Allier (river)

Allier

Bridge over the Allier

Map of the Allier in France
Native name L'Allier (f)
Other name(s) Occitan: Alèir
Country France
Basin features
Main source Massif Central
1,503 m (4,931 ft)
River mouth Loire
46°57′34″N 3°4′44″E / 46.95944°N 3.07889°E / 46.95944; 3.07889 (Loire-Allier)Coordinates: 46°57′34″N 3°4′44″E / 46.95944°N 3.07889°E / 46.95944; 3.07889 (Loire-Allier)
Progression Loire→ Atlantic Ocean
Basin size 14,350 km2 (5,540 sq mi)
Physical characteristics
Length 421 km (262 mi)
Discharge
  • Average rate:
    140 m3/s (4,900 cu ft/s)

The Allier (Occitan: Alèir) is a river in central France. It is a left tributary of the Loire. Its source is in the Massif Central, in the Lozère department, east of Mende. It flows generally north. It joins the Loire west of the city of Nevers. It is 421 km (262 mi) long, and has a drainage basin of 14,350 km2 (5,540 sq mi).[1]

Departments and towns along the river

Tributaries include

Ecology

Grayling in a sunny pool

The Allier River is one of the rare places in southern Europe where the freshwater grayling (Thymallus thymallus), known in French as ombre des rivières, occurs in a natural habitat.[2]

Grayling like to live in shoals and are sensitive to pollution. In the Allier these fish are more abundant in the stretch between Langogne and Brioude. They are economically important, being appreciated for food and fished for sport.

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Allier River.
Wikisource has the text of a 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article about Allier River.
  1. ↑ Sandre. "Fiche cours d'eau (K---0080)".
  2. ↑ The grayling zones of rivers and their tributaries


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