I am hoping for some advise on visiting the village of Beynac after finishing a canoe trip. We plan on starting the canoe trip in Vitrac and ending in Beynac. We are renting from Perigord Aventure et Loisirs. How far and difficult a walk is the village from where we would pull our canoes out of the river? Will we be dry enough to enjoy the afternoon exploring the village? Thanks for any advice you can give.
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3714 posts
The spot where you’ll pull up your canoes in Beynac is right in front of the village, near the parking lot and the Périgord Aventure office, which is located between the parking lot and the Maleville restaurant.
You can leave your canoes there (don't forget to take your belongings) and go explore the village.
Be sure to check the bus schedules with Périgord Aventure for the ride back to the starting point. You don’t want to miss the last bus.
As for whether you’ll be "dry enough" or not... who knows? You might end up totally soaked after going for a swim, or you could stay dry the entire canoe trip. It's up to you.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
5748 posts
We spent 4 days in Beynac a couple of years ago and loved it. On a previous trip we did the canoe trip and stayed dry, although you do risk getting your feet wet getting in and out of the canoe.
Be prepared that Beynac is very steep, but the castle at the top and the views is worth it.
Posted by
below Canada / above Mexico
360 posts
We (in our 60s) did this canoe trip in Aug 2021, also renting from Perigord Adventure et Loisirs (with a Rick Steves guidebook discount). We were dry enough to enjoy the village. From our trip report :
In the morning, we walked 3 minutes to Périgord-Aventures et Loisirs and canoed the Dordogne River from Vitrac to Beynac. For the first half-hour we were alone as we drifted down a portion of the river lined with trees, spying several herons. Other paddlers appeared as we approached the gorgeous sights of La Roque-Gageac, Castelnaud (perched beautifully high above an arched bridge), and Beynac. Shortly past noon after 3 hours of easy paddling we pulled into Beynac. This was an easy, enjoyable voyage, even for us rusty older canoeists, and we were happy to be on the river before the afternoon heat. After a picnic lunch we visited the Château de Beynac with its fantastic views.