Montlucon is a town and commune in central France. It is the biggest town in the département Allier.

FACTS AND FIGURES

• Population: 41,500
• Industry developed in the 19th cent. because of nearby coal fields in Commentry and iron-ore deposits around Berry
• Now produces electrical and metal products, tires, chemicals, furniture, and clothing
• The town, which formed part of the duchy of Bourbon, was taken by the English in 1171, and by Philip Augustus in 1181; the English were beaten under its walls in the 14th century

SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS

• Notre-Dame church
• Church of St Pierre
• St Paul church
• Castle, now crockery museum