Which campsites should you choose to visit Carennac?
Camping L'Eau Vive 4 stars, comfort and nature on the banks of the Dordogne
Camping L'Eau Vive **** in Carennac is located on the banks of the Dordogne River. It offers around 90 to 100 marked pitches for tents, caravans or motorhomes, as well as a wide choice of comfortable mobile homes and bungalows. There is an outdoor swimming pool and paddling pool, direct access to the Dordogne for swimming, fishing or canoeing, as well as a variety of activities such as a children's playground, mini golf, table tennis, pétanque, multi-sports (volleyball, football, etc.), and entertainment in summer, as well as a kids' club, evening events, tournaments, and more. The campsite also has a snack bar, a bread delivery service, a launderette, hot water sanitary facilities, a reception area for motorhomes, an optional cleaning service, electrical connections on the pitches, water/electricity connections and Wi-Fi access at reception.
Camping Roca d'Amour, a large water park near Carennac
The Roca d'Amour **** campsite, located in Padirac in the Lot department, 10 km from the village of Carennac, offers mobile homes, chalets and camping pitches in two areas, Les Chênes and Le Parc, approximately 800 m apart. It has a large water park with a heated indoor pool, outdoor pools, paddling pools and several slides, including a spacebowl, accessible from both areas. In high season, the site offers entertainment, a kids' club, social evenings and leisure facilities (mini golf, pump track, playground, etc.), ideal for families. The campsite accepts pets (under certain conditions), offers practical services such as a snack bar, sheet and fridge hire, and provides easy access to the region's attractions — just 900 metres from the Gouffre de Padirac and close to the beautiful listed village of Carennac.
Camping La Bourgnatelle, in the heart of the Dordogne valley
Camping La Bourgnatelle *** is located in Bretenoux, 10 km from one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France (Carennac), in a natural setting by the river and a stone's throw from the village. It offers spacious pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as a wide range of mobile homes and bungalows. It has a heated swimming pool with paddling pool, playgrounds, sports fields and direct access to the Île de la Bourgnatelle to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. The campsite also offers practical services such as a laundry, Wi-Fi, sheet and fridge hire, adapted sanitary facilities and pets are welcome. An ideal starting point for exploring the Dordogne valley and the iconic villages of the Lot.
Camping Le Ventoulou, relaxation between the Dordogne and Rocamadour
Camping Le Ventoulou **** in Thégra in the Lot, located 16 km from the village of Carennac, is set in 6 hectares of wooded grounds with 129 pitches and a wide choice of accommodation, cottages, chalets, gîtes, lodge tents or camping pitches. It has a complete aquatic area with a heated indoor swimming pool, paddling pool and water playground, ideal for families. For comfort and conviviality, there is a bar/restaurant, grocery store, laundry service, Wi-Fi, electric vehicle charging station, adapted sanitary facilities, and pets are welcome. In season, the campsite also offers entertainment, sports and leisure activities, and is an ideal starting point for exploring the treasures of the Lot, including nature, heritage and picturesque villages.
Huttopia Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne campsite, nature holidays for families
The Huttopia Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne **** campsite is nestled on a green island on the banks of the Dordogne River in the valley of the same name, 16 km from one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Carennac, offers camping in tents, caravans or motorhomes on large pitches, some by the river, or accommodation in a variety of lodgings: mobile homes, chalets, gypsy caravans, furnished tents or Arizona tents (half canvas, half wood) combining comfort and respect for the environment. Holidaymakers can enjoy a heated outdoor swimming pool with a paddling pool for children, a bar/restaurant with a terrace, breakfast and fresh bread delivered every morning, and a warm atmosphere. For families and outdoor enthusiasts, the campsite organises nature activities, entertainment and canoe or barge trips on the Dordogne in summer, not to mention the opportunity to fish directly from your pitch. It's the ideal place to combine relaxation, nature and exploring the region.
What are the must-see treasures in Carennac?
