The Haut-Allier canyons
Natural jewel of the Haute-Loire
The Haute-Loire,
a land of discoveries
Nestled in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the Haute-Loire is a land of breathtaking landscapes, preserved heritage and wild nature. A land of volcanoes, green uplands and winding rivers like the Allier, it offers the ideal setting for lovers of the great outdoors, hiking and authentic heritage. From its picturesque villages to the paths of the Allier canyons, the Haute-Loire is a natural destination, rich in emotion, discovery and living traditions, far from the beaten track.
Welcome to
the Gorges
du Haut-Allier
Discover the Gorges du Haut-Allier, a natural treasure trove where adventure meets serenity.
Nestled in the heart of an unspoilt natural environment, the Allier is a salmon river and one of the last wild rivers in Europe. Over the millennia, it has carved deep gorges and flows through splendid landscapes, providing the ideal backdrop for outdoor excursions to discover an exceptional natural heritage.
Historic monuments and picturesque villages curl up in the meanders of the Allier, sometimes peaceful, sometimes tumultuous, and are sure to enchant you.
Enjoy breathtaking panoramas and be charmed by the rich fauna and flora of the region. For an unforgettable holiday, the Allier Gorges are the perfect destination!
Our ideas for excursions
A holiday in the heart of nature,
between green valleys and balconies of lava flows
To the rhythm of nature
With a surface area of over 16,000 hectares, the ‘Gorges de l'Allier et affluents’ is now the largest Natura 2000 site in the Auvergne.
With all this natural heritage, the Haut-Allier is a real haven of peace just 100km from Clermont-Ferrand and 180km from Lyon.
Explore our hidden cultural treasures as a couple, with family or friends, stroll through picturesque villages and savour our tasty local specialities.
The River Allier,
an emblem of central France
The Allier river, 421 kilometres long, winds its way through the heart of France, crossing the departments of the Massif Central to its confluence with the Loire. It rises at La Moure de Gardille, in Lozère, at an altitude of 1,503 metres, and flows into the Loire near Nevers after crossing several départements, including Lozère, Haute-Loire, Puy-de-Dôme and Allier.
The Allier winds its way through varied landscapes, from the mountains of the Massif Central to the fertile valleys of the Allier. Its course is punctuated by deep gorges, particularly the Haut Allier gorges, which stretch for around 80 kilometres between Langogne and Langeac.
places in southern Europe where the common grayling (Thymallus thymallus, a species of freshwater fish) lives naturally.
The Allier gorges are also a habitat for rare species such as the Atlantic salmon, which swim up the river from the Atlantic Ocean to breed.
Despite its beauty the River Allier faces a number of environmental challenges. Pollution, climate change and urbanisation threaten water quality and biodiversity. Conservation initiatives are in place to protect this fragile ecosystem, including water quality monitoring programmes and efforts to maintain natural habitats.
The River Allier remains a natural jewel, offering visitors an immersion into unspoilt nature, rich in history and biodiversity.