The Allier department is located in the centre of France and is the nothern most department of the Auvergne. For the most part an area of rolling hills and small farms punctuated by woodland, lakes and rivers, its landscape rises as its southern extremities begin to blend with the Massif Central. Areas of particular note are the Forêt de Troncais in the north east, the Sioule gorges to the south and the Bourbonnaise Mountains in the south east. Once the province of the Bourbon kings, it offers grand architecture in its main towns and many chateaux dispersed throughout the region. With the exception of Moulins, its capital, Vichy and Mountlucon, it is mainly a region of small villages and spa towns. An ideal place for those that enjoy the outdoors whether just walking or participating in one of the many activities available including white water canoeing and wind surfing on one of the the many lakes and rivers. It is a fairly dry region, warm in the spring and autumn and hot in summer.