Gabare trip on the Dordogne river
The Dordogne, and more specifically the Périgord Noir, is famous for its breathtaking scenery, castles and medieval villages. But to take advantage of all the Dordogne has to offer, there's nothing better than a gabare trip on the Dordogne during your stay at our campsite in the Périgord Noir at Slow Village.
Gabares through the ages
Gabares are to Périgord what gondolas are to Venice. In the past, these boats were used by merchants to transport their goods from one town to another, playing a key role in the region's economic development.
The name "gabare" refers to a flat-bottomed boat, a special feature that enables it to carry heavy loads. These boats were particularly used in the 18th century to bring lumber to the royal arsenals. As the Périgord region is a major wine producer, gabares were also used to transport barrels of wine.
Once called the "River of Hope" by 19th-century boatmen, the Dordogne has now been converted into a boating route offering breathtaking views of castles in perfect harmony with nature.
River walks
Journeys aboard gabares are tranquil. In fact, the calm waters of the Dordogne offer optimal sailing conditions.
Gabarre trips are authorized from April 1 to November 1, and prohibited on flood days.
Passengers can sit on benches to admire the river environment, sheltered from the sun, and listen to the guides' talks, learning more about the history of merchant barges and gabariers, river villages, castles and fortresses perched on rocky outcrops, dams, mills and river ecosystems.
During your gabarre trip, you'll have the chance to discover all the flora and fauna of the Dordogne riverbed. Depending on the season, you can observe cormorants, coypu, herons, kingfishers, birds of prey and other birds.
Itineraries for a gabare trip
There are many different routes for a gabarre trip on the Dordogne. These are moored in some of France's most beautiful villages, in the heart of the Périgord Noir, at La Roque-Gageac and Beynac, as well as at the Creysse fishery, and in Bergerac at the Quai Cyrano, in the land of vineyards and bastides.
Embark at La Roque-Gageac
Departing from La Roque-Gageac, you can discover this magnificent village along the water and admire the Fort de la Roque-Gageac, aboard the Norbert gabares. The 6.5 km loop offers a unique insight into the history of Périgord and its castles. You can embark on this unforgettable journey from April 1 to October 31, with departures 7 days a week between 9.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. (and only in the afternoon in October).
A walk from Bergerac
Sailing aboard a gabare from Bergerac, the city of Cyrano, you can discover the history of inland waterway transport and the great historical events of the old town of Bergerac. Departure is from the Bergerac gabarre port. Aboard your Bergerac gabarre, you'll also discover the flora and fauna of the Dordogne on a variety of tours.
Leaving from Beynac
Embark on a trip with the gabarres de Beynac, along the Espérance river, and discover Beynac and its limestone cliffs, Marqueyssac and its superb hanging gardens overlooking the Dordogne valley, as well as the magnificent Château de Fayrac and Château de Castelnaud. Boarding takes place from April to October, but if you want to enjoy the river outside this period, canoeing on the Dordogne is a very pleasant option!
