Holidays in the Dordogne Gorges

Are you going on holiday to Corrèze ? Come and discover the Dordogne Gorges, a particularly beautiful area along the River Espérance, which flows peacefully between wooded hills that plunge into its waters. The Dordogne Gorges are perfect for hiking, swimming with the family, water sports, enjoying stunning views and landscapes, good food, and relaxation. Here's a summary of the best things to do in the Dordogne Gorges !

Visit Bort-les-Orgues and its geological formation

While the village may be more practical than picturesque, Bort-les-Orgues is still a pleasant holiday destination thanks to its scenic landscapes and leisure activities. You'll be ideally located for exploring the Dordogne Gorges. Discover the Orgues de Bort, a stunning geological formation. You can hike to learn more about them and admire them up close. Climbers can also enjoy rock climbing there.

Swimming at Val Castle and a visit to the hydroelectric dam

A visit to the Bort-les-Orgues hydroelectric dam offers a chance to learn more about the management of the Dordogne River's waters, the challenges of generating electricity in this way, and the impacts on the landscape and local flora and fauna. It's an educational, fun, and interesting place to explore. And after your visit, take a dip in a beautiful setting at the beach near the Château de Val, on the reservoir upstream from the dam.

The Gratte-Bruyère viewpoint

Perched above the Dordogne gorges and its tributary, the Sumène, the Gratte-Bruyère viewpoint is one of those unexpected and unforgettable spots. Near Sérandon, it offers a beautiful panorama with a panoramic orientation table and information points for observing birds of prey. And there are plenty of birds of prey! Buzzards, kites, falcons… The valley is a veritable hunting ground for all kinds of gliders, day and night.

Look up, listen closely and let yourself be surprised by this great natural theatre that Corrèze grants you free access to.

Boat trip in the Dordogne gorges

Starting from Spontour, come and take a trip on the traditional flat-bottomed boats of the Upper Dordogne. Enjoy an hour and a half of magic on the water, meeting the bargemen. Your friendly guide will tell you the stories and epic tales of these courageous men who braved the waters to transport goods, long before dams protected the banks and villages along the river. The trip takes place downstream from the Aigle Dam, which is also a lovely spot for its views and picnic facilities.

Canoeing in the Dordogne gorges

A privilege not to be missed!

We discovered a magical spot for canoeing, peaceful and surrounded by scenery worthy of Jurassic Park. The Smile Kayak base, nestled in La Roche-le-Peyroux, is the only one in the area—and frankly, they chose the location with care. Between two dams, the Dordogne River transforms into a lake of absolute serenity, bordered by verdant cliffs that plunge into cool, crystal-clear water. No need to be a paddling champion; the route is accessible to everyone, young and old.

And good news for animal lovers: dogs are welcome on board ! During the season, the team even organizes treasure hunts on the water or BBQ days, for those who want to extend the fun.

Bring closed-toe shoes, a towel, and lots of stars in your eyes.

Visit the Chastang Dam

Another dam worth visiting to understand the management of the Dordogne River's waters, the principles and operation of reservoirs, and the generation of electricity from river resources. Built in 1951 in the commune of Saint-Martin-la-Méanne, the Chastang Dam immediately impresses with its sheer size: 79 meters high, 300 meters wide, and three turbines humming away within its concrete walls to power thousands of homes. Its reservoir stretches for nearly 30 km —enough to make anyone who pauses for a moment on the crest feel dizzy. And it's not just a structure to admire from the road: you can actually visit it ! A quick phone call before you leave is all it takes to arrange a tour and discover the inner workings of this hydroelectric giant. Culture, technology, and a spectacular natural display all in one place—it doesn't get much better than that.

Visit the Château de Ventadour

In the heart of the Dordogne gorges forests, it stands as a historical testament, built entirely of stone, to the influence of the region's great families. Come and discover one of the greatest troubadours !

Perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Soudeillette valley, just 6 km from Égletons, Ventadour Castle is no ordinary ruin. Classified as a Historical Monument since 1840, this stone giant tells the story of eleven centuries of power, wars, and rebirth. It was even slated to be sold as a quarry before being saved at the last minute.

Now owned by the municipality of Moustier-Ventadour and partially restored, it is open from April to November, with self-guided tours and brochures included. In July and August, guides will immerse you in the history of its courtyards, chapels, towers, and mousetraps (yes, really, a real trap for attackers at the entrance!). And at the far end of the terrace, a breathtaking panoramic view of the forest awaits you as a reward.

As for the summer program, the castle regularly comes alive with troubadour evenings, medieval tales, and even circus performances under the stars. Something to thrill young and old alike!

Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne and Argentat, two major towns on the Dordogne

While the landscape isn't as dramatic and dramatic as the Dordogne Gorges, these two beautiful villages are absolutely unmissable. They are stunning and offer a truly relaxing experience by the water. It's also the perfect opportunity for a canoe trip on the Dordogne!

• Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne truly lives up to its name. Classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France since 2022 and nicknamed the "Limousin Riviera," this medieval town enjoys a microclimate that fosters almost exotic vegetation along its sunny quays. Stroll through its half-timbered streets, admire the sculpted tympanum of the Abbey Church of Saint-Pierre, the largest church in the Corrèze department, and end your day with your feet in the water on the banks of the Dordogne River. In season, a trip on a traditional flat-bottomed boat or a canoe trip from the leisure center is a must. And if you're there in May, don't miss the Strawberry Festival !
• Argentat-sur-Dordogne, for its part, is the capital of the river bargees. Nestled in the Xaintrie region on the banks of the Dordogne, it immediately charms visitors with its flower-adorned fishermen's houses, their slate and stone roofs, and its quays where it's pleasant to linger with an ice cream. Imagine those courageous boatmen setting out from here on the high waters of the roaring river, with their flat-bottomed boats laden with timber for the Bordeaux region… On market or fair day, the scene is complete.

Lapleau and the Luzège Valley

We are upstream from the Dordogne gorges, but the scenery is just as magical. The Luzège is one of the Dordogne's tributaries at the gorges, and you'll have the opportunity to see the Viaduc des Rochers Noirs, which is well worth a look!

Also known as the Roche-Taillade Viaduct, this listed historical monument overlooks the wooded Luzège gorges in an absolutely breathtaking setting. The best way to experience it? Start by admiring it from the heights, where a beautiful viewpoint offers a panoramic vista encompassing the valley and the viaduct in all its majesty, before descending along the river to the suspension bridge at the water's edge. And if your legs are still up for a walk, several marked hiking trails start from the site, including the Jardin de Firmin, a hidden gem. Don't forget your towel for a refreshing dip!

Nearby, the village of Lapleau is worth a stop, as is Spontour, the charming village in the commune of Soursac where the Luzège gorges are adorned with waterfalls. In summer, guided tours of the viaduct are organized to reveal all its secrets.

Lake Valletta

The Marcillac la Croisille Outdoor Sports Center awaits you for water sports on Lake Valette. Just a stone's throw from the Dordogne gorges, discover a vast 230-hectare body of water nestled in a lush green setting. Far from the hustle and bustle, it's another way to have fun and escape. Whether you choose to explore the secluded coves by canoe or kayak, or glide silently along on a paddleboard, following the rhythm of nature, each paddle stroke offers a new perspective on this unspoiled Corrèze landscape.

Visit Neuvic

Let yourself be captivated by the authentic charm of Neuvic, an ancient fortified village that has preserved the soul of the Haute-Corrèze region. Strolling through its narrow streets, travel back in time before discovering the local gem: its 16th-century castle. Don't miss its remarkable arboretum, a true haven of peace where rare and ancient trees grow side by side.

It is an invitation to a sensory walk, where each path brings you closer to spectacular viewpoints on the foothills of the Auvergne, offering a magnificent panorama of the Cantal and Sancy mountains.

The viewpoint of Bassignac-le-Haut

Venture off the beaten path and be amazed by the view from Bassignac-le-Haut. Still relatively unknown, this panorama offers one of the most breathtaking and magnificent views of the Dordogne Valley in the region. It's the perfect opportunity to lace up your hiking boots for a trek through rugged landscapes, before losing yourself in the narrow streets of a charming, typical village nestled high above the gorges. Here, time seems to stand still.

To extend the discovery, descend towards the Pont du Chambon : an impressive structure that testifies to the engineering required to cross these wild gorges.

The Gregeolles Belvedere

For a truly timeless experience, head to the Belvédère des Grégeolles : a fantastic and absolutely unmissable viewpoint! Majestically overlooking the meandering river, this site is a natural platform with a breathtaking panorama. It's the perfect spot for travelers on the go: there's space to park a vehicle (ideal for a campervan) so you can enjoy a magical awakening, facing the mist rising over the Dordogne Gorges. After this coffee with a view, it will only take you a few minutes to reach the riverbanks and glide from the top of the cliffs to the water's edge for a memorable canoe trip.

The Saint-Nazaire site

The Saint-Nazaire site is much more than just a viewpoint: it's a journey into the heart of unspoiled nature. After a pleasant walk through the woods, the path opens onto a breathtaking view of the Dordogne Gorges. Traces of an old castle and a now-vanished medieval village can still be seen, lending the place a mysterious atmosphere. We were truly captivated by this site, especially at the end of the day, when shadows lengthen along the river's meanders and nature reclaims its domain.

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