As it winds through the magnificent and varied landscapes of south-west France, the great Dordogne offers wide meanders for long, lazy swims, wooded gorges overlooked by picturesque villages and mountain lakes with spectacular views.
Dordogne Swim Highlights
Les Tours
This stretch of river is mainly shallow with gravel islands but deepens beneath the cliffs, with ferny caves to swim into and explore.
La Roque St-Christophe
A little church sits in a meadow which leads down to the river and caves. Upstream are the famous troglodyte cliff-side caves.
Moulin-de-Rocherel
A small weir in the river creates deeper pools above and shallows below. Close to pretty Brantôme if you require refreshment.
Cingle de Trémolat
Here, the Dordogne at its most wild and wonderful. A great arc of river, difficult to access, providing a huge expanse beneath the high cliffs.
Domme
A very quiet stretch of river alongside walnut orchards in an otherwise very busy area. Escape here for some peace and seclusion.
Lacave
This lovely, clear-green pool is beneath a château. The Dordogne is downstream, with rapids for river tubing
Montvalent
There is great fun to be had on this stretch of river with café and tree swings. Can be busy.