Dordogne Riverside Camping Domaine de Soleil Plage – REVIEW

Looking for picturesque, family-friendly camping on the Dordogne river? Camping Domaine de Soleil Plage in Vitrac is an absolute dream. Think mind-blowing scenery, glorious sunshine, charming medieval market towns, ancient caves, fantastic food, stunning castles, adventurous days paddling downstream, and tons to keep kids entertained. 

When we were planning our France road trip last year, we knew we wanted plenty of variety in our holiday. A week on the Atlantic coast was amazing—Les Landes is made for outdoor lovers with cycling, surfing and paddleboarding firmly on the agenda. But we’re also big fans of the Dordogne’s stunning landscapes and serene, glassy waters, so we knew we had to include some time there too.

We’ve stayed twice at the amazing Le Capeyrou campsite on the Dordogne river, nestled beneath Château de Beynac and right beside one of the prettiest medieval villages in France—talk about picture-perfect! Any future Dordogne campsites had some seriously big shoes to fill. While we would’ve happily gone back here, we were itching to try somewhere new—but it had to be within a stone’s throw of the Dordogne river because that was such a huge part of what made our last stay so magical.

When I’m on the hunt for a campsite, the Eurocamp website is usually my first stop. They don’t do tent hires anymore, but we’ve had such great experiences in their mobile homes in the past. So, while cross-checking maps and Eurocamp locations, I came across Domaine de Soleil Plage whose stunning steep cliff backdrop, and new swimming pool complex with waterslides immediately caught my eye.

After a little sleuthing, I found that Marvilla Parks offers camping pitches at this site. Unable to book straight away, I emailed them for updates and stalked their website waiting for reservations to open (booking for the mobile homes open before the camping pitches do, so don’t be disheartened if you can’t spot them immediately). The moment they did open, I snapped up a ‘Comfort’ pitch with electricity and water.

Disclaimer: This camping Soleil Plage review is not sponsored in any way. We paid for the stay ourselves and this is my honest review. This post does however, contain affiliate links, should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, although I receive a small commission which goes towards the upkeep of this blog.

Riverside camping at Domaine de Soleil Plage Vitrac

Sitting on the banks of the meandering Dordogne river in the Perigord region of France, with a backdrop of towering limestone cliffs and surrounded by mesmerising rural countryside and timeless villages, Domaine de Soleil Plage offers spacious pitches, loads of family fun and the Dordogne River on your doorstep.

Located around 4 miles (7km) from the town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, you’re also perfectly placed to explore the Dordogne’s highlights; Beynac-et-Cazenac, Roque Gageac (a cliff-hugging village built into the rock face), Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, the enchanting Les Jardins de Marqueyssac and of course, endless opportunities for canoeing, paddleboarding, wild swimming and floating down the river.

Our pitch at Domaine de Soleil Plage Dordogne

We’d originally reserved a comfort pitch (the biggest option), but when my parents decided at the last minute to join us in their caravan for this part of the trip, we were happy to downgrade pitch size slightly so we could be camping neighbours. 

Even with a slight downgrade, our pitch was fantastic—spacious, well-placed, and just steps from the river. It took less than a minute to stroll from our Berghaus tent to the water via a picturesque countryside path right opposite us. And those views! Lofty, verdant, honey-coloured cliffs whose reflections were mirrored crystal clearly in the glassy river water, made the perfect backdrop for our sunny days, which, by the way, were scorchers—a glorious 30°C every single day. Camping bliss!

We absolutely loved being so close to the river—as hoped, it was a total highlight of our stay. Most of our days were spent paddling or floating downstream on our paddleboards and canoes, soaking up the gorgeous surroundings.

Our pitch was lovely and shady, with plenty of privacy (no neighbours opposite us, which was a bonus). If we went back, I’d definitely try to snag one of the riverside pitches for even better views!

Not a fan of tents? No problem! Eurocamp has loads of comfy mobile homes on-site, so this is also an option (although to be honest, I think the camping pitches have the best riverside location).

Campsite facilities

Swimming pool

Onsite, there’s a new heated pool complex (just finished in 2024) that was a big hit with the kids. Dotted with palm trees, it gives off tropical holiday vibes and is watched over by lifeguards. A cluster of lagoon pools criss-crossed by cute wooden bridges make a fun swimming environment for little ones, although they do get very busy. There’s also a cooler rectangular swimming pool, a covered pool (which is opened up on hot days), and several waterslides to whizz down.

Our kids loved the pools, but they did get extremely busy during the day, particularly in the smaller, warmer pools! With the option of the river so close, we ended up spending more time there. When my toddler had had enough, my older girls loved going down the waterslides over and over again and splashing around in the lagoon pools while I looked up occasionally from a sun lounger.

Talking of lounging, there are plenty of sunbeds around the pool, though they do get snapped up pretty quickly when it gets busy.

