Our take
Paddle down the Allier gorges by canoe, between basalt cliffs and listed villages.
Canoe and kayak hire to paddle down the Allier gorges, routes from 2 hours to a full day.
At this hire company, you can choose between several routes: 10 km in 2 hours, 12 km in 2 hours 30, 17 km in 3 hours 30 in the gorges, or 32 km in a full day for the most motivated. The descent is on the Allier river, in an unspoilt canyon. The routes are open to everyone from age 6, provided you can swim 25 metres (the gorge stretch upstream of Langeac is the toughest). The price is per boat, shuttles included: on the 2025 price list, from €20 to €35 for a solo kayak and from €36 to €64 for a two-seater canoe, depending on the route. Season from 1 April to mid-October, depending on the flow of the Allier.
Why we love it
- The canyon unfolding on each side, cliffs and dense vegetation
- The silence on the water, just the current and the birds
- A calm river where you can catch your breath as much as paddle
- The feeling of being alone in the gorges, far from everything
Top tip
The 17 km route through the gorges is the best compromise, 3 hours 30 on the water. Book ahead in July and August. Avoid it after heavy rain (strong flow).
Before you go
- Choose the morning route if you want to avoid the afternoon heat
- Check the flow before you come, the season depends a lot on the conditions of the Allier
- Bring spare clothes in a waterproof bag, even in fine weather
Weather for the next 3 days
Today
16°/8°
dry · 13 km/h
Tomorrow
16°/2°
dry · 6 km/h
Tue 27
23°/6°
dry · 12 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
- La Tour, 43380 Lavoûte-Chilhac, France
43380 Lavoûte-Chilhac - Monday9h–19h
- Tuesday9h–19h
- Wednesday9h–19h
- Thursday9h–19h
- Friday9h–19h
- Saturday9h–19h
- Today9h–19h
Opening hours
What visitors say
Google rating
Average of 194 reviews on Google Maps.
Community rating
No reader reviews yet: yours gets things started.
Your logbook
Around Canoë Val d'Allier
2 spots in and around Lavoûte-Chilhac, enough to build your day.
Worth seeing nearby
Lavoûte-Chilhac
Lavoûte-Chilhac · a 5-minute walk away
Canoë Val d'Allier Chilhac
4.4Chilhac · 3.0 km away
Hikes nearby
Waymarked routes within 15 km, GPX track included.
Cycling
CyclingHikes around Canoë Val d'Allier
CyclingCycling
CyclingYou might also like
More paddle, kayak and water sports in Haute-Loire and nearby.
Lavoûte-Chilhac
Lavoûte-Chilhac · Haute-Loire
Tonic Aventure
4.6Langeac · Haute-Loire
470 reviews
Lastioulles water sports centre
4.6Trémouille · Cantal
275 reviews
API Aventures
4.9Parentignat · Puy-de-Dôme
30 reviews
Canoë Val d'Allier Chilhac
4.4Chilhac · Haute-Loire
19 reviews
Lac d'Aubusson d'Auvergne
4.6Aubusson-d'Auvergne · Puy-de-Dôme
358 reviews
Continue
Do you run Canoë Val d'Allier?
Claim your page to update the details, add your photos and access our editorial feature offers.
- Free for info & photos
- Editorial feature (quote on request)
- Social media sponsorship (40 000+ Instagram and Facebook followers)