Linking fishing and tourism is possible! In the Gorges de l'Allier, the river winds through the heart of a wild and preserved valley. A paradise for fly fishermen, whether beginners or experienced. Between Chilhac, Lavoute-Chilhac and Langeac, we benefit from both a unique heritage, full of history and a changing nature, conducive to disconnection. What if you came fishing with family or friends in one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France? We have tested it for you.
“I tried fly fishing for you” in Allier
Meet at Lavoûte-Chilhac for a day of fishing and heritage. While the fishing season is in full swing, we tease the common grayling with flies in the Allier gorges. An activity made of technique and patience, because the gesture is not given to everyone. Fly fishing is an art that can be taught, in particular thanks to local fishing guides and the Haute-Loire Fishing Federation
A descent later, we take a break on the bank. It's time to learn how to fly fish, and it's no easy feat! This fishing technique uses artificial flies as lure. I was lucky to be able to make my choice from Yann's magic box. There is a whole range of them! Big ones, small ones, realistic ones, crazy ones, feather things… A real miniature cabaret! There is also a silk as fishing line. The aim of the game ? Wait for the bite, locate the fish, and cast the fly at its height, then retrieve your line repeatedly in a whiplashing motion. A much more technical gesture than it seems...
My first attempts didn't look like much. My poor fly (when it doesn't get tangled in its line) must appear as drunk as it is heavy in the eyes of the fish who, I'm sure, watch it crash into the Allier while giggling. But little by little, thanks to the advice and patience of my guide (if not mine), my whiplash improves. From right to left, my fly dances in the air before settling on the marker placed upstream by Yann Forlorou.
My throw is taking shape. All that remains is to learn how to release the silk at the same time... And that's where it gets complicated! Dexterity, patience and coordination are required. And I'm not sure I have even one of the three... This is confirmed. The role of the fly line is to propel the fly as far as possible, something is clearly wrong. With me, we are closer to the mussel than to the fly. “It’s normal, it will come,” my guide comments. Of course… tell that to my lure who has just made two loops around his rod!
Well, believe it or not, my action was much less contemptible at the end of the lesson. To obtain this result, however, we had to use trickery... Yann stuck the cane in the sleeve of my sweater (yes, yes!) and the worst thing is that it worked. With a purer gesture, without embellishment of the wrist, the movement was clearer. Far from perfect, but cleaner. What between us, however, was not enough to lure the fish. We haven't even seen a shadow of it... Do you still want to see what it looks like? Ok, here's a little one:
But fish or not, let it be said, the pleasure lies elsewhere. With both feet in the water, with the only soundtrack being the lapping of the river, the rustling of the leaves and the singing of birds, we find ourselves almost alone in the world, in complete communion with nature, ultimately not so far from paradise . So what does it matter if the fish takes the bait…
Allier is not the only wealth of Lavoûte-Chilhac
Especially since the day is far from over! Yann introduced me to fishing. It's my turn to help him discover something: Lavoûte-Chilhac, its architecture, its heritage and its outdoor activities. But for that, you have to get out of the water and put the rod away! It was my first fishing trip, for him it will be a first trip in a 2CV, thanks to the Deuch' Company , who entrusted us with one of his vintage cars! Getting started is not instinctive, but you quickly get the hang of it. In 5 minutes, the “deudeuche” is tamed. So head to the other bank for a well-deserved local picnic. A morning of fishing in the great outdoors is a blast!
If Lavoûte-Chilhac is both the Most Beautiful Villages of France and the 2nd Favorite Village of the French, it is not for nothing... It is for its unique heritage. Nestled in a meander of the Allier which gave its name to the city “Lavoûte”, from the Latin “volta” = “the loop”, the village is rich in history! As evidenced by its atypical architecture
Lavoûte-Chilhac is in fact organized into two districts separated by a medieval bridge with 4 arches. The oldest, called Barrys on the right bank, with its mysterious traboules and its famous Cluniac priory. And the most recent on the left bank with its 1025th century houses with slender facades above the Allier. The Sainte-Croix priory, founded in 1778 by the abbot of Cluny, Odilon de Mercoeur, has evolved greatly over the centuries. It was from 1790 to XNUMX that the buildings on the Place du “Fer à Cheval” were arranged in this elliptical shape that we still see today.
Lavoûte-Chilhac, paradise for outdoor activities
The village and its bucolic setting are also ideal for outdoor activities. We saw this with the 2CV rides offered by the Deuch' company , but lovers of vintage two-wheelers will also find what they are looking for at Les Mob to Manu, specialist in the rental of retro mopeds. The wild and preserved trails of the Gorges de l'Allier will appeal to hiking enthusiasts (hiking app in Haute-Loire) and finally, white water enthusiasts will be able to paddle in the rapids of the Allier in kayak or canoe.
