The GR®470
Breathtaking landscapes
The GR®470, also known as "Sources and Gorges of the Allier", is a fascinating trail that invites you to explore the natural and cultural wonders of the Gorges de l’Allier region. Stretching over approximately 200 kilometers from Brioude to the river’s source in the Margeride, this route is divided into eleven stages, each offering breathtaking scenery and unique points of interest to discover.
The Haute-Loire is known for its legendary hiking trails — the GR®65 (Way of Saint James) and the GR®70 (Stevenson Trail).
But it’s the Allier River, one of the last wild rivers in Europe, that truly surprises with its spectacular landscapes, carved over millennia. From deep valleys and majestic gorges to limestone plateaus and charming villages, you’ll discover unspoiled nature all along the way.
Let yourself be enchanted by the natural beauty of this exceptional territory!
The stages
Alternative route from Prades
It is possible to complete this hike by taking a detour through the Margeride plateau, offering a different and equally captivating side of the region.
Stage 5 a: Prades to Saint-Préjet-d’Allier – 21.4 km (approx. 6 hours of walking)
Stage 6 a: Saint-Préjet-d’Allier to Grandrieu – 18.2 km (approx. 4 hours 50 minutes of walking)
Stage 7 a: Grandrieu to Langogne – 30 km (approx. 8 hours of walking)
The GR®470 – Sources and Gorges of the Allier crosses the GR®65 (Via Podiensis) and the GR®4, which stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to Provence.
To return to the starting point, the Cévenol train from La Bastide-Puylaurent offers a scenic ride along the wild Allier valley.
Stage 1: Brioude to Villeneuve d’Allier, 20.6 km (approx. 5h30 walking)
Stage 2: Villeneuve d’Allier to Lavoûte-Chilhac, 13.8 km (approx. 4h walking)
Stage 3: Lavoûte-Chilhac to Langeac, 18.4 km (approx. 5h walking)
Stage 4: Langeac to Prades, 18.5 km (approx. 5h walking)
Stage 5: Prades to Monistrol d’Allier, 12.4 km (approx. 3h30 walking)
Stage 6: Monistrol d’Allier to Pont d’Alleyras, 17.6 km (approx. 5h walking)
Stage 7: Pont d’Alleyras to Chapeauroux, 22.2 km (approx. 6h walking)
Stage 8: Chapeauroux to Landos, 12.7 km (approx. 3h15 walking)
Stage 9: Landos to Langogne, 20 km (approx. 5h walking)
Stage 10: Langogne to Cheylard-l’Évêque, 17.5 km (approx. 4h20 walking)
Stage 11: Cheylard-l’Évêque to La Bastide-Puylaurent, 22.5 km (approx. 6h30 walking)
Trail sheets for each stage are available on the "Rando en Haute-Loire" app.
GR®470 – The Allier Valley
Brioude, with its Basilica of Saint-Julien, awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide since 2017, marks the starting point of your adventure. This town, rich in heritage, lies at the gateway to two regional natural parks and offers a first glimpse of the river’s winding course.
A Best Craftswoman of France founded the Hôtel de la Dentelle, where visitors can discover polychrome lace and learn the technique of “point d’esprit”. At the Maison du Saumon et de la Rivière more than 35 species of freshwater fish await visitors. This museum takes you on a journey through time to discover the life cycle of the wild salmon.
Saint-Ilpize, a hilltop village with its medieval castle perched on a basalt peak attracts the eye from afar as it watches over the river. The site is listed as a historic monument. Several other rocky castles, mostly in ruins today, accompany hikers along the trail.
The village of Lavoûte-Chilhac, proudly bearing the label "Most Beautiful Villages of France", takes its name from the Latin volta, meaning “loop.” It stands within a majestic bend of the Allier River. The Cluniac priory "Sainte-Croix de La Volte", founded on September 14, 1025 by Odilon de Mercœur, the fifth Abbot of Cluny, rises on the remains of an ancient castle. On the opposite bank, 19th-century houses cling to the cliffside, and a medieval bridge connects the two parts of the village.
GR®470 - The Gorges of the Allier
Chilhac, a charming and authentic medieval village nestled in the gorges of the Haut-Allier, was shaped by ancient volcanic activity. Built atop a thick basalt promontory, this “Petite Cité de Caractère” offers breathtaking views over the valley. Its narrow alleys paved with dark volcanic rock and stone houses give Chilhac a unique atmosphere — making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful getaway.
The Paleontology Museum in Chilhac houses an impressive collection of mastodon bones.
The village of Chanteuges, which dominates the Allier river, attracts with its rich historical heritage. The Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Marcellin, founded in the 10th century, was transformed into a fortress in 1130 and placed under the authority of the powerful Abbey of La Chaise-Dieu. It later became today’s priory. The Romanesque church of Chanteuges, dating from the 12th century, is a true architectural jewel with its capitals, which are among the finest examples of Auvergne Romanesque sculpture.
The National Wild Salmon Conservation Center in Chanteuges is home to Europe’s largest salmon repopulation farm.
Prades, a small village surrounded by nature, is a key stage along the GR®470, marked by its volcanic landscapes and strategic position along the trail. The village is dominated by striking basalt rock formations, especially the Roche Servière, a remarkable geological structure that resembles a huge mushroom — a natural landmark easily recognized by hikers.
As you leave Prades, the Allier River, your faithful companion until now, continues its course alone, while walkers climb up through the small Pissis valley. Reaching the hamlet of Escluzels, you find the river and a stunning view of Monistrol d’Allier, cradled between steep valley slopes.
The trail continues from village to village along the "Balconies of the Allier": Alleyras, Saint-Vénérand, Saint-Christophe-d’Allier, Saint-Haon, and Le Nouveau-Monde. After this last bend, the river winds its way between the Velay and the Margeride.
The small town of Landos, crossed by both the Stevenson Trail and the Regordane Way, is known for its famous green lentils.
Further below, the Allier River marks the border between the Haute-Loire and the Lozère departments.
The final stop in Auvergne is Pradelles, officially listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France", with narrow medieval streets and remarkable heritage, overlooking the river valley.
The goal is near!
It is in the heart of the deep Mercoire Forest that the Beast of Gévaudan once spread fear and terror in the 18th century. Today, it is hikers who tread this land.
This is a challenging stage, but one that rewards you with magnificent landscapes, especially when you arrive at the summit of the Mourre de la Gardille. On clear days, you can see the Chaîne des Puys on the horizon.
The gentle sound of a stream in a beech forest marks the end of the GR®470.
It’s an unforgettable adventure for lovers of nature and hiking. This trail promises surprising discoveries and breathtaking scenery.