Canoe France: Allier River
Classic Inn to Inn ✦
7 days ✦ Leisurely
Canoe France Inn to Inn
The Allier River is considered one of Europe's last wild rivers, as it flows through the valley it has carved over the millennia. Along its course discover many years of human kind in Europe, from pre-historic shelters to monasteries dating from 900AD to more modern villages. And a variety of landscapes, tall basalt cliffs, open farmlands, forested regions, historic villages.
Apart from canoeing, you will enjoy walks to visit the ruins of ancient monasteries, castles, salmon farms and more. Wander the streets in the evening checking out the delights from local patisserie with their wide range of fresh baked sweets. Relax in small family run lodges and hotels, many built in historic village structures. Discover the cuisine of the Allier region such as Agneau du Bourbonnais.
Privately Guided
Classic Inn to Inn: from $3195
Tour is available From May through September, but crowded conditions in late July through August.
Scheduled Small Groups
Classic Inn to Inn: $2995
2023: 2 Jul ✧ 3 Sep
2024: 19 May ✧ 7 Jul ✧ 15 Sep
Your Itinerary
1: Meet in Langeac, welcome dinner
You will gather with your fellow paddlers and guide team in Langeac tonight. We will go ver the trip to come during orientation, then head out for your first taste of this region's culinary delights.
Meals: D
2: Transfer to Le Pradel, paddle to Chanteuges
As Langeac is actually the mid-point of our journey, we will transfer upstream this morning to tiny La Pradel from where we embark on the Allier. After a bit of instruction on paddling technique and the river's quirks, you set out, down through the Allier Gorge. Enjy a picnic lunch on the river's bank, before reaching Chanteuges in the afternoon.
Paddling: 6 mi / 10 km, Meals: B L D
3: Visit Abbey of Chanteuges, paddle to Langeac
After breakfast we will explore the remains of the Benedictine Abbey of Chanteuges dating from 932 AD. An optional visit to a salmon farm is available, before we start today's paddle. Our destination today is Langeac.
Paddling: 6 mi / 9 km, Meals: B L D
4: Visit Chavagnac-Lafayette Castle, paddle to Lavoute-Chilhac
You day of discovery starts after breakfast, as we shuttle to Chavagnac-Lafayette Castle. This 15th century fortified Manor house was the birthplace of General Lafayette (yes the American Revolution hero) and now a museum. Returning to Langeac, you continue your paddle downstream, with a visit to prehistoric shelter, Falaises du Blot, before reaching the medieval village of Chillac, home for tonight.
Paddling: 10 mi / 17 km, Meals: B L D
5: Ribeyre vineyards, St Ilpize ruins, Paddle to Tapon
You start today's paddle in the Ribeyre Valley a former great vineyard of Auvergne, before entering a wilder stretch of the river. Keep your eyes open for sightings of the wildlife in this area. Learn a bit about the native flora as well. You will visit the medieval castle ruins at St Ilpize, before reaching our overnight stop in Tapon.
Paddling: 7 mi / 11 km, Meals: B L D
6: Paddle to Brioude, transfer back to Langeac, farewell dinner
The Allier River slows down as we enter the Limagne Plains, leaving behind the mountains and hills we have been paddling through this week. Our goal is the village of Brioude, where our journey ends. You will explore the Basilica of St. Julien and the historic center of town before transferring back to Langeac and our end of the tour dinner.
Paddling: 8 mi / 12 km, Meals: B L D
7: Depart Langeac
After breakfast, it is time to say good bye and head on to other adventures. Jusqu'à ce qu'on se retrouve.
Meals: B
Take a peek!
What's Provided
- Expert local bilingual guides
- Handpicked lodges, ensuite rooms, double occupancy
- Daily breakfast, lunch, snacks*
- Dinners featuring fine local cuisine*
- Daily baggage transfer between hotels
- Free use of canoes and paddling gear
- Airport pick up & drop off
- Entrance and activity fees
**during activity, hotels also provide water in room
Equipment
Pedalers provides all the necessary paddling gear for the tour, open deck canoes, life jackets, paddles, waterproof barrels. Baggage is transferred daily, so guests only need a small dayack for camera gear, rain jacket, electronics.
As a safe health measure, guests are asked to bring their own waterbottles.
Where You Sleep
Classic Inn to Inn
Hotel le 19 - Langeac
Auberge de Chanteuges - Chanteuges
Hôtel du Pêcheur - Lavoûte-Chilhac
Les Jardin d'Anna - Saint-Ilpize
Travel Essentials
Tour meets at Clermont-Ferrand Airport (CFE), fly in before 12 am on Day 1.
Tour ends at Clermont-Ferrand Airport (CFE)), fly out after noon on Day 7.
Passports required for all guests. Visas maybe required depending on citizenship.
Ready ... Set ... GO!
Privately Guided
You, your family & friends, your preferred date
Classic Inn to Inn: from $3195
Tour is available From May through September, but crowded conditions in late July through August.
Scheduled Small Groups
Join a group of like minded travelers (8 guests max).
Classic Inn to Inn: $2995 per person, double occupancy
Single Room: +$700 Deposit: $300
2023: 2 Jul ✧ 3 Sep
2024: 19 May ✧ 7 Jul ✧ 15 Sep
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