Canoe course
Calviac Vitrac
From the CALVIAC slipway, the starting point for your nautical tribulations, you can see the Château de Fénelon (12th and 17th centuries), a listed historic monument, hidden in the woods on the other bank. Once the home of François Salignac de la Mothe Fénelon (1651- 1715), archbishop of Cambrai and author of "The Adventures of Telemachus", the Château combines the warlike character of the Middle Ages with Renaissance aesthetics.
As soon as you set off, it's advisable to join the opposite bank, to avoid the roll of stones on the right bank. For 2 to 3 km, the river gently sweeps you away...
Downstream, perched on its cliff on the left bank, the Château de Veyrignac upstream from the château, an island where gravel is still extracted, in a wild setting of small lagoons, which served as a backdrop for certain scenes in the film "La fille de D'Artagnan", starring Sophie Marceau.
After about 30 minutes, you come to an islet. The current will take you to the left arm (the right is inaccessible). Be careful not to get carried away by the rock face on the left.
You've just driven 4.5 km... not bad!
Further downstream, in a wide curve to the right, the village of Groléjac has the sad distinction of having the ugliest bridge in the whole valley! This doesn't prevent the village from offering succulent river fish specialities, notably at the Hôtel du Pont on the left bank. There are only a dozen professional fishermen left in the Dordogne today.
Between the 2 bridges, you can see the Germaine flowing into the Dordogne. No need to worry, it's a regular occurrence: it's a tributary of Lac de la Mouline flowing through Groléjac. At this point, you've been on the water for about 1h40.
Here you are at the CARSAC boarding area on the right bank.
After a right-hand bend and a long straight stretch, you can see a low wall on your right pierced with small holes: these are bank swallow nests. At the bend on the right bank, you can see the Enéa mingling with the Dordogne.
A tricky section will take you to the right of an island, so be careful as the trees can create some difficulties along the descent.
Canoeing near the Cingle de Monfort gives you a close-up view of this great cliff above the Dordogne. Looking at its high walls from the water, you'll understand just how impressive this natural site is. It's a really great experience for those who love canoeing and incredible views!
Château de Montfort occupies a strategic clifftop position. Its history is comparable to that of the Phoenix rising from the ashes: destroyed by Simon de Montfort, Lord at the head of a mercenary army in the 13th century, the château was repeatedly threatened by the royal army and finally spared. A long story...
Paddling a canoe near the Rocher de Caudon, an imposing rock formation overlooking the Dordogne, is a truly unique experience. Let yourself be enchanted by the splendor of the surroundings and the tranquility of this magical place...
A few paddle strokes later, after a right-hand bend, perched at the tip of the Vitrac Port cliff, you can admire a watchtower. From the 9th to the 12th century, the Normans reigned terror on all the rivers of France. To protect themselves from their barbarity, local residents took refuge in forts: the watchtower would sound the alarm in case of danger.
Here you are at the Canoe-Loisirs boarding area in VITRAC, before the bridge, on the left bank, at the wooden chalet.
The port of Vitrac, whose peyrat (port) can be imagined, reveals another history through its hotel activity: that of the Gabares. With the development of the wine trade to England during the Capetian-Plantagenet war, the need for wood to make barrels continued to grow. Boats soon began transporting this wood, creating a major trade route between the Auvergne and the Gironde.
Once you've arrived at our base at Canoe Loisirs, your canoeing adventure continues with a series of exciting options. Relax on our terrace, share your travel stories with other adventurers or enjoy a well-earned refreshment. With a friendly atmosphere and a team always ready to listen, your experience extends well beyond the waters of the Dordogne. Welcome to Canoe Loisirs, where every moment is a new adventure!