Stroll through the narrow streets of Carennac
Strolling through Carennac is like stepping into a medieval setting where every street tells a story. As you enter the village, you are immediately captivated by the maze of cobbled streets winding between the old houses. The narrow, sometimes sloping passageways reveal different views with every step, inviting you to take your time and appreciate every detail. The perfectly preserved 16th-century houses make up most of the architectural landscape: their golden-hued limestone façades capture the light, while their corbels, discreet half-timbering and mullioned windows reflect the refinement of the Renaissance period. Many of these houses also feature carved doors, external stone staircases and small flower-filled courtyards, adding to the village's intimate charm. As you stroll along the main streets and then wander off into the more secretive alleyways, you will discover harmonious rows of sloping roofs covered with flat tiles, ancient arches and peaceful corners where time seems to have stood still. This stroll through Carennac offers an authentic experience, ideal for admiring the traditional architecture of the Lot region and soaking up the gentle, unspoilt atmosphere of one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Saint-Pierre Church, its cloister and the Château des Doyens
In the heart of Carennac, Saint-Pierre Church stands out as one of the village's architectural gems. Upon entering this Romanesque building, you will discover an elegant nave, finely carved capitals and a remarkable tympanum depicting the scene of the Parousia, a rare example of medieval religious art. Right next door, the listed cloister invites contemplation: its open galleries, delicate columns and peaceful atmosphere make it a special place to soak up the spiritual character of the site. The play of light on the pale stone highlights the details of the Romanesque sculpture, offering a real journey back in time. Nearby stands the Château des Doyens, the former residence of the canons of the priory, whose silhouette is distinguished by its mullioned windows and Renaissance architecture. Now converted into a museum, it hosts exhibitions dedicated to the history of the village, sacred art and life in the Dordogne valley in days gone by. The church, cloister and château together form an unmissable cultural trail, revealing the rich heritage of Carennac.
The Roman Road and the Cluniac site of Carennac
Carennac preserves traces of its prestigious past through its Roman Way and Cluniac heritage, which bear witness to the village's importance over the centuries. The Roman road, still visible in places, runs through the outskirts of the village and offers an itinerary steeped in history: its ancient slabs, straight lines and remains integrated into the landscape are a reminder of the strategic role played by the Dordogne valley in trade and travel in ancient times. This ancient road, lined with stone walls and unspoilt landscapes, allows us to imagine the passage of travellers, pilgrims and merchants who once used it. The Cluniac site of Carennac reinforces the spiritual and cultural character of the place. Attached to the powerful Abbey of Cluny in the 11th century, the priory had a profound impact on the village's identity: monastic organisation, religious buildings and economic development centred around the community of canons. Cluniac influences can still be seen in the architecture, the layout of the village and the prestige conferred on Carennac throughout the Middle Ages. By exploring the Roman Way and then the traces of this monastic past, you will discover another facet of the village, where ancient history and religious heritage blend harmoniously.
Swimming and canoeing on the Dordogne in Carennac
In Carennac, the Dordogne offers an exceptional natural setting to enjoy the pleasures of the water. The village is located on one of the most beautiful stretches of the river, where the clear, calm waters are ideal for swimming in summer. The accessible banks are ideal for cooling off with the family, relaxing in the sun or observing the peaceful landscape of cliffs, meadows and forests reflected in the river. Carennac is also an ideal starting point for canoeing: several routes suitable for all levels allow you to travel down the Dordogne River, passing by listed villages, castles and wild meanders. Gliding along the river with the current offers another way to discover the valley, between unspoilt nature and magnificent panoramas. Whether you choose to swim near the village or go on a canoe trip, the Dordogne becomes a real adventure playground here, ideal for enjoying a moment of relaxation or for a more sporting experience in the heart of the Lot.
Villages to discover around Carennac
There are several remarkable villages worth visiting around Carennac: Rocamadour, located about 20 km away, offers a spectacular site clinging to the cliff; Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, a charming town bordering the river, is about 15 km away; Loubressac, perched on its promontory, is only 8 km away; and Autoire, nestled in a valley surrounded by cliffs, is about 10 km away.
Finally, for those who wish to extend their stay and explore the Lot more extensively, it is possible to discover all the riches of the department by clicking on the dedicated link.