The most beautiful beaches in the Dordogne: a guide to waterside campsites

In the Dordogne, you don’t choose a campsite just for its shaded pitch or its swimming pool. You often choose it for the water that flows right next to it. The department is criss-crossed by several rivers that have made its reputation, and dotted with lakes and ponds where you can take a dip as soon as the temperature rises. Here’s how to find the most beautiful beaches if you’re looking for a campsite with proper access to a swim just a towel’s throw away, along with all the useful information you need to make the right choice.

Campsites on the banks of the River Dordogne

The River Dordogne is the star attraction. Between La Roque-Gageac, Beynac and Cénac, it winds its way through the landscape, its banks lined with small pebble and sandy beaches. Many campsites in this area open directly onto the riverbank, which makes all the difference: you step out of your mobile home, cross a meadow, and there you are with your feet in the water. Some still have a lovely swimming pool to alternate with a dip in the river.

It’s also a canoeing paradise. Most campsites offer canoe trips starting on site or just a stone’s throw away, with a picnic area overlooking the water, and swimming takes place in calm waters, perfect for children splashing about whilst their parents keep an eye on them from the beach. Around Vitrac and Domme, there’s a wide range of campsites, and several have private river access, just a few minutes from Sarlat for a day of sightseeing between swims. The view from La Roque-Gageac, with its castle clinging to the cliff, remains one of the most beautiful in the Périgord.

The Vézère: a lesser-known gem

A little further north, the Vézère flows through the prehistoric valley of Les Eyzies and Montignac, very close to Lascaux. The atmosphere here is more peaceful than in the Dordogne valley, and the campsites often emphasise their natural surroundings. The beaches are smaller, sometimes grassy, but the water is cool and clear. It’s a good compromise if you want to swim in a river and enjoy a natural setting, without the summer crowds found at the most popular spots.

The Dronne and Brantôme, in the Périgord Vert

The Dronne flows through the Périgord Vert, around Brantôme, which is sometimes nicknamed the Venice of the Périgord. Here, greenery reigns supreme: forests, meadows and a gently meandering river. Several campsites are situated along the Dronne, offering designated swimming areas – often supervised in July and August – a shaded park and leisure trails nearby. The water remains shallow in places, which is reassuring for families with young children.

The Isle and the Céou, for a change of scenery

The Isle, which flows through Périgueux, also offers a few swimming spots and campsites on its banks. It is less spectacular than the Dordogne, but more accessible, with easy parking and often cheaper rates.

The Céou, a small tributary that joins the Dordogne near Castelnaud and its fortified castle, is worth a mention. Its crystal-clear waters and secluded banks make it a favourite spot amongst connoisseurs. A few campsites in the area overlook this unassuming river, ideal for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a holiday close to nature, in a village full of character.

Lakes, ponds and swimming spots for family days out

Not keen on rivers? Lakes, ponds and swimming spots are an excellent alternative, especially with young children. Lake Rouffiac, near Lanouaille, boasts a large sandy beach, a supervised area and a wide range of water sports and leisure activities. The Jemaye pond, in the heart of the Double Forest, offers supervised swimming, a water sports centre, picnic areas and a peaceful setting. There are campsites right next to these lakes and ponds, meaning you can walk to the beach straight from your pitch. Check with the tourist office for opening times, which vary depending on the season.

The advantage of the lake is that the water is warmer than in a river, swimming is often supervised with a lifeguard post, and the depth increases gradually. For a first camping holiday with very young children, it’s hard to beat. Many of these campsites also have a heated swimming pool, which comes in handy on days when the lake is still a bit chilly.

A selection of the most beautiful beaches in the Dordogne

Beaches along the rivers (Dordogne, Vézère)

• Limeuil Beach — At the confluence of the Dordogne and the Vézère, this pebble beach is regularly cited as one of the most beautiful, with a superb view of the listed village of Limeuil. It is a popular starting point for canoe trips, about 40 minutes from Sarlat. 
• Pont de Vitrac Beach — Very close to Sarlat and easily accessible. You can hire canoes and kayaks here for a trip down the river before relaxing in the sun – a perfect spot for a family picnic. 
• La Roque-Gageac — More of a river access point than a proper beach, but the site at the foot of the listed village, with traditional gabarres on the water, is one of the most memorable in the Périgord Noir. Pont de Vicq Beach (Le Buisson-de-Cadouin) — A large, leafy bathing area on the left bank, renowned for its crystal-clear water.
• Gentle currents and gradually deepening water, with lifeguards on duty in summer and plenty of activities: canoeing, fishing and picnic tables. 
• Coux Beach (Le Buisson-de-Cadouin) — A supervised pebble beach on the right bank, with a large shaded car park, picnic tables, toilet facilities and drinks on sale in summer. 
• Bac de Sors Beach (Alles-sur-Dordogne) — One of the most popular beaches, with a magnificent view of the limestone cliffs. Be aware that it gets very busy on sunny days. 
• Sarlat sandy beach (Vitrac / Montfort) — 7 km south of Sarlat-la-Canéda, a sandy beach on the banks of the Dordogne with a remarkable view of the cliff. 

Lakes and lakeside areas (supervised swimming, family-friendly atmosphere)

• Lake Rouffiac (Angoisse) — One of the most comprehensive in the department. Supervised and free swimming, with a water ski lift, stand-up paddleboarding, pedalos, a treetop adventure course and rock climbing. 
• Étangs de la Jemaye (Forêt de la Double) — A sensitive natural area restored with respect for the natural environment, featuring a designated trail, a fitness trail, walking routes and an observation point. Supervised swimming on a large sandy beach. 
• Grand Étang de Saint-Saud-Lacoussière (Périgord Vert) — A 13-hectare site set in an exceptional wild landscape, with a supervised beach, fishing access for people with disabilities and a biodiversity discovery trail. 

How to choose your campsite based on the type of beach you’re looking for

A practical tip: read the description carefully before booking. A campsite ‘on the banks of the Dordogne’ does not always mean a private beach. Check three things. Is there direct access to the water from the campsite, or do you need to take the car and find a car park? Is swimming supervised in high season, with proper safety measures in place? Is the water depth suitable for your children’s ages?

One last thing. In the Dordogne, swimming in rivers, lakes and ponds is regulated: you must swim in designated areas set up for that purpose, not just anywhere. Campsites with beach access make things easier for you, as their swimming areas are carefully designed, well-maintained and often supervised.

Whether you’re dreaming of a sandy beach by a lake, a water sports centre near a pond, or a pebbly riverside on the River Dordogne between La Roque-Gageac and the villages of Vitrac and Castelnaud, the department has plenty to keep you occupied all day long and all summer long. All that’s left is to choose your favourite spot by the water.