Paray-Sous-Briailles: Water Sports, Trails and Nature

Paray-sous-Briailles can be explored in several ways: the Via Allier passes through the town, water activities are the focus at Natural Wake Park, and the area around Villemouze offers opportunities for fishing and walks. The type of stay you have planned may therefore be a deciding factor when choosing accommodation: a cycling stage, a day by the water or a trip through the countryside.

Via Allier and the Val d’Allier countryside

Stage 5 of the Via Allier runs between Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule and Vichy through Paray-sous-Briailles. If you include this route in your plans, check the current route before setting out. Within the regional context of the Val d’Allier, Paray-sous-Briailles is one of the municipalities in this landscape. Its floodplain is characterised by fields, meadows and riverside woodland. This gives route planning a landscape context, although it does not mean every section looks the same.

Water activities at Natural Wake Park

Natural Wake Park offers an introduction to cable water skiing. Activities include kneeboarding, water skiing and wakeboarding, as well as a two-pulley system for different ability levels. The Aqua Park adds an inflatable course on the water, with obstacles, several slides and a Blop Jump air cushion that allows jumps from a height of more than four metres. Access to the Aqua Park is seasonal; safety measures and access rules may change. Natural Wake Park’s opening hours may also vary, so it is worth checking the latest information before your visit.

For trips on its own lake, Natural Wake Park rents canoes for three or four people. Availability may vary by season and should be confirmed before you travel. The water activities offer different options: water skiing includes different equipment and ability levels, while a canoe trip can be planned together in one boat. For trips on its own lake, Natural Wake Park rents canoes for three or four people. Availability may vary by season and should be confirmed before you travel. The water activities offer different options: water skiing includes different equipment and ability levels, while a canoe trip can be planned together in one boat.

Fishing, lakes and trails

Étang de Villemouze is a 17-hectare fishing lake. Fish species found there include carp, zander, pike and largemouth bass. Fishing is possible with a day fishing permit, available at Natural Wake Park. Fishing rules and access conditions may vary by season. Fishing lessons are also offered at the lake by a professional provider; confirm availability before your trip.

For a walk, the 8 km Boucle Villemouze is an easy circular trail around the lakes. Nearby, it runs to the southern entrance of the Val d’Allier National Nature Reserve at Le Méplan, in the municipality of Contigny. Another option is the 10 km Tour Parodien circular route, with an alternative route starting from Paray-sous-Briailles. This alternative begins in front of the church, heads towards Saint-Pourçain and, after 600 metres, follows a farm track. The two routes therefore differ in length, route and starting point.

Practical information for your visit

Natural Wake Park has a camping area where visitors can pitch their tents; camping is seasonal. The park is independently accessible to wheelchair users. If this accessibility is important for your visit, confirm the information before travelling. La Paillotte serves burgers, salads, waffles, ice cream and local products on site. The menu and opening hours may change. You can take these practical differences into account when planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: Varennes-Sur-Allier, Toulon-Sur-Allier, Saint-Léopardin-d'Augy, Lavault-Sainte-Anne, Thionne, Ferrières-sur-Sichon, Souvigny, Buxières-Les-Mines.

For the broader travel overview: Allier.