The playgrounds

There are a couple of outdoor playgrounds at Domaine de Soleil Plage, plus a free indoor soft play area, a bouncy castle that’s open from 10am, mini golf, volleyball, table tennis, boules, football and even a basketball court. We had big plans to try them all, but, honestly, we were either off exploring, relaxing by the tent, or just chilling out in the heat. There’s no shortage of things to keep everyone busy though!

Kids Club

The campsite does run kids clubs for 4-12 year olds and there were a number of activities on daily throughout the day. Our older kids are never too keen on these though and our youngest, at 3 years old is too young, plus we had the grandparents with us, so didn’t give these a try, but they looked popular.

Domaine de Soleil Plage offers kids’ clubs for ages 4-12, and a number of optional activities for people to join in with everyday. Our older kids aren’t usually fans of these, and our little one is only 3, so we didn’t try them out ourselves (plus we had the grandparents with us). But they did look popular. The kids seemed to be having fun, and it’s such a great way for little ones to make new friends.

WiFi

There is a charge to use the WIFI, starting at €5 per day.

We paid for a week’s worth of WiFi, but the signal was only really good around the bar and restaurant area (where you also have 30-minutes of free Wifi per day).

Dining at Domaine de Soleil Plage

The campsite offers both indoor and outdoor restaurant dining, plus a snack bar. Thanks to the lovely weather we were able to dine al fresco, with a stunning view of the cliffs. The kids’ club animateurs put on a dance performance during our meal, which kept our children entertained—though mine were a bit shy to join in!

The only downside was that the service was very slow, and we ended up getting a part-refund because our food took so long to arrive. It was a bit of a bummer, especially since it was our last night and we hadn’t dined out much during the trip. But still, it was a lovely setting!

If you would like to dine at the onsite restaurant, make sure you pre-book a table at least a day in advance. 

The restaurant menu featured some lovely local dishes, like Magret de Canard, which was tasty, though I’d say the food was more “good” than “wow.”

For dining options nearby, the charming little hamlet of Montfort is just a short drive away and is home to a beautiful castle (not open to the public). Le Centenaire, at the foot of the castle, looked nice.

The campsite shop

Like the restaurant, the onsite shop can be found in characterful converted Périgordian farm buildings. I don’t know if it was because it was the end of August when we visited, but it certainly wasn’t as fully-stocked as the shop at our last campsite, Le Col Vert.

You can grab fresh bread and French pastries in the mornings, but they vanish FAST, so if you’re after some, get there early! We popped in for bread and a few essentials, but mostly stocked up on supplies at a supermarket in Sarlat.

The washblock

We had a couple of wash blocks nearby, one was much newer than the other so we used this the most. It was clean, spacious, and we never had to queue. Plus, there was a family shower with a mini version for the little ones, which was super handy!

Paddleboard/Canoe Kayak Dordogne

*Children must be over five years old and able to swim to be eligible to go in a rented canoe*

Located right on the banks of the Dordogne River, this campsite offers direct access to one of France’s most beautiful natural playgrounds. With my parents in tow, we had three paddleboards between the seven of us, and the kids had an absolute blast playing about on these in the river near our pitch. It seemed like everyone was in on the fun – we’d see fellow campers drifting by on their rubber rings, starting upstream and floating down to the campsite entrance.

For those craving a bit more adventure, there are plenty of options for longer river excursions. Each stretch offers something new – whether it’s towering cliffs, picturesque villages, charming bridges, or peaceful beaches to pass by as you paddle along. The current is always manageable, and the water never gets too deep, making it perfect for families and beginners.

In the past we have taken it in turns to drop an adult and child and then float back to our campsite (hence why I SO wanted to be on a riverside campsite). 

Many companies operate along the Dordogne River, offering competitive prices and convenient services. There are multiple launch and pick-up points along the river where you can hire equipment, then simply return it further downstream. You’ll paddle downstream with the current, and either be dropped off at an upstream location or picked up at your destination for a return shuttle back to your starting point.

When not using a canoe company, we’ve sometimes taken turns, with one adult dropping off an adult and child in the car, and floating back to our campsite. This is exactly why being located right by the river is such a game-changer!

You could also speak to the canoe companies about paying a small fee for them to pick up and your paddleboard up. 

As we had two cars between us and my parents, one day, we drove to Carsac with our paddleboards in tow and rented a canoe for my parents and the girls. Meanwhile, I paddleboarded with my 3-year-old perched happily at the end of my board. They gave us such a great deal, and the best part was that my parents could leave the canoe at our campsite in Vitrac, so they could easily pick it up and take it back later. It worked out perfectly!

We also managed a mega paddle with the kids—about 20km in one day! We started at Dome and paddled all the way down to Beynac. We set up a deal for a canoe and life jackets for my parents and the girls, plus a return trip for two paddleboards, myself and my husband. The lady at the desk mentioned it was illegal to paddleboard down the river, but after looking it up, I couldn’t find anything about it online. 

Some companies do rent out paddleboards to tourists, so it might be worth double-checking, but honestly, no one’s ever said anything to us during all our paddleboarding adventures on the river! Either way, they all seem quite flexible, so definitely worth chatting to companies about possible options to tailor your day out.

