Canoeing is hugely popular in the Dordogne, especially during the summer months when the Vézère and Dordogne rivers are shallow and slow-flowing – ideal for beginners. There are rental outlets at just about every twist in both rivers, and although it's possible to rent one-person kayaks or two-person canoes by the hour, it's best to take at least a half-day or longer, and simply cruise downstream. The company you book through will either take you to your departure point or send a minibus to pick you up from your final destination. Prices vary according to what's on offer; expect to pay around €14–20 per day. Most places function daily in July and August, on demand in May, June and in September, and are closed the rest of the year. All companies are obliged to equip you with lifejackets (gilets) and teach you basic safety procedures, most importantly how to capsize and get out without drowning. You must be able to swim. Below are just a handful of the choices on offer.River Dordogne Cénace Périgord Loisirs Cénac tel 05.53.29.99.69, [email protected]. Based near Domme, offering a choice of distances from 12km to 25km between Calviac and Beynac. Canoë DordogneLa Roque-Gageac tel 05.53.29.58.50, www.canoe-dordogne.fr. Ideally placed to paddle downstream past Castelnaud, Beynac and Les Milandes. Choice of three distances: 7km, 14km and 21km. Canoë Loisirs Vitrac tel 05.53.29.05.07, www.perigord-insolite.com. Rental available from a half-day upwards, on your own or accompanied. Copeyre Canoë Gluges tel 05.65.37.33.51, www.copeyre.com. Nine bases from Argentat to Beynac; choose your own day-trip or longer outings of up to seven days. Safaraid Albas tel 05.65.30.74.47, www.canoe-dordogne.com. Eight bases from Argentat to Beynac; choose your own route, with rental available by the hour, day, week or longer. River Vézère Canoë Vallée Vézère rte de Périgueux, Les Eyzies tel 05.53.05.10.11, www.canoesvalleevezere.com. You can choose your distance, starting anywhere between Montignac and Les Eyzies or, downstream, stopping anywhere from Les Eyzies to Trémolat. Canoë-Kayak 7 RivesMontignac tel 05.53.50.19.26. Choice of distances downstream to Thonac, St-Léon or La Roque St-Christophe.
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