Choosing your campsite to visit Lavoûte-Chilhac

Waterfront campsite - mobile home rental

La Bageasse *** campsite in Vieille-Brioude is located 21 km from the village of Lavoûte-Chilhac. Open from March to October, it offers direct access to the river where you can go canoeing. Located at the entrance to the Gorges de l'Allier, this is an ideal spot for walking or horse-riding. On site you'll find a lovely swimming pool, a paddling pool and a solarium, as well as a snack bar/bar offering entertainment in summer. For rentals, the campsite has comfortable chalets, mobile homes, Ecopods and premium Ecolodges. As well as canoeing, you can go paddling, pedal-boating and fishing on the river. On land, you can play table tennis, badminton, volleyball, beach volleyball, pétanque and archery.

Cheaper campsites in Haute-Loire

La Ribeyre municipal campsite is in Lavoûte-Chilhac, voted one of France's Most Beautiful Villages, on the banks of the river where you can go rafting and kayaking. Open from early May to late September, it has 65 pitches, Wi-Fi and disabled toilet facilities. Barbecues are permitted and sports enthusiasts can enjoy the tennis court.

The Municipal de Chilhac campsite is just 4.5 km from Lavoûte-Chilhac, on the banks of the river with direct access to the beach. It has 25 pitches with electric hook-up and pets are allowed on the pitches. There is entertainment and a play area for children.

Three-star campsite in Haute-Loire - Chalet rental

Les Gorges de l'Allier *** campsite in Langeac is located 13 km from the village of Lavoûte-Chilhac. Open from April to the end of October, it is situated on the banks of the Allier with direct access to the beach. It has 250 pitches, including 37 chalets for hire. There's an outdoor swimming pool and the campsite organises horse riding and hiking as well as various sporting activities such as kayaking, rafting, mini golf, tennis, table tennis and volleyball. Evening dances and children's entertainment are also on offer. Motorhome owners have access to a Flot bleu terminal on the site.

To get the most out of the Haute-Loire department, which offers many advantages, not least the diversity of its landscapes, the richness of its natural and cultural heritage, and its tranquil setting, you can find all the campsites in Haute-Loire here.

What treasures are there to explore in Lavoûte-Chilhac?

The Sainte-Croix de la Volte Priory, witness to a heritage that has survived the centuries

A veritable treasure trove hidden in the heart of the Auvergne, the Sainte-Croix Priory is a place where history blends with nature in spellbinding harmony. Listed as a Historic Monument, this priory invites you to take a journey back in time, to discover a heritage that has survived the centuries.

As soon as you arrive, you'll be struck by the beauty of its surroundings. The priory is nestled in an exceptional natural setting, on the banks of the River Allier, and dominated by mountainous landscapes that seem frozen in time. The serenity of the setting is almost palpable, with ancient stone walls whispering the secrets of a medieval era.

The building itself is of great simplicity, but this sobriety is what gives it its beauty. The combination of Gothic and Romanesque elements, sculpted arches, majestic vaults and thick walls bear witness to its monastic past. Over the centuries, it has been home to monks who have contributed to the spiritual and intellectual life of the region, and today it still bears witness to this rich history.

What makes the Prieuré Sainte-Croix de la Volte particularly fascinating is the preservation of its mystical atmosphere, marked by the tranquillity and discreet beauty of the site. The soothing silence that seems to envelop every nook and cranny of the priory, but also the presence of the past, that of the monks who used to live here, as well as the worn stones, and finally the glow and shadow that make a play of light filtered through the stone arches and windows, are the impressions felt when exploring this place imbued with serenity.

History and nature meet at Place des Vieux Moulins

This square, which takes its name from the old water mills that once occupied the banks of the River Allier, is an essential focal point for visitors and locals alike. At the heart of the village, the square features narrow cobbled streets and stone houses typical of the region. It is often bustling with activity, particularly in summer, as locals and tourists come to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and spectacular views over the Allier valley.

The old mills, now disused, are a reminder of the area's industrial and craft history. They were once used to grind grain, harnessing the power of the river's current. The remains of these mills, although partly in ruins, give the square an authentic character and bear witness to the historic importance of the Allier in the life of the village. The Place des Vieux Moulins is also a place where nature and heritage meet: the banks of the river are perfect for walks, and the lush surrounding vegetation adds to the bucolic setting of the site. There are a few benches where you can sit back and enjoy the beauty of the landscape, with the river meandering nearby and the green mountains on the horizon.

The bridge, a historical treasure

This bridge, spanning the River Allier, is a magnificent example of medieval architectural ingenuity. Built in the 15th century, and now listed as a Monument Historique, it served an essential function in linking the two banks of the River Allier, facilitating trade and traffic between the two parts of the village. At the time, the stone bridge was a strategic structure, especially in a mountainous region that was difficult to access.

It is distinguished by its elegant arches, which allow it to withstand variations in water level and the force of the current. The arches are semi-circular in shape, a design typical of medieval architecture that combines aesthetics and strength. Linking the communes of Lavoûte-Chilhac and Chilhac, the bridge has a total length of around 30 metres, with an arch span that is impressive for its time. Its robust appearance and simple design make it a key feature of the valley landscape.

The Abbey garden, a unique experience

A visit to the garden at Lavoûte-Chilhac Abbey is an opportunity to discover a wide variety of plant species while enjoying the abbey's exceptional historical and natural setting. Founded in the 12th century, Lavoûte-Chilhac Abbey is a site steeped in history. Nestling on the banks of the Allier, it enjoys a remarkable natural environment, where water, rock and vegetation blend harmoniously. The garden surrounding the abbey is meticulously tended and offers a fine variety of plants adapted to this environment. It features a wide range of vegetation, from local plants to more exotic species. There are medicinal plants such as lavender and camomile, as well as ornamental and aromatic plants.

An environment conducive to a wide range of outdoor activities

Lavoûte-Chilhac offers a few facilities for outdoor sports. Although the commune is relatively small, its natural surroundings are ideal for a wide range of outdoor sporting activities, especially for hikers, water sports enthusiasts and nature sports enthusiasts.

Situated in a mountainous and wooded region, there are numerous hiking trails to help you discover the beauty of the surrounding countryside. There are routes in the vicinity of the village suitable for different levels of ability, ranging from easy walks to more demanding hikes.

The region also has several routes for mountain biking, particularly in the forests and mountainous areas around Lavoûte-Chilhac.

With the River Allier flowing through it, it is also a popular place for fishing, particularly for trout, pike and other species found in mountain rivers. Several types of fishing can be enjoyed along the Allier, including river fishing: The Allier offers areas ideal for running-water fishing, with good populations of fish, particularly brown trout, but also other species such as salmon and pike. Fly fishing: The River Allier is particularly well suited to fly fishing, a technique often used for trout. And finally, pond and lake fishing: There are also a number of ponds and lakes in the region where you can go fishing.

However, it is advisable to check with local fishing associations or the relevant authorities, such as the Haute-Loire Fishing Federation.