Descent of Allier river in Auvergne, France from Monistrol d'Allier to Brasac les Mines. Highlights from the first morning of this three day trip are shown here (Monistrol to Prades), accompanied by Franck Vaché. Access was by train, which was close to the river at both in and out points. We used a Sevylor 200sk kayak, which held up well, despite the low water and exposure to rocks. The river was flowing at about 10 cubic meters per second, which was minimal. There were a few easy class 3 rapids, with a class 4 spot at "la Roche qui Pleure." Otherwise it was class 1-2 water, but navigation on all parts was complicated by low river levels (shallows, rocks and fallen trees on the lower parts). We camped in campgrounds along the river the first two nights; then we free camped the second two nights. We broke a paddle the afternoon of the first day, but the Tonic rafting company at Langeac kindly donated one of their spares. One of us contracted swimmer's itch, caused by the larvae of a bird-snail parasite. The scenery was stunning: wild, mixed with villages and with farm land on the lower parts. Splendid trip. Very few boats or people seen on the river.
