In Paray-sous-Briailles, water activities and trails through the countryside go hand in hand: at Natural Wake Park, you can enjoy cable water skiing, use the Aqua Park or rent canoes. There is also an easy walking trail around the Villemouze lakes, and a variant of the Tour Parodien starts in front of the church. The options range from time on the water to a circular route with specific waypoints.
Water Sports and Activities by the Water
Natural Wake Park offers an introduction to cable water skiing. Activities include kneeboarding, skiing and wakeboarding, as well as a two-pulley system; they are designed for different skill levels. At the Aqua Park, there is an inflatable course on the water. It features obstacles, several slides and a Blop Jump with an air cushion, from which you can jump more than four metres high.
You can rent canoes at Natural Wake Park for trips on its own body of water. They are designed for three or four people. The options are clearly distinct: water skiing and wakeboarding use the cable system, the Aqua Park takes you across an inflatable course, and a canoe lets you head out onto the water together. Opening times and seasonal availability may change; check before your visit. The park is independently accessible to wheelchair users. Confirm this access again before travelling.
Étang de Villemouze is a 17-hectare fishing lake. Fish species found there include carp, zander, pike and largemouth bass. A day fishing permit is required, available from Natural Wake Park; rules and access arrangements may change seasonally. Fishing lessons are also offered at the pond by a professional provider. Confirm the instructor’s availability before travelling.
Circular Trails and Finding Your Way in the Countryside
The 8 km Boucle Villemouze is an easy walking trail around the Villemouze lakes. Nearby, it leads to the southern entrance of the Val d’Allier National Nature Reserve at Le Méplan in the municipality of Contigny. Check trail conditions locally. If you are looking for a longer, described alternative, you can take the 10 km Tour Parodien from Paray-sous-Briailles: it starts in front of the church, heads towards Saint-Pourçain and follows a farm track after 600 metres.
The Via Allier also offers a reference route for cyclists: Stage 5 between Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule and Vichy passes through Paray-sous-Briailles. The routes have different focuses. The Boucle Villemouze loops around the lakes, while the 10 km Tour Parodien variant starts in front of the church. On the Via Allier stage, Paray-sous-Briailles is a place along the way between the two cities mentioned.
In the wider Val d’Allier region, the floodplain is characterised by fields, meadows and riverside trees. This landscape forms the broader setting for the trails and waterways around Villemouze. Fishing is the main activity at the Étang; the Boucle offers a walk by the lakes, and the Via Allier connects its stage towns by bike.
Stays and Practical Planning
If you would like to camp, Natural Wake Park has a camping area where visitors can pitch their tents. Camping is seasonal, so take the season into account when planning. For a break, La Paillotte on site serves burgers, salads, waffles, ice cream and local products. The menu and opening times may change. You can plan your day around what interests you most: water sports and fishing, a walk around the lakes or a cycling stage.
Discover more destinations: Estivareilles, Sainte-Thérence, Bellerive-Sur-Allier, Montbeugny, Bayet, Gennetines, Lurcy Lévis, Varennes-Sur-Allier
For the broader travel overview: Allier.
