L’Allier dans son aspect le plus sauvage
This week I have an appointment with the family business Limagne Evasion, handled by Patrick Flavier.
We talk a lot about the heat wave and the means to avoid heatstroke. But just because it's a heat wave doesn't mean you can't enjoy summer activities and sports. Quite the contrary. It is towards the rivers that we find a little freshness, and even if the drought is raging, the Allier still holds up.
The Allier in the middle of peaceful nature
The departure is in Joze and, depending on the route, you can sail to Vialle, Limons or the Pont de Ris.
It is a few kilometers from this river, in the middle of a small field, that the Limagne Évasion club is located. Canoe rentals, entertainment and paintball, the club is ready every summer. And in this weather, nothing beats a little trip on the water. Patrick Flavier takes us to the start of the circuit and I put on my life jacket.
A container is available to protect any object or food from water.
Even though I have been canoeing before, he tells me how to paddle. Placed at the front of this two-seater canoe, I go against all odds with Jules, Patrick's son, for an hour.
Even if the Allier is calm, you should not remove your lifejacket.
At the start of the course, we immediately feel the wind slipping on our legs and the few drops of water that refresh our skin are welcome. The numb head and the muscles softened by the heat, all that flies away, and gives way to a feeling of calm. The freshness makes me feel like I can breathe again. Protected by my cap and my sunglasses, I take advantage of this small kilometer to paddle. I observe the wild nature around me and the herons that graze the edge of the water. Everyone nests in this little corner outside of all civilization and noise pollution. Even the Japanese knotweed has taken up residence on all the shores of the water, dotted with flora. The current is very gentle and the ride remains a very calm moment.
Limagne Évasion also does scripted and team Paintball games.
By dint of fluttering, I forget to paddle and I take the opportunity to put my hands in the water. Casually, I hold my paddle and I help Jules to move forward. After a hundred meters, we see a couple gone for a walk of 22 km. With a walk of this length they have no choice but to take an entire day. And even with a lunch break, you still have to be very motivated to paddle a whole day.
For half-day and full-day trips, plan a picnic and above all enough water.
Afterwards, you can do it according to my technique and let yourself be carried away since the canoe remains comfortable, and you would have to be difficult not to like this activity. On the other hand, you should not expect extreme sensations, but that, I think you already know.
Lucile Brière for La Gazette de Thiers and d'Ambert
