Has anyone taken a gabarre ride (flat-bottomed wooden boat) along the Dordogne River? I%26#39;ve researched several companies whose boats depart from different villages, but I am not sure which one to choose from. Initially, we had planned on renting a canoe and paddling it down the Dordogne, but after realizing I probably wouldn%26#39;t be able to take photographs without risking damage to my very expensive camera, we decided against that. The gabarre boat would allow me to take lots of photos, but I just want to make sure that I choose the company with the most spectacular and photogenic route!
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We%26#39;ve taken the gabarres from La Roque Gageac several times -- awesome views of the 5 Chateaus in the valley, and very good narration, in several languages.
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Hi there %26quot;Sunny%26quot;
We visit this part of the world every year and have never had the pleasure of experiencing a gabarre ride.We will be returning in second half of September this year. Does one need much experience in %26quot;piloting%26quot;/steering one of these vessels - is it motor driven or does one %26quot;punt%26quot; or row it? I presume there is an information bureau in la Roque Gageac which would be able to assist us - hopefully these boats are in operation out of height of season. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks in advance.
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None of the above -- you board, go sit down, and the captain operates the boat...
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Dear Sunshine(got your name right this time!)
Thanks for your feedback - still sounds like a great idea as up til now we have only driven along the stunning roads by the Dordogne,the Vezere, the Lot and the Cele - but never placed a foot on a boat.We certainly will try this one. Best regards.
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Hi Sadie05
We have canoed / kayaked down the Dordogne twice and have had no problems taking hundreds of photos and video from the boat.
For a 12km trip try leaving from La Roque Gageac or about 18km from Cenac (you can actually choose how far you want to paddle with most of the canoe companies)
The river is reasonably fast flowing after rains but generally we felt quite stable at all times. The boats come with waterproof containers for putting you r excess gear in although having said that most points of the river looked like you could stand comfortably in.
The beauty of the doing it yourself is that you can stop along the way. Last time we had a picnic. Packed 4 canoes with champagne, local wines and baguettes full of local meats and cheeses. We started at Cenac and passed through La Roque Gageac (wonderful sight coming around the bend as our friends had not seen the town before) and stopping for luch under the bridge leading to Chateau Castelnaud. After lunch we passed by Chateau Beynac and reached Les Millandes before our bus picked us up (included in the price)to take us back to our cars at the start.
The Gabarre rides from La Roque Gageac last for around an hour and turn around near Beynac before returning. Kayaking gives you 3-4 hours on the water
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Have to agree with the previous post that the best way to experience the river is by canoe.
The pleasure cruises are for sedate people unable to leave the beaten track but the cruises are not long enough as they can only operate between bridges on the shallow river. It%26#39;s half an hour upstream then half an hour back on the same stretch.
Whether you depart Roque Gageac or Beynac its the same Company and equally sensational views. So do them both.
The best canoe trip for my money is to arrive at www.canoevacances.com at Roque Gageac (pronounced Rock ga-jee-ak) but get them to bus you upstream to Vitrac then you simply let the river carry you downstream back to your car with no time constraints and minimal effort. Costs 12 euros per head including bus trip.
Go on....dip your feet in the river!
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the dordogne is a placid river and a canoe is a great way to see it and take photos -- when you rent the canoe they give you a big plastic barrel with screw on cap where you can store the camera when you aren%26#39;t using it and which protects it from a capsize
a capsize would be pretty odd -- I think you%26#39;d have to really work at it on this river
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Wondering if you get a good view of the 5 castles when canoeing from La Roque-Gageac to Les Milandes? As in you%26#39;d still need to get in your car and explore the villages etc? Also dos anyone know of any good hiking trails?
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