Allier, a department in France's
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is named after the river Allier that runs through it. The department boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage, as almost all of the former Duchy of Bourbonnais is within its borders. The department shares borders with the departments of Cher, Nièvre, Saône-et-Loire, Loire, Puy-de-Dome, and Creuse. The Bourbonnais Bocage covers most of the western and central parts of the department, including the famous Forest of Tronçais, while the Bourbonnais Sologne lies in the east-northeast. The Bourbonnais Mountain, near Vichy, is the highest point of Bourbonnais, and Montoncel, peaking at 1,287 metres, is also located here. The Bourbonnais Limagne extends from Varennes to Gannat in the south of the department and is the breadbasket of the department.
Allier is renowned for its landscapes, marked by the imprint of the Dukes of Bourbon. The Bourbonnais Bocage, the gorges of the Sioule, and the Forest of Tronçais are among the most beautiful places suitable for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and white water sports. Hydrotherapy is one of the leading sectors of Bourbonnais tourism, with the international spa at Vichy.
Allier also features over 500
castles, Romanesque churches, and several houses representing the Bourbons' heritage. The historic sites tell stories of the department's past and are a must-see for history enthusiasts. The Bourbon cuisine, which reflects the history of the province, provides many local products, including pâté aux pommes de terre, Charolais beef, wines from Saint-Pourçain AOC, Charroux mustard, and Vichy pastilles.
There's something for everyone in Allier, whether you're looking to relax and rejuvenate or explore and delve into the history of the region.
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