Gabarres de Beynac

Who they are

Gabarres de Beynac is a boat-trip company on the Dordogne based in Beynac-et-Cazenac, one of the villages of the valley in the Périgord Noir. They sail gabarres, the flat-bottomed boats that carried wine, timber and goods down the river to Bordeaux, rebuilt to carry passengers. The website does not say who founded it or since when it has worked; it does say that it runs each season from April to October and that it boards at the foot of the village, next to the car park.

The trip

It lasts 50 minutes and is commentated. From the water you see Beynac hanging from its limestone cliff, about 150 metres above the river, and the route passes four castles of the valley: Beynac's, the hanging gardens of Marqueyssac, the Fayrac château and Castelnaud, high on the opposite bank. La Roque-Gageac is nearby. From May to September it leaves from 9:30 to 18:00, every half hour in high season; in April and October, from 11:00 to 17:00, every hour. The website does not say in which languages the commentary is given, so it is wise to ask.

Prices and bookings

In 2027, €10.50 adults and €5.50 children aged 4 to 12. On the morning sailings, from 9:30 to 11:30, one child per paying adult does not pay. They keep places for same-day sale, but in school holidays it is wise to book online at least three hours ahead and arrive twenty minutes early to collect and pay for the tickets; otherwise the booking is lost. Payment is made on arrival. Dogs board under the owner's responsibility.

Groups and packages

From 20 people there is a group rate: €7.30 per adult, €5 for primary school pupils and €5.50 for secondary, the coach driver does not pay and there is one free place for every 20 paying. They also propose a full day in the Périgord Noir for groups, which combines a tasting of local products at the Cellier du Périgord, the gabarre trip, lunch at the Hostellerie Maleville, 50 metres from the landing stage, and a visit to Beynac castle; it is booked with the Hostellerie itself. With a local wine shop they also organise a tasting of South-West wines on board, with views of the river and the castles.

How to get there

You board at the foot of the Beynac car park, opposite the post office. The coordinates given by the company are 44°50'23.84" N, 1°08'28.41" E. If you go with children, the first sailings have the advantage that one child per adult travels free.