Allier

The Allier department is located in central France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and its center is the city of Moulins, though its better-known city is Vichy, world-famous for its mineral springs and historical background. The department's economy combines agriculture (Bourbonnais livestock farming) with health-focused tourism in Vichy. Allier is a sparsely populated, quiet department with a low cost of living, suitable for those interested in forest nature and a simple rural lifestyle. The renowned Tronçais forest in this department is considered one of the highest-quality oak forests in Europe.

Moulins, Vichy, Montluçon

• Université Clermont Auvergne (Campus Vichy) - Campus for linguistics and social sciences.

Overall a safe area; Vichy and Moulins are relatively calm.

Transport includes regional buses and TER lines. The city of Vichy has a local bus network.