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Canoeing the Sioule from Vichy, and the Allier in town

Published 4 June 2021

For a canoe trip from Vichy, the simplest option is to drive to Ébreuil, about forty minutes away, where several hire companies offer routes on the Sioule with transport to the starting point. Allow half a day or a full day depending on the distance you choose. In Vichy itself, the Allier is also suitable for kayaking, mostly through a club.

Getting to Ébreuil from Vichy

Ébreuil is about 35 kilometres to the west, beyond Gannat. The hire companies meet you in the village, then take you upstream by shuttle: you then paddle back down the river to your car. No need to arrange a second vehicle.

For a full-day trip, leave Vichy around 9 am: you will be on the water by mid-morning and can have a picnic by the river. The half-day option suits families with young children better, as they tire quickly of paddling.

Routes on the Sioule

The river runs through wooded gorges between the Puy-de-Dôme and the Allier. Sioule Canoë, for example, offers two trips:

• "La Familiale" (the family trip), from Chouvigny to Ébreuil: about 12 km, suitable for beginners.
• "La Sportive" (the sporty trip), from Menat to Ébreuil: about 20 km, for those who want to paddle for longer.

In 2026, Sioule Canoë was open every day from 1 May to 30 September. The 2027 dates have not yet been published: check them and book on the Sioule Canoë website. Another hire company, Aqua-Canoë, is based in the same village.

Before you go

• Being able to swim is compulsory; some hire companies set a minimum age (6 at Aqua-Canoë).
• Bring closed shoes that can get wet, a cap and sun cream.
• Take a change of clothes, water and a picnic for the day.
• The riverbanks are often private: stop only at the designated areas and take your rubbish home.
• Water levels vary with the season: at the end of summer, some sections mean walking alongside the boat.
• Do not put anything valuable in the canoe: a phone can be protected in a waterproof pouch, everything else stays in the car.
• If storms or flooding are forecast, hire companies may cancel or postpone the trip: keep a plan B for the day.

And the Allier, in Vichy?

In Vichy itself, the Allier forms a large body of water, the Lac d'Allier, used for rowing, sailing and other water sports: see our article on the Lac d'Allier. The Canoë Kayak Club de Vichy is based in Bellerive-sur-Allier, near the Pont de l'Europe, with an artificial white-water course. It is mainly for its members, with introductory sessions: contact the club to find out what is possible during your stay.

Planning your stay

A trip down the Sioule combines well with a visit to Charroux or the abbey of Chantelle, both close by: our article on Charroux. For other outdoor activities, see also cycling the Voie Verte. Our large houses for group stays welcome families and groups of friends, bookable from one night, with cleaning and linen included.