Favourite “Around Villars
villars
Canoeing the Moulins de la Dronne
bourdeilles
Description
Because of its insufficient flow during low-water periods, the Dronne is not a navigable river for the flat-bottomed boats that used to ply the Isle, Vézère or Dordogne rivers. Since the Middle Ages, its banks have been used for flour mills and fishing. Take a canoe trip down the river to discover some of the most beautiful and oldest mills in the valley (Moulin de Rochereuil, Moulin du Pont…)
Route details
- Going (linear route)
- 19 km
- 1 m
1 De Bourdeilles à l'Isle
The river reveals its most “natural” aspect during these few kilometres: herons, water lilies, grasses,
islands, shoals of gudgeons, kingfishers threading their way between the islands… The stop is at the “Gué de l’Eperon”.
after a dam crossing where there is a guinguette in season.
The rocks appear again and the Dronne meanders at the foot of sometimes imposing cliffs, such as at Renamon, where climbing is possible. The presence of a Roman bridge near the oldest attested mill in the Dordogne (Rochereuil)
2 De l'Isle à Tocane
After passing through the Isle bathing area (equipped and supervised), a multitude of springs and streams feed the Dronne. The river benefits bathers who have their habits in many places. In Tocane, after the canoe pass, you pass by the “Maison de la Dronne” mill, which is open to the public in season.