The Sioule gorges from the campsite
Published 31 October 2026
The Sioule gorges begin a few kilometres from Gannat. From Camping Le Mont Libre, you reach Ébreuil in about a quarter of an hour, and the sites in the gorges in 30 to 45 minutes. Canoeing, via ferrata, ruined castles, viewpoints and rail bikes: enough to fill several days.
Canoeing or kayaking down the Sioule
This is the gorges' signature activity. Several hire companies are based around the Pont de Menat, between Saint-Rémy-de-Blot and Saint-Gal-sur-Sioule (Puy-de-Dôme):
- Sioule Loisirs, at the Pont de Menat (Saint-Rémy-de-Blot): discovery, half-day or full-day trips, with a shuttle to the starting point (Châteauneuf-les-Bains or Lisseuil).
- Aqua Canoë, in Saint-Gal-sur-Sioule: trips down the gorges with a shuttle.
- Cano'Yak, in Saint-Gal-sur-Sioule: full-day or half-day trips down the Chouvigny gorges, depending on the water level.
Hire companies usually open from spring to autumn (May to the end of October for Sioule Loisirs and Cano'Yak in 2025). The 2027 dates have not been published yet. Booking is strongly recommended, especially at weekends and in summer. Routes depend on the river flow: check the day before.
The Sioule gorges via ferrata
It is located at the Pont de Menat, in Saint-Rémy-de-Blot, and run by Sioule Loisirs. The route has two sections:
- a first section suitable for beginners (1 h to 1 h 30);
- a second, more demanding section, with two 30 m footbridges above the Sioule.
Allow 2 h to 2 h 30 for the whole route. You must be at least 1.40 m tall and weigh between 40 and 120 kg. The via ferrata closes in winter to protect nesting eagle owls, and opening dates can vary depending on their presence. In 2025, it was open from 1 May to 31 October. Bookings and prices on the Combrailles tourist office website or directly with the operator.
Castles and viewpoints
Château-Rocher
Perched above the gorges in Saint-Rémy-de-Blot, this medieval fortress once guarded the border between Auvergne and the Bourbonnais. The inside of the castle is closed, but the esplanade is freely accessible all year round. The view takes in the gorges and the Rochocol meander. An exhibition presents the restoration work.
Chouvigny
The village overlooks the Chouvigny gorges, on the Allier side. Its castle is private and can be seen from the road climbing up from the Sioule. The Chemin des Murailles trail, 2 to 4 km depending on the loop, lets you explore the site on foot.
The Queuille meander
Further south, about an hour's drive away, the Sioule forms an almost closed loop. Park near the church in Queuille, then walk to the viewpoint, which has a telescope. Access is free all year round. For a longer walk, the « La ronde du méandre au viaduc » loop (about 10 km) leads to the Fades viaduct, opened in 1909.
The Sioule rail bike
No need to go far: the Sioule rail bike starts from Le Mayet-d'École, the village next to Gannat. Two routes on the old railway line:
- towards Bayet: about 16 km there and back, with two viaducts (1 h 30);
- towards Gannat: about 10 km there and back (1 h).
In 2026, it was open from 4 April to 31 October, by booking only, with times varying through the season. The 2027 dates will be announced in spring. Information on the Sioule rail bike website.
Walks in the gorges
There is no shortage of trails, from a short stroll to a viewpoint to a long loop:
- Château-Rocher from Saint-Rémy-de-Blot: a short walk for the view over the gorges.
- The Chemin des Murailles in Chouvigny: 2 to 4 km.
- The Sioule gorges from Saint-Gervais-d'Auvergne: 20 km, about 6 h, over 600 m of climbing, graded difficult.
Dogs must be kept on a lead on trails crossing pastures. The roads in the gorges are narrow and winding: allow plenty of time, especially in a motorhome.
When to come and how to plan
The best time is from May to September, when canoeing and the via ferrata are open. In summer the water is more pleasant but hire companies are in high demand: book your activities in advance. Autumn brings beautiful colours for walking and the viewpoints.
A two-day plan:
- Day 1: canoeing in the morning at the Pont de Menat, Château-Rocher in the afternoon.
- Day 2: rail bike at Le Mayet-d'École in the morning, then Chouvigny or the Queuille meander.
The campsite as your base
After a day in the gorges, come back to the peace and quiet of Le Mont Libre, with the pool in summer. Depending on how you travel, choose a pitch for a tent, caravan or motorhome, or one of our 13 cottages. More ideas for outings are on the activities page, and you can book online for the 2027 season, from 26 March to 7 November.
