Alleyras lies in the Gorges du Haut-Allier, on the border with Lozère and Ardèche. Pebble and sandy beaches along the Allier, paths to viewpoints and cultural themes ranging from fairy tales to architecture give your stay a variety of focal points. When planning your trip, you can choose based on hiking distance, a viewpoint destination or an interest in regional history.
Hiking Trails and Viewpoints
The PR245 Le Moulard route starts in Pont d’Alleyras and climbs to viewpoints over the Allier gorges. Rated as a difficult hike, it is 12.1 kilometres long and takes four hours. This time estimate helps you set aside a specific block in your day for the hike.
The GR470 stage from Pont d’Alleyras to Chapeauroux is also difficult and is 21.8 kilometres long. This makes it longer than the PR245. Check trail conditions before setting out on either hike.
The PR244 Le circuit d’Arsac route offers views of the Allier gorges as it descends towards Alleyras, particularly of the Poutès dam. The “Tourettes” viewpoint at the exit from the village has an orientation board.
Different points of reference can help you choose: PR245 combines a four-hour duration with viewpoints, the GR470 stage is the longer hike, and PR244 offers a view of Poutès on the descent. You can decide first based on your time frame, route length or landscape destination.
The Allier and the Waterfall
The “Chemin du bois” path leads to a waterfall about 15 metres high. Its approximate height gives the destination a clear sense of scale, without implying a length or walking time for the path.
The Allier is lined with pebble and sandy beaches near Alleyras. The natural beaches offer cliff jumping, rides through the rapids and natural slides. Alongside hiking, river activities are another option to focus on.
Stories, Crafts and Architectural History
Along the “fabluleux” path, puppets tell the fables of La Fontaine, fairy tales by Perrault and Grimm, and stories about traditional crafts. The path thus brings together literary and fairy-tale works with tales of traditional occupations.
The “terre et sentiers” Espace in Pont d’Alleyras explores the pottery of Vabres. Traditional bread ovens can still be found in several hamlets in the commune, including Alleyras, Anglard, Le Moulard, Le Pont d’Alleyras and Aussac. Pottery and bread ovens add different craft connections to the storytelling themes; the ovens are found in several hamlets in the commune.
The Château de la Beaume was rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries in a rustic medieval style. For architecture enthusiasts, it is worth distinguishing this building phase from the interior features, which date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries and are characteristic of noble residences in the Velay. These include plastered surfaces, wood panelling and painted ceilings.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Saint-Romain-Lachalm, Saint-Privat-D'allier, Solignac-Sous-Roche, La Chomette, Lavoûte-Chilhac, Prades, Lapte, Saint-Arcons-D'allier.
For the main travel overview: Haute-Loire.
