In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationMassif Central / Haute-Loire
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions13.24 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Rediscover the thrill of adventure in a pristine natural setting. The basalt columns of Prades, the remains of one of the first Cluniac abbeys, and the priory with its fortified tower in the heart of the Lavoûte-Chilhac peninsula await you for a truly enchanting experience. The Allier River, one of the last wild rivers in Europe, boasts exceptional flora and fauna amidst the oldest volcanoes of the Auvergne region . You might even encounter wild salmon! Embark on a 3-day journey between Prades and Brioude, covering 56 km in the heart of nature . Explore the gorges for 32 km from Prades to Lavoûte-Chilhac, followed by 24 km through the Allier Valley to Brioude.
The highlights
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An ideal route for discovering canoeing and kayaking as a family.
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Exceptional flora and fauna
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A wild and unspoiled river
Photos
Sport
Level
Kayaking and Canoeing
In figures
Canoeing / Kayaking
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 19 km
Management
Program
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The Gorges: Prades to Langeac.
- Transportation Minibus - 00h25 - 15km
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 15 km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Meet at 9:30 am at the Langeac "Les Gorges de l'Allier" campsite for details and equipment distribution, followed by a transfer to the starting point of the first leg in Prades. This 15 km Class 2 rapid (see the level chart for more details) will take approximately 3 hours to paddle. Undoubtedly the most challenging section of your trip, with its series of small rapids over the first 8 kilometers, followed by calmer conditions before the final stretch through the Langeac dam's rapids.
Along the riverbanks, you can admire the Romanesque chapel of Saintes-Marie-des-Chazes, as well as the village and abbey of Chantueges. A perfect first day in the heart of the Allier gorges.
Day 1 -
The Wild Gorges.
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 17 km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure before noon from Langeac to reach Lavoûte-Chilhac. A 17-kilometer route awaits you. Wilder and richer in flora and fauna, this second day is still quite fast-paced. The route is category 2 with a dam crossing and a natural slide at kilometer 7 of the stage, at a place called Le Chambon. While paddling, you'll be able to admire the cliffs of Le Blot, the perched village of Chilhac with its basalt columns, and the Lavoûte-Chilhac peninsula with its fortified tower.
Approximately 3.5 hours of sailing. Overnight stay at the "La Rybeyre" campsite in Lavoûte-Chilhac. Your luggage will be transported there.
Day 2 -
Descent to Brioude
- Transportation Minibus - 00h50 - 41km
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 24 km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure before 11:00 AM to reach Brioude. The third day's route is 24 kilometers, divided between Class 1 and 2 rapids. In the heart of the Allier Valley, the river widens and becomes calmer, with occasional rapids. You might even be lucky enough to spot a wild heron! The 5-hour journey will take you past the ruins of the Chapel of Saint-Ilpize, its perched hamlets, and the village of Vieille-Brioude. Return by bus to Langeac where you will find your luggage. End of the trip.
Day 3
Note
Day 1: Meet at 9:30 am at the Langeac 43300 campsite "les gorges de l'Allier", contract details, equipment handover, bus shuttle to Prades, 15 km route from Prades to Langeac, overnight at the Langeac campsite.
Day 2: Departure before 12pm from Langeac to reach Lavoûte-Chilhac 17 km, night at the Lavoûte-Chilhac campsite "la ribeyre", luggage transfer.
Day 3: Departure before 11am from Lavoûte-Chilhac to reach Brioude 24 km, end of stay, return by bus to Langeac, followed by luggage.
Accommodation
The Gorges de l'Allier campsite in Langeac is rated 3 stars and is located on over 14 hectares of wooded land. It is situated on the banks of the river and is a 5-minute walk from the center of Langeac where you will find all amenities such as restaurants, bars, bakeries and grocery stores. Two large supermarkets are a 2-minute drive away. The campsite consists of several sanitary buildings and a reception open from morning to evening.
Camping La Ribeyre in Lavoûte-Chilhac, Clazzé, is a small, peaceful, and very natural municipal campsite located on the riverbank, practically "in the water." It's easily accessible on foot, about 5 minutes from the village center, which has been listed among "the most beautiful villages in France" since 2022. The village has two restaurants, a snack bar, a bakery, and a general store currently under construction.
Please note that camping is not included in the price of the stay: you will need to pay approximately €9 per person per night on site.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Navigation equipment (boats, paddles, life jackets, waterproof container)
- Canoes or kayaks depending on the number of participants
- Route Roadbook
- Transport to reach Prades and return from Brioude.
- Luggage tracking during the stay
The price does not include
- Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Camping equipment (tent, mattress, sleeping bag, etc.)
- Nights at the campsite
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Navigation equipment
- A guidebook for canoe routes
- Waterproof container for his things for the day: beach towels, a change of clothes, the midday picnic.
Equipment to bring
- Camping equipment (tent, mattress, sleeping bag, etc.)
- Eyeglass cord
- Waterproof smartphone pouch
- Sunglasses
- Cap or hat
- Beach towel
Clothing to bring
- Water shoes
- Shorts
- Swimsuit,
- T-shirt or lycra
