At the crossroads of major north-south (motorway A71 and the Nationale 7) and east-west routes (Centre Europe Atlantique Route), the Allier communicates with the region of Paris, the Rhone corridor, the Atlantic and even the Iberian peninsula, via the A75, as an extension of the A71 in the neighbouring department of Puy-de-Dôme. The department is also well situated by the quality of its environment where people and companies can flourish. This quality of life is a major advantage for the Allier and encourages economic diversity. The agri-food business is especially dynamic here backed by the wealthy agricultural tradition of the department. There are numerous hi-tech industries : biomedical, health-beauty-fitness, metallurgy or electronics, to mention just a few. This fabric, mainly based around three urban centres, is also strengthened by the know-how of dynamic artisanal enterprises, some of whose products have acquired international renown.
Geographic situation