Family activities in Dordogne

Kayaking is a fun watersport that can be enjoyed as a team or on your own. Unlike canoeing, paddlers face forward and have a double bladed paddle. It is a versatile sport that you can enjoy on rivers, lakes and the sea. You can take your inflatable or plastic kayak and make your way down the water. Using the double bladed paddle you can control the speed, direction and enjoy the experience and wonderful views in your own time. There are some watersports centres and adventure companies who can take you out for your kayaking experience.

Explore the best that Dordogne's has to offer with an expert local guide. From natural tracks to traditional buildings and crafts, food and drink... there's lots to be discovered in Dordogne.

Enjoy a number of cycling trails and routes in Dordogne and what better way to explore Dordogne than on a bike when you can enjoy the beautiful scenery. Have a look at our cycling guide for more information and explore the cycling routes that are in the area. If you are in Dordogne without your biking gear there are a number of cycle hire shops in who rent and sell bikes, gear and more.

Hot air ballooning is a truly unique and fun experience. You can experience views and scenery like never before. There are a few hot air balloon companies in Dordogne who will offer you this enjoyable experience. 

The views are stunning, and as you glide over the land or sea below you may see wildlife and animals normally hidden from view. The pilot controls the height but the wind determines which direction you take, so the flight can take anything from one to two hours, depending on when a suitable landing site comes into view.

Hot air ballooning looks serene, but there are moments of excitement; once the creaking wicker basket rises and you are suspended in the air metres above the ground, with nothing but the wind and the pilot taking you through the blue sky, it can be quite thrilling. 

There are bowling alleys in Dordogne to keep you entertained on bad weather days, or if you're looking for something to do with a group.

Mountain biking is a challenging and fun activity whether you are an experienced biker or new to the sport it has something to offer everyone. If you are new to mountain biking let a guide take you out for the day and show you the ropes. If you are experienced then seek out the best routes and explore the countryside on the rooty and rocky tracks.

Heading to a Nature Reserve you can explore all the beautiful wildlife and soak up all the beautiful scenery. Take a walk around the park, spot the unusual wildlife or even do a spot of birdwatching. There are a number of wonderful nature reserves in Dordogne that you can explore.

Paddleboarding is a great way to explore the stunning coastline of Dordogne. No previous experience is needed, just hop on the board and start paddling.

Try an adventure playground or a theme park for a day of family fun. There are a number of adventure playground and theme parks, where both adults and children can play for hours.

Swing through the trees high above the forest floor on a circuit of zip lines, monkey bridges, ladders and ropes. You can travel through the forest without touching the floor, safely strapped into a harness and attached to a secure safety line. These eco-friendly adventure parks are created around the trees without damaging them in any way and can be dismantled if necessary, leaving the forest as though untouched.

Tree-top adventures can be fun for both adults and kids and with most courses having a few options of varying difficulty anyone can participate in the tree swinging fun.

The hilly trails take you through the many hill-top villages and vineyards of the region and are a great way to explore the terrain. Routes quite often follow the rivers, including the Dordogne itself, or alternatively the canals that work their way between towns in the region.