80 km of wild canyon in the Haut-Allier, between basalt cliffs and villages clinging to the rock.
Deep, steep-sided gorges of the Allier stretching for nearly 80 km between Langogne and Langeac, in the Haut-Allier, running through the Haute-Loire (the commune of Prades is among the most iconic spots). The river has carved deep gorges here, with basalt columns (orgues basaltiques) at Prades. Further downstream, past Langeac, villages cling to the basalt, like Chilhac, or curl up inside a river bend, like Lavoûte-Chilhac. Atlantic salmon still swim up the river from the ocean to spawn here. The Gorges de l'Allier tourist train: several options, steam train or railcar, and several departure points. Waymarked trails, including the GR 470 long-distance path, Sources et gorges de l'Allier. Open access, free.
What you will find
- The cliffs that drop straight down to the Allier, without warning
- The calm of one of the last wild rivers in Europe
- The perched villages that appear around a bend
- The river down below, which you reach on foot along the trails
Local tip
Take the Train des Gorges for the view from the tracks, by steam train or railcar depending on the date. Canoe down the river with the rental outfits in Langeac, Chilhac or Lavoûte-Chilhac. Le Chalet de la Source in Prades for its big terrace facing the basalt columns.
Good to know
- The tourist train runs on dates that vary with the option and the departure point: check the timetable before planning your stay around it
- Wear shoes with grippy soles: the paths down to the river are steep
- Set off early in the morning for the viewpoints: the low, raking light shows off the cliffs better
Practical information
- Accessibility
- Partly wheelchair accessible
