canoe approaching Chapelle Sainte Marie on the Aller River

Canoe France: Gorges of the Allier

Classic Inn to Inn ✦ 7 days ✦ Leisurely ✦ From $2995

Canoe France Inn to Inn

Paddle through the heart of France on the Allier River, one of Europe's last wild rivers! This inn-to-inn canoe adventure combines breathtaking natural beauty with rich history and culture. From towering basalt cliffs and open farmlands to lush forests and charming villages, the Allier Valley offers a diverse landscape waiting to be explored. Discover prehistoric shelters, ancient monasteries dating back to 900 AD, and medieval castles, all while enjoying the tranquility of the river and the warmth of French hospitality.

Our journey begins in Langeac, where we'll gather for a welcome dinner and orientation, setting the stage for an unforgettable week of paddling. We'll explore the Benedictine Abbey of Chanteuges, indulge in local delicacies like Agneau du Bourbonnais, and perhaps even visit a salmon farm. Each day brings new discoveries, from exploring the castle where General Lafayette was born to paddling through the Ribeyre Valley, once a renowned vineyard. Evenings are spent relaxing in family-run lodges and hotels, many housed in historic village buildings, offering a perfect blend of comfort and authenticity.

This canoe tour isn't just about paddling; it's an immersive experience. We'll take leisurely walks to explore ancient ruins, wander through charming villages, and savor the delights of local patisseries. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the riverbanks and learn about the native flora. Join us for a unique and memorable canoe adventure on the Allier River, where every bend reveals a new treasure.

♡ Add tour to My Bucket List

💖 Saved on My Bucket List

Canoe France: Gorges of the Allier
rides: 30 to 65 kms
sleep: boutique inns
eat: best regional cuisine

Go Private
This tour is only available as a Private Date. May, June & Sep are best for canoeing.

Plan My Trip

More details?
Download a detailed itinerary with route profiles & more, to read and share with friends.

Download Itinerary

caneoing group paddling along Allier River

Paddling the Allier River itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Langeac!

Meet fellow paddlers.
Trip orientation.
Welcome dinner.

Your Allier River adventure begins in the charming town of Langeac! Settle into our hotel and meet your fellow paddlers and guides. We'll gather for a welcome dinner and orientation, where we'll discuss the exciting journey ahead, share some local stories, and savor our first taste of regional cuisine. Enjoy some free time to explore Langeac before dinner – perhaps wander through the old town or relax by the river.
Relax: Free to explore until dinner
Eat: Dinner
Sleep: Hotel le 19

Day 2: Le Pradel to Chanteuges – Down the Allier Gorge

Paddle the Allier Gorge.
Picnic lunch on the riverbank.
Arrive in Chanteuges.

After a delicious breakfast, we'll transfer upstream to the tiny village of Le Pradel, the starting point of our canoe journey. Here, we'll receive some instruction on paddling technique and river safety before embarking on our first day on the Allier. We'll paddle down through the dramatic Allier Gorge, surrounded by towering basalt cliffs and lush forests. Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch on a secluded riverbank before reaching the charming village of Chanteuges in the afternoon.
Paddle: 6 mi / 10 km
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Auberge de Chanteuges

Day 3: Chanteuges Abbey & Langeac

Explore Chanteuges Abbey.
Optional salmon farm visit.
Paddle to Langeac.

This morning, we'll explore the fascinating ruins of the Benedictine Abbey of Chanteuges, dating back to 932 AD. For those interested, we'll have the option to visit a local salmon farm to learn about sustainable aquaculture. Afterward, we'll continue our paddle down the Allier, enjoying the tranquil scenery as we make our way back to Langeac.
Paddle: 6 mi / 9 km
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Hotel le 19

Day 4: Lafayette Castle & Medieval Chillac

Visit Chavagnac-Lafayette Castle.
Prehistoric shelter visit.
Paddle to Chillac.

Today's adventure begins with a short shuttle to the impressive Chavagnac-Lafayette Castle, a 15th-century fortified manor house and the birthplace of General Lafayette, the hero of the American Revolution. After exploring the castle and its museum, we'll return to Langeac and continue our paddle downstream. We'll make a stop at the Falaises du Blot, a fascinating prehistoric shelter, before arriving at the medieval village of Chillac, our home for the night.
Paddle: 10 mi / 17 km
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Hôtel du Pêcheur

Day 5: Ribeyre Valley & St. Ilpize Ruins

Paddle the Ribeyre Valley.
Visit St. Ilpize ruins.
Arrive in Tapon.

We start today's paddle in the beautiful Ribeyre Valley, once a thriving vineyard region of Auvergne. As we continue down the river, the landscape becomes wilder and more remote. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the banks and learn about the region's unique flora. We'll visit the dramatic ruins of the medieval castle at St. Ilpize, perched high above the river, before reaching our overnight stop in Tapon, a charming village with a relaxed atmosphere.
Paddle: 7 mi / 11 km
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Les Jardin d'Anna

Day 6: Brioude & Farewell Dinner in Langeac

Paddle to Brioude.
Explore Brioude.
Farewell dinner in Langeac.

The Allier River slows down as we enter the Limagne Plains, leaving behind the mountains and gorges. Our final day of paddling takes us to the historic town of Brioude, where our canoe journey comes to an end. We'll have time to explore the magnificent Basilica of St. Julien and wander through the charming streets of the old town before transferring back to Langeac for a celebratory farewell dinner, sharing stories and memories of our river adventure.
Paddle: 8 mi / 12 km
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Hotel le 19

Day 7: Departure from Langeac

Enjoy a final breakfast.
Depart from Langeac.

After a leisurely breakfast, it's time to say *au revoir* to Langeac and your fellow paddlers. We'll provide transfers to the appropriate departure points, leaving you with wonderful memories of your canoe adventure on the Allier River.
Travel: Shuttle to airport
Eat: Breakfast

Book Your Spot Download Itinerary

Whatcha gonna get

Expert local bilingual guides
Entrance and activity fees
Handpicked lodges, ensuite rooms, double occupancy
Daily breakfast, lunch, snacks*
Dinners featuring fine local cuisine*
Baggage transfer between hotels
Free use of canoe and safety gear
Airport pick up & drop off

*as noted in itinerary

Getting there

The Canoe France: Allier River meets and ends at Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport in Clermont-Ferrand, France

Guests should plan their flights to arrive in Clermont-Ferrand before 12:00 (noon) on Day 1 of the tour and their departing flights after 12:00 (noon) on Day 7.

Clermont-Ferrand Airport code: CFE Local Time: GMT+1

Travel Tip: Travelers already in France can travel by train to Clermont-Ferrand, but need to arrive in time to reach the airport by the time noted above.

Documents Please

Adventure awaits — but don't forget your passport! Depending on your nationality, a visa might also be needed, so check in with the nearest France embassy to keep your journey hassle-free.