Départements de France: Allier

This is the next instalment of a new monthly feature going through the 95 Departments of France in alphabetical order to check out things of interest. I hope you enjoy it

Location – Allier is in Central France. In the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region.

Origin of name – named for the river

Pronounciation – Al + lee + ay

Flag

Main town – Moulins

Historical titbit – Allier is basically what was formerly the Duchy of Bourbonnais. This produced quite a few French Kings.

Signature foods – Pate aux pommes-de-terres, Pompe aux Grattons

Famous places to visit – Chateau de la Palice, Moulins Cathedral, Charroux (pretty village), Arboretum de Balaine, ruined castle at Herisson, Vichy (take the waters), Foret de Troncais (largest oak forest in Europe)

Famous businesses/brands – hydrotherapy at Vichy.

Famous people from Allier – Jean-Baptiste Faure  (baritone), André Messenger (composer)

Go to this Pinboard to see the Departments of France so far.