dossier

Canoeing on the Dordogne

Hostellerie Meysset  ***
Sarlat  Days 1+8

You stay at the stylish Hostellerie de Meysset, set in 3 acres of pine woods and gardens, it is a haven of tranquillity. The hotel over looks two valleys and all of the rooms have stunning views of them. All 26 rooms have en-suite facilities with bath/shower, hairdryer, TV and direct telephone.

Day 1 Arrive at Sarlat

Our *** hotel is a lovely country house, set in 3 acres of private pine woods, overlooking the Sarlat valley.

Day 2 Sarlat/Carennac 15km/8mi/4hr

After breakfast, we take you upstream to near the pretty riverside town 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 16C houses. Our hotel, with outdoor pool, is right in the heart of the village, overlooking the river .

Hostellerie Fenelon  **
Carennac  Days 2+3

This pleasant hotel is on the edge of Carennac next to the Dordogne. The hotel pool and dining terrace both overlook the river. The 15 rooms with bathrooms, composed of either showers or baths, all include direct telephone lines, television and hair dryers.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 3 At Carennac

A fairytale village with a jumble of cottages and 16C turreted manor houses and the remains of the ramparts and the once-magnificent priory. Fénélon, still celebrated as the village's most famous son, was the very popular bishop here in 1681 - and a local apéritif is named after him! It's fun exploring the narrow streets and alleyways and walks round 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 and visit the Gouffre de Padirac (9km/6mi away), one of the region’s important spectacles - amazing caverns, huge galleries, and a boat trip on the underwater lake.

Day 4 Carennac / St Sozy 20km/13mi/4hr

On the first part of the journey you pass below massive cliffs, paddling past four impressive riverside châteaux before arriving at St Sozy and our friendly little hotel.

Hotel Grangier  **
St Sozy  Days 4+5

This relaxed friendly hotel is run by M Destannes who is really keen to ensure that Headwater guests enjoy their stay here. Great importance is placed on food, with local specialities featuring wherever possible. The hotel consisits of 12 non smoking rooms, TV satellite and direct telephone.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 5 At St Sozy

Why not relax at the hotel’s pool? Or take a pleasant walk to the south of the river , by the Rochers SteMarie and the Grotte de Lacave? Rocamadour is only a 15km taxi ride away. Together with the Mont St Michel, it is France’s most venerated religious site. Kings have climbed the steps to the basilica on their knees. Sailors pray to the Black Madonna when in peril, and the bell of her chapel rings each time she rescues another ship. The chapel is full of little model ships presented in gratitude.

Day 6 St Sozy/Souillac 16km/9mi/4hr

Today is an easy paddle, with lots of interesting things along the river . You pass - and can visit - the caves of Lacave (over a mile of caverns with curious stalactites reflecting in the water) and some beautiful riverside châteaux (look out for Belcastel and the impressive Château de la Treyne in particular).

Hotel le Quercy **
Souillac  Days 6+7

The Hôtel Le Quercy is tucked away in a quiet side street, just 300m from the centre of town. Each of the hotel’s 25 rooms have recently been refurbished and are light and airy, with a pleasant decor. All are ensuite and have satellite television and telephone. The hotel also has its own outdoor pool!

Day 7 At Souillac

The prosperous farming country around Souillac was created from marshland by industrious 12-13C 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 Musée de l’Automate, the largest collection of mechanical toys and dolls in France.

Day 8 Souillac / Sarlat 12km/7mi/3hr

Relaxed canoeing down to Groléjac via St Julien (lovely village, good lunch stop) through the heart of peaceful and prosperous Périgord countryside, with lots of time for swimming or lazing by the river .We pick you up from here and take you to Sarlat in time to explore the old regional capital before dinner . The Vieux Quartier is an astonishingly beautiful jumble of varying architectural styles, virtually all pre-C17.

Day 9 Leave Sarlat

You leave your hotel after breakfast

For people wanting to have bikes available for all ‘rest-days’ these can be pre-booked for you ($170 per adult and $85 per child per stay) and will bewaiting at each hotel for you.

Note: the village fete takes place in St Sozy over the 3rd weekend in July.  Great atmosphere, but if you prefer things quiet, perhaps choose an alternative date.

For extra nights we recommend Sarlat, Souillac or Toulouse