downriver by canoe to our campsite at Vayrac. Approx
3-4hrs paddling. Overnight camping and breakfast. C+.
Day 4 - Cycle to Rocamadour via Carennac and Padirac Caves Heading
off on our bicycles once more we cross the river and stop first
at Carennac. This delightful village saddles a cliff overlooking
the river and the isle of Calypso
and we take a stroll through the maze of alleys and old streets
lined with stone manor houses with red-tiled roofs. Leaving Carennac,
we climb the escarpment and have the chance to explore some of
the fascinating villages and sites en route to Rocamadour, such
as the attractive village of Magnagues, from where there are fine
views over the river. Cycling across the plateau we reach the
incredible caves at Padirac. An optional boat trip follows a subterranean
river which has cut huge chambers into the gorge. Here a fantasy
of stalactites hang down from the domed ceiling, providing a
new tableau at every glance. In the afternoon we reach Rocamadour.
This beautiful village clinging to the cliff edge has been visited
by pilgrims since the 11th century and was one of the largest
halting places on the route to
Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. Approx 4 hrs cycling.
Overnight camping and breakfast. C+.
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Day 5 - Cycle to Creysse via the Vallee de l’Ouysse
Today’s cycle ride takes us to some of the most beautiful
scenery in the region in the peaceful Vallee de L’Ouysse
which cuts a dramatic gorge from Rocamadour before opening out
and joining the Dordogne at Lacave. Cycling for the most part
on small
tracks, we really get off the beaten track here and have the
chance to enjoy the wild rugged scenery. The valley is dotted
with old watermills, waterfalls, caves and ancient settlements
and we plan to take our time and incorporate several stops to
our journey to fully appreciate the ambience. Descending
to the river finally we pause at Lacave where there is the option
to visit the spectacular cave complex before continuing on to
Creysse. Approx 3 hrs cycling. 2 nights camping and breakfast.
C+.
Day 6 - Walk to Martel and on to Gluges; paddle to Creysse In
the morning we walk out of the river valley following the clifftops,
up to the medieval town of Martel, a sleepy settlement once
occupied by the Moors. Close to the
intricately constructed market place is the Gothic church of
St. Maur, originally designed as a fortress. We continue to
the attractive village of Gluges, following a ‘botanical
trail’ before boarding our canoes once more and paddling
back to Creysse. Approx 3.5hrs walking and 1 hrs paddling. Overnight
camping and breakfast. C+.
Day 7 - Paddle via Lacave to Souillac We continue downriver
by canoe and pass Château Belcastel, perched on a cliff
top over the river, looking down on the tiny village of Lacave.
The next stretch of river brings us to bustling Souillac, the
largest town on the river. Here there are banks, restaurants
and
good shops, also the curious Museum of Automation and a Byzantine/Romanesquestyle
abbey. Approx 4hrs paddling. Overnight camping and breakfast.
C+.
Day 8 - Tour ends Souillac.
Look below for departure dates.
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Accommodations
Camping at well appointed camp sites.
Meals
7 Breakfasts
Departure Dates
28 May - 04 June
18 June - 25 June
25 June - 02 July
02 July - 09 July
09 July - 16 July
16 July - 23 July
23 July - 30 July
30 July - 06 August
06 August - 13 August
13 August - 20 August
20 August - 27 August
27 August - 03 September
03 September - 10 September
10 September - 17 September
Local Payment $145 CAD (90 EUR) |
