Self-guided canoeing
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Flights
available
9.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
This canoeing holiday offers a leisurely way to explore one of France's most interesting waterways. The Dordogne River runs alongside glorious golden-pink limestone cliffs and passes the walnut groves and truffle woods of the Perigord; an area rich in history and striking views.
The canoeing is safe, not demanding, and we give you a lesson on handling your canoe before you set off. There are no major weirs to carry your canoe round, and the flow of the water does much of the work for you, so you can travel downstream looking out for imposing and magnificent chateaux, mediaeval villages and prehistoric sites including the Grottes de Lacave. There are plenty of diversions away from the river too; from Carennac visit the Gouffre de Padirac, or, from Meyronne, head out to Martel, the medieval 'town of seven towers'. The local gourmet markets are also a great way to experience Dordogne culture and taste amazing produce such as duck, goose, walnuts and cheeses.
We have chosen lovely, friendly hotels throughout. These include a converted 11th century chateau, a 4 star Villa that sits on the ancient site of a vast Gallo-Roman farm and a family run inn on the banks of the Dordogne.
NB: All customers must be able to swim at least 50m fully clothed. We provide 2/3 person canoes (minimum age 8 years). Single-person kayaks are also available if specified when you book. Only suitable for children over 12 unless experienced. Should the river, at any point, be deemed too high to safely canoe, we will provide Headwater bikes at no extra charge for all days affected.
The canoeing is safe, not demanding, and we give you a lesson on handling your canoe before you set off. There are no major weirs to carry your canoe round, and the flow of the water does much of the work for you, so you can travel downstream looking out for imposing and magnificent chateaux, mediaeval villages and prehistoric sites including the Grottes de Lacave.
See more of this trip on our Youtube channel - click here watch.
Our family run 3 star hotel is set within its own parkland just outside Rocamadour's ancient town walls. Wander round the town's medieval alleyways before choosing a restaurant for dinner.
You stay at Hotel les Esclargies.
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Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Tea/coffee
The Hotel les Esclargies is set within lush parkland surrounded by oak trees, just outside Rocamadour's ancient town walls. Designed in wood and stone, it aims to be in harmony with nature, and to offer the most tranquil of stays whilst providing easy access to Rocamadour. The modern and comfortable rooms are decorated in light tones, with ensuite facilities and air conditioning as standard.
After breakfast, we take you upstream to the small hamlet of Thezel, just south of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne for the briefing and canoeing lesson. Then it's an easy paddle down to Carennac. This is one of the Dordogne's most picturesque villages, with lovely 16th century houses. Our hotel, with outdoor pool, is right in the heart of the village, overlooking the river.
You stay at Hostellerie Fenelon.
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This pleasant, traditionally Quercynois hotel is on the edge of Carennac - officially one of France's 'plus beaux villages' - next to the river Dordogne. The hotel's pool and dining terrace both overlook this mighty river.
The hotel's 15 rooms are all ensuite with either shower or bath. All are also equipped with direct telephone lines, television and hair dryers.
A fairytale village with a jumble of cottages and 16th century turreted manor houses along with the remains of the ramparts and the once-magnificent priory. Fenelon, still celebrated as the village's most famous son, was the very popular bishop here in 1681, and a local aperitif is named after him! It's fun exploring the narrow streets and alleyways and walks around the village, and on the causse, provide some of the very best views of the Dordogne. To explore further afield, you might like to hire a bike (request at time of booking) or take a taxi and visit the Gouffre de Padirac (9km away, via an uphill route), one of the region's important spectacles where you'll find amazing caverns, huge galleries, and a boat trip on the underwater lake.
You stay at Hostellerie Fenelon.
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This pleasant, traditionally Quercynois hotel is on the edge of Carennac - officially one of France's 'plus beaux villages' - next to the river Dordogne. The hotel's pool and dining terrace both overlook this mighty river.
The hotel's 15 rooms are all ensuite with either shower or bath. All are also equipped with direct telephone lines, television and hair dryers.
On the first part of the journey you pass below massive cliffs, paddling past four impressive riverside chateaux before arriving at Meyronne and our spectacular 11th century chateau hotel.
You stay at Hotel La Terrasse.
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The Hotel La Terrasse, ideally situated overlooking the Dordogne, is a converted 11th century chateau, which has survived in spite of the turbulent history of the region. It was converted into a hotel in the 1920s by the Liebus family - who still own the hotel - but it still retains many of its original features - wooden beams, exposed stone walls, stone fire places and stone spiral stairwell. Period furniture completes the impressive, yet comfortable, interior.
Your evening meal is taken in the hotel's restaurant, where the menu reflects the local specialities. If you eat on the hotel's terrace, you'll also get to savour views over the river!
The hotel also benefits from an outdoor pool.
