Camping holidays on the banks of the Dordogne river
Throughout history, the Dordogne has served as a border between the kingdoms of France and England. From this tumultuous past, the river Dordogne has inherited a number of châteaux, perched high on the hillsides, which are dotted along the river. These include Château de Montfort, Château des Milandes and Château de Marqueyssac. Villages have sprung up around these châteaux, built with the honey-coloured stone so characteristic of the Périgord Noir region. Some of the most beautiful villages in France have sprung up along the Dordogne: Domme, La Roque-Gageac, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, Beynac-et-Cazenac and Limeuil. Around these listed villages, you'll find a number of campsites on the banks of the Dordogne. Whether 3-star, 4-star or 5-star, each of these campsites is an ideal base from which to explore the exceptional heritage that is the pride of the Dordogne. Sarlat, in the heart of the Périgord Noir region, is just a few kilometres away. Continuing its course, the Dordogne meanders between hills and cliffs, creating beautiful landscapes such as the cingle at Trémolat, before winding its way through the Bergerac vineyards. The Dordogne has always played an important role for Bergerac wine. It was aboard the traditional "gabares périgourdines" (barges) from the Périgord that the wine was shipped out to the Atlantic Ocean, bound for England or the Netherlands. Nowadays, these barges have a completely different purpose, offering you the chance to take a trip on the Dordogne, whether in the Périgord Noir from La Roque-Gageac or Beynac, or through the vineyards of the Périgord Pourpre from the Quai Cyrano in Bergerac. Don't hesitate to ask at the reception of the campsite where you're staying in the Dordogne for the best address for this trip along the river.
Water sports activities near your campsite in Dordogne
In addition to its exceptional heritage, the Dordogne and its banks form an area of unspoilt nature, which has led to the river and its catchment area being recognised by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. A label that testifies to the quality of the waters of the Dordogne and its environment, conducive to the flourishing of wild species such as otters and salmon. To fully appreciate the beauty of the Dordogne, there are several viewpoints to choose from as you explore the Périgord. Take a stroll through the hilltop village of Domme, the gardens of Marqueyssac or the heights of the cingle at Trémolat, and snap some great photos to take home as a souvenir of your stay in the Dordogne. Needless to say, camping in these surroundings is a real pleasure. On the banks of the Dordogne, a number of campsites invite you to spend your Périgord holiday with your feet in the water. Some even offer camping pitches or accommodation overlooking the river. Depending on the time of day, you can admire the wildlife that inhabits the Dordogne or the ballet of barges and canoes. Canoeing is another way to discover the river and its châteaux. And the campsites do everything they can to make your canoe trips as easy as possible. It's not unusual for the campsite where you're staying in the Périgord to organise transfers to take you to the canoeing base. One of the most popular spots for water sports activities in the Dordogne is the Trémolat water sports centre. Set in the remarkable site of the Cingle de Trémolat, it is ideal for supervised swimming, fishing, water-skiing and wakeboarding. As well as water sports, the wild landscapes and unspoilt countryside on the banks of the Dordogne are perfect for hiking, cycling and mountain biking. And, back at the campsite after a day of sport, you can relax in the heated swimming pool at one of the many campsites with swimming pool in the Périgord. Whether you're staying on a pitch or in rented accommodation, many of the campsites in the Périgord have a swimming pool, often heated. Some of the 3-star, 4-star and 5-star campsites even have indoor swimming pools and water parks with slides, including groups such as Capfun and Sandaya. With leisure facilities such as sports pitches and entertainment for children and families, these campsites are ideal destinations for active holidays, whether you're staying on a campsite pitch with your caravan or tent, or have opted for rental accommodation. However, if you prefer the peace and quiet of a riverside setting, the Dordogne is also full of peaceful campsites where you can relax in the shade of a tree and watch the spectacle of the gabares and canoes.
A wide choice of campsites on the banks of the Dordogne
The Périgord is home to many campsites. For your next stay in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, there's sure to be one to suit your every whim. For nature lovers, you'll find campsites with a majority of bare pitches, nestling on the banks of the Dordogne. If, however, you're looking for a little more comfort, there are also campsites offering accommodation for rent, such as the latest generation mobile homes or lodge tents, the perfect compromise between camping and family rental. Camping pitches are not incompatible with that little extra touch of comfort. It's becoming increasingly common to find camping pitches with individual sanitary facilities. The comfort of a private bathroom, without giving up the joys of an outdoor holiday in the heart of the Périgord. All you have to do is make your choice and book your stay in the Dordogne valley, south of Sarlat.
