In the Allier Gorges, a canyon hollowed out by the river of the same name, lovers of natural sites will be thrilled by a picturesque, green environment. The landscapes there are truly diverse, interspersed with beautiful villages and Romanesque buildings, like St. Mary of Les Chazes (Sainte-Marie-des-Chazes) in Saint-Julien-des-Chazes, a 13th-century chapel in a romantic setting, built at the foot of basalt cliffs and a listed Historic Monument.
The prettiest villages to discover on the banks of the Allier, considered to be one of the last wild rivers in Europe, include Lavoûte-Chilhac, Monistrol-d'Allier, Prades, Saint-Arcons-d'Allier and Chanteuges with its hilltop priory boasting a charming cloister. These villages are separated by beautiful landscapes, especially between Monistrol-d'Allier and Chanteuges. There are many trekking opportunities so lovers of walking and mountain biking will be delighted.
Those who prefer more relaxing pursuits will enjoy swimming at the beaches of Monistrol-d'Allier, Prades and Lavoûte-Chilhac, and fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the clear waters of the Allier where trout, grayling and salmon all live!
For thrill-seeking leisure enthusiasts, whitewater sports reign supreme, from canyoning to canoe-kayak, through rafting, hydrospeed and tubing.
Another original way to discover this superb, unspoilt territory is to take the Allier Gorges tourist train from Langeac in Haute-Loire to Langogne in Lozère. Its spectacular route takes you to areas that are inaccessible to cars and offers stunning views of the rushing river, sometimes from the cliff side. If you are short on time, you can opt for a lovely tour of the Allier Gorges' volcanic villages, which will lead you from Langeac to Monistrol-d'Allier in less than an hour.
For the record, the Allier Gorges are also the land of the Beast of Gévaudan, which caused a stir in the 18th century...
