This iconic river in the southwest of France originates in the Massif Central and flows westward for 472 km until it reaches Bec d’Ambès, north of Bordeaux, where it joins the Garonne to form the Gironde estuary. Although the Dordogne is navigable over the last 112 kilometers of its course, traffic remains limited. From the 4-star campsite in Corrèze, you’ll be located right next to the Dordogne River—take full advantage of it!
Discover the Dordogne River
Are you spending your holidays at a campsite in Corrèze by the Dordogne? Learn more about this remarkable river. The upper course of the Dordogne, peaking at nearly 1,700 meters on the Puy de Sancy, is formed by the Dore and Dognon rivers. After a tumultuous descent, the river passes through the spa towns of Mont-Dore and La Bourboule in the Puy-de-Dôme. Flowing past the Avèze River, it creates an 18 km-long lake above the Bort hydroelectric dam. The Dordogne also carves through its namesake gorges until reaching Argentat, where it is joined by several tributaries. Skirting Souillac in the Lot, it flows through the department to which it also lent its name, where it meets the Vézère River. On the Vézère's banks lie Montignac, Lascaux, and Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, home to some of the region’s most famous prehistoric caves. Entering the Gironde department, the river reaches the island of Libourne before flowing northwest to join the Garonne.
Dordogne: Designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve
Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial or coastal ecosystems that promote solutions for reconciling biodiversity conservation with sustainable use. They are initially designated by national governments and remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the countries in which they are located. Biosphere reserves serve, in some respects, as "living laboratories" to test and demonstrate integrated management of land, water, and biodiversity. These reserves form a cohesive whole, a global network where the exchange of information, experiences, and personnel is facilitated. The activities of this international network align with UNESCO’s missions, particularly to foster cooperation among nations "through education, science, and culture."
In this spirit, UNESCO organized the Biosphere Conference in 1968, where the concept of a biosphere reserve was born. This was the first intergovernmental conference to focus exclusively on ways to reconcile conservation and the use of natural resources, thus foreshadowing the modern concept of sustainable development. From this conference emerged the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program in 1970. One of MAB’s most ambitious projects is the establishment of a globally coordinated network of sites representing the planet’s major ecosystems. These sites protect genetic resources and support ecosystem research, as well as monitoring and training programs.
The designation of a MAB project follows specific criteria. Biosphere reserves are sites that:
- Represent typical examples of the world's major terrestrial or coastal ecosystems.
- Demonstrate innovative approaches for living and working in harmony with nature.
- Showcase how to achieve a sustainable balance between conserving natural ecosystems and biodiversity and promoting economic development.
The Dordogne is one of approximately six hundred biosphere reserves located in around one hundred countries.
Where to Swim on the Dordogne River?
- Les Tours
This part of the river is shallow with gravel islands but deepens under the cliffs, featuring caves ideal for swimming and exploration.
- La Roque Saint-Christophe
A small church is nestled in a meadow leading to the river and caves. Upstream, you'll find the famous troglodyte caves clinging to the cliffside.
- Moulin-de-Rocherel
A small weir in the valley creates deeper pools above and shallows below. The site is just a stone's throw from the charming town of Brantôme.
- Cingle de Trémolat
Here, the Dordogne reveals its wildest side. A large river bend, difficult to access, offers a vast expanse beneath towering cliffs.
- Domme
A very calm stretch of river alongside walnut orchards in an otherwise busy area. The site is perfect for a peaceful getaway, alone or with family.
- Lacave
This beautiful light-green pool lies beneath a castle. Downstream, the Dordogne features rapids perfect for river tubing.
- Montvalent
This section of the river never ceases to charm, with amenities including a café and swings by the water.
Activities on the Dordogne River
Fishing, but especially canoeing and boating, are among the water activities most enjoyed by visitors. Couples, families, and groups of friends embark on adventures in Vitrac, Le Bugue, Domme, Bergerac, Cénac-et-Saint-Julien, and many other nearby locations. Aerial tours are also popular. Vacationers can fly over the river and surrounding sites in a hot air balloon, ultralight aircraft, or sightseeing plane. These activities are offered in Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse, La Roque-Gageac, Saint-Crépin-et-Carlucet, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, as well as Basillac, Domme, Beynac-et-Cazenac, and Saint-Pardoux-et-Vielvic.