The Dordogne River Travel Guide
Travel to The Dordogne River - Some of the Best Scenery in France
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The beautiful Dordogne river runs through some of the best scenery in France encompassing on its route parts of the Auvergne, Perigord, Lot and ending at the sea, north of Bordeaux. The exquisite Dordogne Valley, an area well known for its castles, medieval villages, beautiful countryside and its warm and pleasant climate has been attracting British interest for some years now, but it’s not hard to get off the beaten track to discover vineyards, chateaux and medieval villages complete with gentilhommiere all of your own. The river itself is very popular for many activities such as boat trips, swimming, canoeing and picnicking at one the many river beaches and there are caves to discover in this region of dramatic landscapes.
The Dordogne river begins its journey in the mountains of Auvergne, forged from the confluence of two small rivers, the Dore and the Dogne, above the town of Mont-Dore. It flows west for 472km through the Limousin and Périgord regions before flowing into the Gironde, north of the city of Bordeaux. The river is one of the few in the world which has a tidal bore and experiences high tides during July and August.
Attractions in The Dordogne River
The most popular activities on the river are canoeing and kayaking, as you lazily paddle past ancient villages and riverside chateaux which are located at various points along the river. These include Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, which has an attractive old quarter, Carennac with its lovely old gentilhommiere, Souillac which is located at the confluence of the Borrèze and Dordogne rivers; the medieval town of Martel, built in pale coloured stone offset by reddish-brown roofs and the town of Gluges which has a unique position huddled under cliffs with views of the river.
The Grottes de Lacave are a series of caves which have several galleries, and numerous limestone formations and nearby Padirac provides additional subterranean interest. The highlight for many is a visit to the pilgrim-town of Rocamadour, perched on a rock it’s religious significance equal only to its beauty.
Activities in The Dordogne River
To fully enjoy the beautiful countryside, chateaux, villages and river activities it is certainly worth spending a week in the Dordogne area, with plenty to do even to stretch to two...
Relaxing
After a morning spent at one of the local markets, what could be more idyllic than enjoying a riverside picnic in the sunshine.
Getting Around
Most people get around in their own or a hired vehicle, the recommended way to explore. Travelling by bus is possible as an alternative for those with time and in no rush - timetables can be obtained from the local tourist offices. If you are taking shorter journeys then another option is to hire a scooter or bicycle.
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