The “Dordogne Intégrale” could be described as the paddle race everyone talks about in France and Europe… though most people haven’t done it yet! It is a race unlike any other, an adventure, rather, on one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe: the Dordogne. The yearly event is so increasingly popular that it is usually referred to as the “DI,” no full name needed.
The “DI” is the brainchild of a small group of kayakers from the Corrèze region in the heart of France, probably best known for its location: the Dordogne. The Dordogne is a gorgeous river with 160 km of portage-free whitewater kayaking in a unique setting full of history and natural beauty.
After an initial test in 2005, the adventure began with the first official edition in 2006. There were only 70 pioneers and 35 boats at the starting gate—whitewater and sprint kayaks for the most part. The race wasn’t welcomed with open/second 80% of the participants crossed the finish line behind the first official winner Claude Bénézit, who made it in just over nine hours. The "godfather" of the race, who also won the following year, describes his experience on the DI as follows: "This isn’t a race against others—it’s an adventure with them and against yourself!"
