Limagne

a plain in France between the northern spurs of the Massif Central. It is located within a system of meridionally extended tectonic basins. Length, more than 100 km; elevation, approximately 500 m. The plain is composed of marls, limestones, basalt flows, and alluvial fans. It is drained by the upper course of the Allier River (a tributary of the Loire). There are low shrub thickets and small groves of broad-leaved trees. Wheat, sugar beets, fruit trees, and grapes are cultivated; there is also livestock raising for meat. In several places, including the city of Vichy, there are thermal springs. The major city is Clermont-Ferrand.