3 places to make rafting in Auvergne

Passing to the Haute-Loire, the Allier or the Puy-de-Dome? Discover the region over the water thanks to a rafting descent in Auvergne!

The Auvergne region is crossed by numerous rivers. While not all are inland water, there are some sections that lend themselves perfectly to nautical activities. The rafting descent in Auvergne is a good way to combine landscape discovery and sporting activity.

So if you're looking for a fun activity in the summer, opt for the rafting in Auvergne! With family or friends, you are sure to spend a good time under the sign of the fun.

1. The Sioule Gorges

La Sioule is a tributary of the Allier and crosses the department of the same name. The Sioule gorges start in the Puy-de-Dôme, at the Queille dam. They end in Ebreuil in the Allier. The rafting descents are possible from Châteauneuf-les-Bains to Jenzat. Several courses are offered on a rafting of up to 12 people. You can choose between different circuits of 10 kilometers or combine several on a full day.

The routes

Starting from Saint-Gal-sur-Sioule, you will take 10 kilometers of descent to Ebreuil . Here the river is rather quiet and only interspersed with a few rapids. Therefore, you will have all the leisure to enjoy the natural beauty of the river. You will discover the site of the megalith and the landes of Bruyère Peraclos. Also, the many small beaches will be the opportunity to stop for a fierce break.

For a more sporting journey, go from Menat to Saint-Gal-sur-Sioule . On this portion, the river is more tumultuous, which will delight lovers of strong sensations. Moreover, there is more risk of spilling but also of sharing good moments of crazy! And if you wish, you can combine the two routes on a full day of descent.

Throughout the day, you will be able to observe raptors on the top of the cliffs. You will pass between granite rocks, witnesses of the activity of the Auvergne volcanoes in the past.

For the 10-kilometre journeys, count half a day and 2h30 effective navigation. The full 20-kilometre day will bring you to the water for 5 hours. So think about your picnic for noon!

2. The descent of the Allier

We now take you to the Haute-Loire for a descent of the gorges of the Allier. The rafting route is 12 kilometres away and takes you from Monistrol d’Allier to Prades . This way, you’ll discover the Upper Allier and the best spot for the rafting in Auvergne. The river is in classes 3 and 4, the maximum level being 5. You are therefore assured to experience strong sensations during this rafting descent in Auvergne!

The course

You will take a place in the raft with your friends or family. The boat can carry up to 8 people. Here you will alternate calm and more tumultuous passages. As a result, you will have time to appreciate the landscape of one of the most remote places in the region. The last strain of wild salmon in Europe begins migration every year to reproduce here. This is the quality of the water and the tranquility that awaits you during this rafting day in Auvergne!

Throughout the course, you will discover exceptional landscapes. Indeed, you sail in the middle of volcanic rocks and basaltic organ, there where the Allier dug his bed thousands of years ago. In places you are overlooked by the mythical line of the Cévenol railway. You walk along charming hamlets with their stone houses, all in a bucolic atmosphere.

The calm passages are interspersed with rapids with evocative names: rince-sinus, the benne, the rock that weeps... In addition to these enlivened portions, lovers of strong sensations will be able to stop along the course to try their most beautiful acrobatics from the top of the rocks. Other advantage : small beaches can also stop to eat a piece or simply rest.

If you're lucky, you can see crayfish, or even otters. The end of the course is quieter, and the less frying will be able to throw themselves into the water to slip to the finish point. Finally, if you still have energy, it is possible to continue the kayak descent to Langeac .

3. The descent of the Loire

The Loire takes its source at Mont-Gerbier-de-Jonc and crosses the whole department of Haute-Loire. Thus, different routes allow you to discover this beautiful department through the water. For a first rafting experience, the route between Vorey and Chamalières is ideal. The river is quiet and only enamelled with a few quiet rapids. The 11 kilometers of the journey take a half day.

So it’s an opportunity to prepare the techniques to maneuver the raft to the paddle!

The other routes

A second course will take you from Lion Gorge to Lavoûte-sur-Loire and Peyredeyre. For 10 kilometers you will enjoy the landscapes of countryside around Le Puy-en-Velay, whose cathedral is classified at Unesco. Arrived at Lavôute-sur-Loire, you can admire one of the first castles of the Loire Lavoûte-Polignac. Enlisted by one of the river's meanders, it draws its imposing 45-metre silhouette that you've been squeezing from your boat.

For a little longer and above all more sporty, choose the section between Goudet and Coubon . You are upstream of the river, when it is still impetuous. The landscapes are wild and you cross gorges in the middle of the forest. You find villages perched on the rocky groves, and some castles.

Practical information

Rates descents

La Sioule (10 km) 20€ per person L’Allier (12 km) : 49€ per person The Loire :

• Discovery course Vorey-Chamalières (11 km) : 35 € per person
• Gorges du Lion – Peyredeyre – Lavoûte-sur-Loire (10 km) : 45 € per person
• Goudet – Coubon (24 km) : 55 € per person

Rates include Transport to go from the center to the starting point and return, as well as the bar services. rental of equipment is also included: lifejackets, helmets, combinations... Organizations also propose special formulae if you want to privatize a rafting for a particular event. Therefore, do not hesitate to contact them to expose your project (birthday, bachelor’s or young girl’s life...).

Additional information

• Age minimum 15 years is requested for the descent of the Sioule Gorges, 10/12 years for the Allier Gorges.
• The descent in rafting in Auvergne asks no previous experienceexcept knowing how to swim.
• All rafting activities in Auvergne are supervised by Graduate instructors.
• The descent in rafting in Auvergne is usually practiced between April and mid-October.
• The centres that offer rafting in Auvergne are specialized in nature activities. You can establish a programme on the day or for several days with them. The opportunity to practice other live water sports such as canoeing, hot dogs or canyoning, but also climbing, mountain biking...
• Planned : bathing suit, pair of sneakers, business and spare shoes, possibly snacks.