Why not relax at the hotel's pool, or visit the south of the river, by the Rochers Sainte-Marie and the Grotte de Lacave? Alternatively, if you've hired bikes, pedal to picturesque Martel, one of the best preserved and architecturally integral mediaeval towns in the region.
You stay at Hotel La Terrasse.
MastercardAmExPoolWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafeTea/coffee
The Hotel La Terrasse, ideally situated overlooking the Dordogne, is a converted 11th century chateau, which has survived in spite of the turbulent history of the region. It was converted into a hotel in the 1920s by the Liebus family - who still own the hotel - but it still retains many of its original features - wooden beams, exposed stone walls, stone fire places and stone spiral stairwell. Period furniture completes the impressive, yet comfortable, interior.
Your evening meal is taken in the hotel's restaurant, where the menu reflects the local specialities. If you eat on the hotel's terrace, you'll also get to savour views over the river!
The hotel also benefits from an outdoor pool.
Today is an easy paddle, with lots of interesting things to see along the river, including some beautiful riverside chateaux (look out for Belcastel and the impressive Chateau de la Treyne in particular).
You stay at La Vieille Auberge.
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La Vieille Auberge, a coach house from Napoleonic times, has been modernised to create a charming auberge in a quiet part of Souillac.
The restaurant serves traditional regional specialities with a modern twist.
The prosperous farming country around Souillac was created from marshland by industrious 12th to 13th century Benedictine monks. Of the powerful abbey they built, just the abbey church remains, with outstanding bas-relief sculpture. Today Souillac is a bustling town, with good shops and a weekly local market. Visit the Musee de l'Automate, the largest collection of mechanical toys and dolls in France.
You stay at La Vieille Auberge.
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La Vieille Auberge, a coach house from Napoleonic times, has been modernised to create a charming auberge in a quiet part of Souillac.
The restaurant serves traditional regional specialities with a modern twist.
Today it's relaxed canoeing down to Grolejac via St-Julien (a lovely village and a good lunch stop) through the heart of peaceful and prosperous Perigord countryside, with lots of time for swimming or lazing by the river. We pick you up from here and take you to your hotel. Explore Sarlat's stunning Old Town with its beautiful jumble of varying architectural styles.
You stay at Le Renoir.
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Established in a former distillery, just 350 meters from the city center of the medieval city, the Hotel Le Renoir, charming hotel in Sarlat centre, welcomes you all year round. This hotel in Sarlat center surprises. At first glance, you will discover an Italian-style building with a paved courtyard, colonnades and arcades , then as soon as you cross the door, you will observe a decoration reminiscent of the dark rooms of the cinema with large seats in red velvet. Let yourself be seduced by the Hotel Le Renoir, the charming hotel in the center of Sarlat!
Please note that if hiring bikes, cycling helmets are compulsory in France for children under 12. As we are unable to provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own.
Please see our Planning you holiday page for full details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Le Senat, Paris; Hotel Pere Leon, Toulouse.
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The 4 star Le Senat is simply stunning! There are just 41 rooms, all stylishly furnished and a couple of suites with terraces, if you really fancy splashing out! All have satellite television, mini bar, air-conditioning, safe and hairdryer, plus Internet access.
The hotel has its own small bar - adorned with photographs of eminent artists, being in the heart of the artists' quarter - plus a reading room with complimentary internet access.
Breakfast is taken in the basement, where you'll find a copious buffet of viennoiseries, cereals, fruit salad, ham, cheese, bread, yoghurt, bacon, eggs, sausage, fruit juices, tea or coffee. If you prefer, you can have a continental breakfast served to your room at no extra charge.
Le Senat is perfectly located on a quiet side street just a stone's throw away from the Luxembourg Gardens and metro, and a five-minute walk from the vibrant Latin quarter, where you'll find a plethora of restaurants to suit all budgets.
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The Hotel Pere Leon is ideally situated just a short walk from the historic centre of Toulouse, with the main sights just a short walk away. Just 50 metres from the metro, there is easy access to the rest of the city. The hotel is in Place Esquirol, a bustling, lively square and in close proximity to many bars and restaurants.
The hotel itself has a modern contemporary feel, which has been recently renovated. The ensuite rooms have soundproof windows and all mod cons. Breakfast is a buffet affair with a good choice of French staples, and a hot section.
The hotel has its own bistro restaurant with seats outside where you can enjoy a drink or dinner.
Room upgrades: Deluxe room.
The deluxe room is larger than the standard room.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £392.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
This holiday is unsuitable for children under 8 (under 12 for kayaks) and is based on a minimum of 2 adults. For people wanting to have bikes available for all 'rest days' these can be pre-booked for you (£120 per adult and £80 per child per week) and will be waiting at each hotel for you.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Toulouse airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Read about Robert Twigger (Financial Times journalist) experience on our Dordogne canoeing trip.
Read about Michael Turtle's (travel journalist) experience on our Dordogne canoeing trip.
Self-guided canoeing
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Flights
available
9.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
