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The Isle Valley

The Isle  has its source in the Massif Central, crosses the Dordogne county, then meets the River Dordogne itself at Libourne. The river has been navigable since medieval times, and for centuries was the scene of major craftwork and industrial (flour milling) activity. Canalisation of the Is...
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The Isle  has its source in the Massif Central, crosses the Dordogne county, then meets the River Dordogne itself at Libourne. The river has been navigable since medieval times, and for centuries was the scene of major craftwork and industrial (flour milling) activity. Canalisation of the Isle started in 1756 with a view to enabling boats to sail between Libourne and Périgueux. There are now 42 locks.  
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Moulin
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A commentated journey along the river takes you past slipwayed quaysides, mills with their washhouses and ports with their weirs, in discovery of the region’s rural heritage, viticulture, and canal system.

Departure from Guîtres port aboard the “Fleur de l’Isle” for a cruise along the Isle. A 2-hour commentated excursion from Guîtres to Coutras, during which you’ll find out all there is to know about the river and its flora and fauna.

+33 5 57 69 11 48

Good to know

The Isle Valley belongs to the NATURA 2000 protected areas network. Among other species, it provides a habitat for the pond turtle and the European mink.

The Isle forms part of the public fluvial domain, and its banks may be fished by any angler holding a fishing card.

Zoom in on the banks of the Isle Reduce

Zoom in on the banks of the Isle

Bonzac : an orientation table just before the port offers panoramic views of the valley.

Guîtres : Benedictine abbey church of surpassing beauty. Railway museum and tourist train.

Coutras:  magnificent views over the Isle and Drone Valleys, from “Les Jourdennes”. Kayaking centre at the Site du Fagnard (in July and August, rentals by the day, half-day and hour on the Isle and the Drone).

Les Peintures : in bygone days, the Sablons ferry carried Les Peintures’ inhabitants and animals to Lagorce. You can visit the ruins of a mill dating back to 1555.

Abzac : at the foot of the château, set against the weir and the lock, the Abzac mill /factory once produced flour for export to the Antilles. It was converted into an oil mill from 1867 to 1897, and then became a cardboard factory (still in operation) in 1927.

Porchères : located on the Isle, the weir mill (built in 1847/1850) had 4 main wheels and 4 millstones, and used to produce flour.

Sports and leisure activities for all the family Reduce

Sports and leisure activities for all the family

Prignac-et-Marcamps : The Moron Natural Site invites you to discover the salt-marsh milieu.

Port Sainte-Foy:  Cléret Leisure Centre  (canoeing and rowing)

Mouliets-et-Villemartin : La Cadie  Leisure  Centre . 40-hectare lake with supervised bathing, canoes, small craft, walking trail and mountain biking.

“Aire nautique” , Saint-Christophe-de-Double: 7-hectare lake equipped for bathing and water games, fishing area and fitness trail.

“Base nautique” , Saint-Seurin-sur-l’Isle: departure point for canoeing along the Isle.

A wide range of hiking and riding trails are accessible to all comers.

Find out more:
Union des Offices de Tourisme du Pays Libournais
+33 5 57 55 28 28

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