Camping de la Dronne

Once you’ve paddled around locally, it’s worth launching out for a second trip from Brantôme, a gorgeous little riverside town half an hour away by car. Before boarding your vessel, take a wander around the abbey, making sure you don't miss the troglodyte section carved into a cave at the back. For more swish buildings to stroll around, set out for medieval/Renaissance mash-up Château de Bourdeilles (25 minutes’ drive) or Château-l’Évêque (35 minutes), where the castle is surrounded by well-kept gardens. Périgueux (45 minutes), is a real hive of history too, with Roman, medieval and Renaissance buildings to spot between stops for food (those in the know point to Périgueux as the area’s top place for foodie foraging). Time for a break from architecture spotting? Trot over to Poltrot leisure park (15 minutes) for a beach, maze and high ropes course, or give your golf clubs an outing on the course 20 minutes away.