In Girac, the Dordogne is both part of a protected landscape and the setting for a seasonal canoeing activity. The town is also home to the parish church of Saint-Martin, whose history dates back to 866. When choosing Girac for a stay, you can weigh up nature, the river and local history through specific themes: canoeing focuses on the river, the Natura 2000 site on the river, valley areas and slopes, and Saint-Martin on church and architectural history.

River Landscape and Natura 2000

The Vallée de la Dordogne Quercynoise Natura 2000 site covers 131 hectares of the municipality of Girac, equivalent to 30 percent of its area. The hectare figure and percentage complement each other: one quantifies the area, while the other puts it in relation to the municipality. The boundaries include the river, valley areas and slopes. The protected area therefore encompasses a broader landscape than a view focused solely on the river. For travelers who want to distinguish between activities and landscapes, these are two different ways to explore: canoeing puts the Dordogne at the heart of a hands-on experience on the water, while the Natura 2000 site also includes valley areas and slopes. The 131 hectares refer to Girac; the percentage indicates the share of the municipality’s area.

Saint-Martin: Transfer and Possible Construction Date

The parish church of Saint-Martin is located in Girac. In 866, Count Geoffroy transferred the church of Girac to Beaulieu Abbey. This date refers to the transfer. A separate, cautiously worded date applies to the building’s architecture: the nave and the north aisle may date from the 15th century. The nave is the main lengthwise part of a church; the north aisle is a distinct architectural element. The possible date applies to these two parts, not automatically to the entire building. For historical context, it is worth considering the dates separately: 866 concerns the transfer to the abbey, while the 15th century is a possible construction date for the parts mentioned.

Canoeing on the Dordogne

Girac Loisirs Canoë’s seasonal offering includes a family canoe trip on the Dordogne that ends at a beach at Camping Les Chalets sur la Dordogne in Girac. The itinerary includes a minibus transfer to the chosen launch point and the return journey by canoe. The minibus transfer and the return by canoe are separate parts of the trip: you travel to the chosen launch point by minibus and return by canoe. Departures may be arranged on request, provided water levels allow. If canoeing is important to your stay, check your preferred departure with the operator in advance, as it depends on both a request and water levels.

Discover more destinations: Fons, Aynac, Montbrun, Bélaye, Les Junies, Ginouillac, Nuzéjouls, Le Bourg

For the overview of the wider region: Lot.