Canoë Val d'Allier: canoeing down the Allier at Chilhac

Our take

Paddle through the upper Allier gorges starting from Chilhac, a village set on its basalt rock. Routes from 5 to 27 km, to choose according to the time you have.

The editors · Teddy L.updated on 25 October 2026How we choose our places

Allow 2 h to 4 h
Best season: summer
For a fine day

The guide that goes with itBaignade sauvage en Auvergne

Canoe trips down the Allier from Chilhac: several routes from 5 to 27 km in the upper Allier gorges, base open in summer.

From the village of Chilhac, Canoë Val d'Allier takes you down the Allier through the gorges and the upper Allier valley. Several routes to choose from depending on how you feel: from a mini-descent to Lavoûte-Chilhac (5 km) to the big day of 27 km, taking in half-day and short-day formats. You paddle with the current, between cliffs and perched villages. Chilhac itself is worth a look, built on a basalt rock with its stone columns and its views over the river. Base open in July and August.

Why we love it

The cliffs and perched villages passing by from the water
Chilhac built on its basalt rock, with its stone columns
A choice between 5 and 27 km, from a warm-up to the big day
The upper Allier gorges seen from below, with the current

Before you go

The Chilhac base runs every day from 09:00 to 19:00, in July and August only. The rest of the season, departures are from Lavoûte-Chilhac.
Allow 2 hours 30 for the 12 km from Langeac and 3 hours 30 for the 17 km to La Vialette: choose according to the time you have.
Not all routes start from Chilhac, some leave from Langeac or Le Pradel: check the starting point of yours.
Paddleboards can also be hired on site, by the hour.

Weather for the next 3 days

Today
16°/8°
dry · 15 km/h
Tomorrow
16°/2°
dry · 5 km/h
Tue 27
23°/8°
dry · 14 km/h

Source: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0). General lowland forecasts, to be cross-checked with specialist mountain forecasts at altitude.

Practical info

Address: Les Bourlonnes, 43380 Chilhac, France
43380 Chilhac

Route

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Around Canoë Val d'Allier Chilhac

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Where to stay nearby

Hôtel Spa Domaine Saint-Roch

4.4

Salzuit · 7.4 km away

Hikes nearby

Waymarked routes within 15 km, GPX track included.

Cycling

Moderate

11 - From Chilhac to Couteuges

Start: Chilhac

29 km
+513 m
2 h

Cycling

Moderate

Lace and craft skills of the Allier valley

Start: Parking du Centre Historique

46.5 km
+763 m
3 h

Hikes around Canoë Val d'Allier Chilhac

Cycling

Moderate

11 - From Chilhac to Couteuges

Start: Chilhac

29 km
+513 m
2 h

Cycling

Moderate

Lace and craft skills of the Allier valley

Start: Parking du Centre Historique

46.5 km
+763 m
3 h

Cycling

Expert

3 - Along the Allier and the Senouire

Start: Office de tourisme de Brioude Sud Auvergne

57.5 km
+819 m
3 h

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