Canoeing and kayaking trips in the Gorges and Valley of the Allier
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 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-Emissions24.96 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on an adventure in a pristine natural setting : from the basalt columns of Prades to the remains of one of the first Cluniac abbeys, the priory and its fortified tower in the heart of the Lavoûte-Chilhac peninsula. Set off on a 4-day trip between Prades and Brassac-les-Mines , a 79 km route along the Allier River, one of the last wild rivers in Europe , surrounded by nature.
Surrounded by exceptional flora and fauna , discover the Prades gorges at Lavoûte-Chilhac over 32 km, then navigate through the heart of the Allier valley to Brioude with a 24 km descent. The last day will immerse you in the landscapes of the Limagne plain over 23 km, ending your stay in Brassac-les-Mines!
The highlights
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On a wild river
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Exceptional flora and fauna
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Tranquility and a change of scenery
Photos
Sport
Level
Kayaking and Canoeing
In figures
Canoeing / Kayaking
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average distance/day: 20 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
- Accommodation Camping
- 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, as well as the 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. It's undoubtedly the most challenging section of your trip, with a 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 Chanteuges. A perfect first day exploring the heart of the Allier gorges.
Day 1 -
The wild gorges: from Langeac to Lavoûte-Chilhac
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 17 km
- Accommodation Camping
- 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 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 -
The Allier Valley: from Lavoûte-Chilhac to Brioude
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 24 km
- Accommodation Camping
- 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, shared between classes 1 and 2. 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 Saint-Ilpize chapel, perched hamlets, and the village of Vieille-Brioude with its Devil's Bridge.
Upon arrival in Brioude, you will stay at the Bageasse campsite, where your luggage will be left.
Day 3 -
The Allier Valley: from Brioude to Brassac-les-Mines
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 79km
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Distance 23 km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure before 11:00 AM from the Brioude campsite. A 23 km stage awaits you, an easy course as it is classified as Class 1. There are a few rapids to navigate, such as the broken dam at the locality known as La Centrale, 1 km from the finish. The route is very wild and seldom frequented; you will have the opportunity to observe various birds of prey, such as kites or buzzards, and play hide-and-seek with herons.
Upon arrival in Brassac-les-Mines, disembarkation takes place at the old campsite, for a return trip by minibus to Langeac around 4:30 pm.
Day 4
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, night at the Brioude campsite, luggage transfer.
Day 4: Departure before 11am from Brioude to reach Brassac les mines 23 km, end of stay, return by minibus 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, a 2-star campsite, 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.
Camping La Bageasse in Brioude is a 3-star campsite situated on nearly 3 hectares of land, on the banks of the river. The historic center of Brioude is about a 20-minute walk away, and once in town, you'll find all amenities: restaurants, bars, bakeries, grocery stores, and a supermarket. The campsite has several sanitary blocks and a reception open from morning to evening.
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
- Topo guide of the route
- Transport of people to and from Brassac
- Tracking your luggage during your stay
- Reservations for campsite pitches
The price does not include
- Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Overnight stays at campsites (only the reservation is made, payment is made on site at the reception of each campsite)
- Camping equipment (tent, mattress, sleeping bag, etc.)
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 daily essentials
Equipment to bring
- Camping equipment (tent, mattress, sleeping bag, etc.)
- Eyeglass cord
- Waterproof smartphone pouch
- Sunglasses
- Cap or hat
- Camping equipment
Clothing to bring
- Water shoes
- Shorts
- Swimsuit
- T-shirt or lycra
- Beach towel
