Water hike on the Roanne

Park at the junction of the D135 and the D140 (you can park by the bridge on the D140, but there are only two or three spaces).

(S/E) From the junction, turn left and head downhill along the D140 for about 300 metres. Cross the bridge and, immediately afterwards, take a path on the right. You’ll reach a small meadow; follow the river on your right. At the end of the meadow, look out for a path on the right that leads down to the confluence of the Brette and the Roanne. Descend into the riverbed.

(1) Follow the right-hand branch to head upstream along the Roanne. The river is cut into a steep gorge at the start, but after a few bends, the view opens out as you approach Pradelle (on your right). Continue to the bridge at a place called Le Moulin.

(2) Turn round and walk back down the river in the opposite direction to return to your car (S/E).

This route is flexible as it is a return trip along the river; participants are free to turn back according to their preferences and physical abilities.
By shortening the distance, the route can be classified as ‘Easy’.

Walking in the water isn’t as easy as it sounds; walking poles can help you keep your balance.

Alternative route:

(1) The description suggests walking upstream along the Roanne, but at the confluence of the two rivers (1), you can choose the left-hand branch to walk upstream along the Brette – a slightly more challenging route but with opportunities for swimming in certain places (the Serre Pointu rapids).