Packing a picnic and paddling down the Dordogne, stopping for lunch opposite La Roque Gageac, was honestly one of the most magical things I’ve ever done. Even though 20km might sound like a lot, it was actually the perfect activity for a hot day—it felt cooler on the river, plus we had the chance to dip into the water whenever we needed to cool off. And get this—my three-year-old actually fell ASLEEP at the end of my board for a whole hour! He was so relaxed and soothed by the gentle sounds of the water, I couldn’t believe it!

Things to do in the Dordogne Valley

But it’s not just the campsite that’s a winner. The location makes it a perfect base for exploring the Dordogne region and getting a little slice of French magic.

  • If you or your offspring are into fairytale castles, you’re in for a treat – there’s no shortage around here! The area around Vezac is often referred to as the ‘valley of the five castles’, thanks to the five historic chateaux that date from the 100 years war.
  • Château de Beynac, Chateau de Castelnaud and Château des Milandes are open to the public and are must-visit castles, plus there are hundreds more that can be seen from afar. Watch history come to life at Château de Castelnaud. Perched on a rocky outcrop, the panoramic views over the Dordogne are magnifique! If you plan on going to Les Jardins de Marqueyssac, there is a discounted joint ticket available for entry to both attractions.
  • Wander through the spectacular Jardins de Marqueyssac. Sitting high above the Dordogne river, these gardens boast wildly impressive views of the Dordogne Valley as well as a playground, a giant spider net to walk through and some nail-biting rock-climbing for adrenaline-junkies.
  • Take an inflatable paddleboard or hire a canoe and float back to your campsite on the Dordogne river.
  • Visit one of the Dordogne’s umpteen natural wonders, ancient paintings and troglodyte caves, both prehistoric and medieval. 
  • We have previously visited Grotte de Domme (although this was stiflingly busy in August), Le Gouffre de Padirac which is entered via a giant sinkhole and includes an underground river punting tour and Grotte de Rouffignac which has a guided train ride to discover prehistoric drawings and engravings.
  • Head to a local market for an authentic taste of the Dordogne! Sample rich, tangy goat cheese, sip on chilled rosé, and savor the sweetness of fresh, fragrant strawberries. Make sure to swing by the daily indoor market in Sarlat, a stunning 14th-century town, housed in the charmingly converted Church Sainte Marie. Your taste buds will thank you!
  • Catch the road train from the car park in Domme and let it whisk you through the pretty streets. Head to Prom de l’Esplanade for panoramic views over the Dordogne Valley.
  • Make sure to visit La Roque-Gageac, one of France’s prettiest villages. With its charming Perigordian rooftops set against towering cliffs, it’s quintessential France. Check out the troglodyte fort tucked into the cliffs 40 meters above the village.
  • Take a trip to the stunning medieval village of Rocamadour. Perched dramatically on the cliffside along the Alzou canyon, the village’s buildings almost seem to melt into the rock itself. 
  • Soar over the Dordogne Valley in a hot air balloon. Trust me, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Final thoughts on Camping Domaine de Soleil Plage

If you’re dreaming of a riverside escape in the Dordogne that blends riverside beauty, family-friendly fun, and the charm of the French countryside, Domaine de Soleil Plage delivers on all fronts. I had been anxious about going to a different Dordogne campsite, given our wonderful experience at Le Capeyrou, but this campsite held its own and proved to be a fantastic choice.

From its picturesque location on the Dordogne River to its impressive facilities, river activities, and entertainment for kids, to the convenience of being close to some of the Dordogne’s most stunning attractions, like Sarlat, Beynac, and La Roque-Gageac.

The riverside setting really makes this place special, offering endless opportunities for paddleboarding, canoeing, wild swimming and simply soaking up the scenery. Add to that the warm weather, great food, and spacious pitches, and you’ve got the recipe for a brilliant family camping holiday. Domaine de Soleil Plage is now firmly on our list of favourite campsites. 

Click here for Eurocamp prices and availability, click here for Marvilla Parks prices (including tent pitches).

Getting to Domaine de Soleil Plage

Our camping holiday at Domaine de Soleil Plage was part of a larger France/Spain road trip itinerary – we travelled here from Sandaya le Col Vert in SW France (around 3.5 hours away), after taking the Plymouth-Santander ferry.

However, if you were travelling directly from the UK, I would recommend a Brittany Ferries crossing to St Malo, Cherbourg or Caen and either travelling directly, or fitting in a stopover en route (we stayed in St Georges-sur-Cher on our way home, but have previously stopped over in Saumur). You could of course also take the Dover-Calais crossing, but I try and avoid this at all costs after many bad experiences at this ferry port!

Dordogne river camping Domaine de Soleil

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1 Comment
  • Amanda Barnes
    January 19, 2025

    Absolutely loved this site. Large pitches, lots to do on site for families and the river just seconds away made this an idyllic place to spend a week.
    Wonderful review