The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region is full of unusual activities for travelers. This summer, try canyoning in the Dordogne!
The Dordogne is a particularly popular tourist destination. Every year, this historic territory, formerly known as Périgord, attracts hundreds of visitors. Its extraordinary terroir and historic heritage make it a dream destination. From the Périgord Pourpre to the Périgord Blanc, this unique region boasts many must-see places.
History buffs, for example, can discover the department’s countless castles. Likewise, they can let themselves be tempted by the Dordogne’s magnificent prehistoric caves.
But it’s undoubtedly its environmental heritage that makes the Périgord so charming. From north to south, travelers are immersed in exceptional landscapes and lush vegetation. The department boasts one of the finest regional parks in France.
On their hikes, visitors often come across protected species. To explore this fabulous wilderness, why not try canyoning in the Dordogne? You’ll have plenty of thrills and, above all, unusual memories!
1. Sarlat-la-Canéda
Photo credit: Instagram – sarlattourisme
Duration: 3 h to 4 h
Difficulty: intermediate
Period: May to September
This canyoning site in the Dordogne offers you the chance to combine the adrenalin of this sport with that of rock climbing. Instructors will guide you along a fun-filled course. Although not very complex, it does require a certain level of physical fitness. Canyoning in the Dordogne is accessible to anyone who can swim, from the age of 12.
2. Base de Gluges
Photo credit: Instagram – valleedordogne
Duration: 2 h to 3 h
Difficulty: easy
Period: May to September
In the heart of the Dordogne valley, Base de Gluges invites you to discover a wide range of outdoor activities. For almost forty years, this site has been offering visitors the chance to try canyoning in the Dordogne.
Accessible to all, these courses offer a gentle introduction to the sport. However, you can also get your adrenalin pumping with jumps, abseils and climbing sections. There’s nothing like an unusual canyoning experience in the Dordogne!
3. Malesse Canyon
Duration: 1 h 30
Difficulty: easy – intermediate
Period: June to September
For canyoning in the Dordogne, the Glane de Malesse is an ideal place. It’s a pleasant course for beginners and initiates alike. It includes a number of jumps and an abseiling section. Fairly accessible, it’s a great way to discover canyoning in the Dordogne. But also its extraordinary surrounding landscapes, and the flora and fauna that accompany them.
From the age of twelve, travelers can experience this fun descent. The only prerequisite is, of course, the ability to swim.
4. Escapade Nature Pays d’Argentat
Photo credit: Instagram – valleedordogne
Duration: 3 h to 4 h
Difficulty: easy
Period: May to September
This leisure center is a must for canyoning in the Dordogne. Every year, it welcomes hundreds of travellers from the region. It offers a variety of canyoning routes, as well as introductory courses.
The more adventurous can opt for a longer descent. They’ll be able to enjoy the thrill of canyoning in the Dordogne.
5. Gorges du Chal
Duration: approx. 4 h
Difficulty: intermediate
Period: June to August
This magnificent canyoning course in the Dordogne is reserved for the most adventurous. It’s a sporting descent lasting almost four hours. Along the way, you’ll encounter almost every type of canyoning obstacle in the Dordogne. Jumping, abseiling, climbing and swimming – you’re in for a real thrill! You’ll also be able to challenge your stamina and test your skills in this incredible environment.
6. Martel
Photo credit: Shutterstock – doriantsev
Duration: 2 h to 3 h
Difficulty: easy
Period: June to October
This canyoning course in the Dordogne is designed for beginners with little training in this activity. It’s an introduction to this summer pastime. Along the river, participants will have to tackle a number of jumps, slides and abseiling sections.
They can also swim in magnificent natural pools and basins. Their canyoning descent in the Dordogne will introduce them to all the richness of this region. In an untouched wilderness and exceptional setting, we bet their experience will be unforgettable!
7. Falaises du Corbeau
Duration: 2 h to 3 h
Difficulty: easy
Period: June to August
This canyoning spot in the Dordogne is a must in the region. Like its predecessor, it invites you to discover both canyoning and climbing. But the main attraction of this site is its fabulous natural setting. In the heart of the cliffs, the vegetation is still wild, almost untouched.
You’ll have the impression of being alone in the world for your canyoning session in the Dordogne. But you’ll also be able to appreciate the region’s extraordinary environmental heritage. And, who knows, maybe you’ll even meet some of the locals?
8. Milhac cliff
Duration: 2 h to 3 h
Difficulty: easy
Period: June to August
Just a few kilometers from the Corbeau cliffs, the heights of Milhac are a must for sports enthusiasts. Every year, they welcome climbing and canyoning enthusiasts to the Dordogne.
It’s a rather sporty course that awaits fans of this sport. They’ll have to contend with numerous climbing and abseiling passages, to get their adrenalin pumping. An incredible setting to test your knowledge and skills.
9. Falaise du Conte
Duration: 2 h to 3 h
Difficulty: easy
Period: June to September
The Conte cliff has always overlooked the Céou river. This wild setting is ideal for canyoning in the Dordogne. All around you, rock faces and vegetation create an exceptional setting.
As you descend, you’ll be able to enjoy the enchanting landscape to the full. What’s more, this canyoning course in the Dordogne is accessible to everyone, from the age of 12. So why not make the most of it for a family outing?
10. Saut Grand waterfalls
Duration: 3 h to 4 h
Difficulty: intermediate
Period: June to October
Would you like to try canyoning in the Dordogne? This completely unspoilt natural site is the place to be for this activity. You’ll have to follow the Cayla river, which rises at an altitude of over 700 metres. You’ll be able to plunge into magnificent natural pools and follow fun slides.
Some sections will require abseiling, for the more adventurous, or de-escalation. However, canyoning enthusiasts in the Dordogne will appreciate the few jumps along the way. At a height of several meters, you’ll need to get your adrenalin pumping as you leap into the void. What better way to spend an unforgettable vacation in the historic Périgord region?