France 2023 Day 13 – Friday 9th June Allier – Prades to Langeac by Ruth A
Due to the logistics of wanting to move slightly further north (to reduce the drive home to Calais on the Saturday) after Thursday’s paddle we choose to re-do this section of the river for ease of shuttle, its finishing point, and the fact it was a good section of the river to paddle.
Again, it was great watching the kids doing their outdoor lessons whilst waiting on the shuttle, we even helped them practice their English speaking skill of which the teacher approved!
The river was lower than the first day, only 2 on the gauge this time but was still paddleable although there wasn’t much sun out.
When descending the weir, it still managed to swamp the boats but no fishing for kit was required.
Once we reached the get out, it was a case of organising the vehicles ready for the return journey home, so the trailer box was loaded with the wet kit and non-essentials and boats loaded on to the trailer arms.
We travelled north to the campsite next to the River Sioule, we chose here so we could check out this river as another possible river to do when we return. The weather had turned very wet, so it was a great site to put up several tarps to give us extra shelter.
Paddlers: Ian, Mike, Ruth, Martin, Nikki, Andy, Graham & Spongy
France 2023 Day 14 and 15 – the Trip home
We had decided that seeing as the Allier had been so good, rather than paddle the Sioule as was the initial plan, we would spend an extra day on the Allier, but drive up to the Sioule to scout it out and to reduce the next day’s drive to Calais.
Arriving at the Sioule, it was wet, but the pitch on the campsite was perfect – to be fair, the campsite had said just pick a pitch. With great location for the tarp, tents car and trailer.
Some went out for a fancy meal, whilst others destroyed the peace by cooking on the MSR XGK. Good times.
Next morning, we scouted the Sioule. It looks fun and would be a good stopping off point on the way down so as to break the journey. A good warm-up river before heading further south for the main events!
After that we dove home, reminiscing on the great trip that we had just taken. Good rivers, good levels, and a good team. The Allier had been the jewel, but all rivers were great.
Final thoughts:
- We will be back.
- Going at this time of year gave reasonable weather but not crowded rivers.
- The fluffy guide (Best Canoe Trips in the South of France) is really useful.
- The rivers are great, and it will make a good future club trip
- Campsites in France are so much better than in the UK.
