Distance: approx 11 NM
Aurec-sur-Loire is as far upstream as we have dared sail Jomano. Above here, the water is shallow, with plenty of sandbanks, exposed rocks and small rapids. Fine for an inflatable kayak or canoe, but hard work and damaging for anything else. You can launch from the north bank, 25 metres downstream of the Aurec-sur-Loire footbridge.
A lovely scenic route. You will likely have the water to yourself, passing through the impressive Gorges de la Loire. This is a section we have sailed and paddled many times in Jomano as well as the Lugger, Canoe and Kayak. There are a number of secluded beaches and opportunities to stop for a break, lunch or to camp. Saint Victor sur Loire is a small pleasure boat port and public beach where you can stop for an ice cream, if you wish! It is built on the site of the old village that was flooded to make way for the barrage a few kilometres downstream.
Be sure to circumnavigate the small Île de Grangent. In the background you can see the Château d’Essalois.
You can tie up to the bank and climb the quite steep hill on foot to the Château.
Then turn around. To the of left of the Île de Grangent is the Barrage de Grangent (just out of shot)
The barrage de Grangent.
The portage from the barrage is not particularly easy. You need to leave the water from the north side and then walk along the road for approx 1km (you cannot enter the EDF hydroelectric station) and then down the bank to the river side. There is an interesting diversion from the barrage – the 44km long Canal du Forez to Montbrison and towards Feurs. The next section of river from the barrage, all the way through Saint-Just-Saint-Rambert, Veauche, Montrond-les-Bains (Roman spa town), Feurs and Balbigny can be shallow in places, with a number of small rapids and plenty of rocks waiting to damage the hull, rudder and leeboard in spring and summer months. Even in winter, it may not be possible. We have only covered this section (Barrage de Grangent to Boisset lès Montrond) by two person inflatable kayak.