Allier (river)

Allier
Bridge over the Allier in Brioude, Haute-Loire.
Map of the Allier in France
Native nameAlèir (Occitan)
Location
CountryFrance
Physical characteristics
SourceMoure de la Gardille, Margeride
  locationMassif Central
  coordinates44°35′23″N 3°48′04″E / 44.58972°N 3.80111°E / 44.58972; 3.80111
  elevation1,503 m (4,931 ft)
Mouth 
  location
Loire (bec d'Allier, Cuffy/Gimouille)
  coordinates
46°57′34″N 3°4′44″E / 46.95944°N 3.07889°E / 46.95944; 3.07889
  elevation
167 m (548 ft)
Length421 km (262 mi)
Basin size14,350 km2 (5,540 sq mi)
Discharge 
  average140 m3/s (4,900 cu ft/s)
Basin features
ProgressionLoireAtlantic Ocean

The Allier (UK: /ˈæli/ AL-ee-ay, US: /ælˈj, ɑːlˈj/ a(h)l-YAY, French: [alje] ; 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).