Le Coteau, in the Loire department, is located almost halfway between the two capitals of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, namely Clermont-Ferrand and Lyon. It is the fourth biggest town in the Roanne urban area, a town to which it is linked by a bridge. The Château de Rhins mansion (1868), which is today the town hall, is a remarkable element of the municipality’s heritage. The industrial zone employs 2,000 people in the sectors of furnishing (Diva Salon), luxury leather goods and women’s prêt-à-porter (Devernois). Le Coteau has also become the capital of Christmas papillote sweets thanks to chocolate-maker Révillon. The setting is very pleasant around Parc Bécot and the Berge du Rhins environmental park which will open in late 2023. The town is also at the heart of an area renowned for its gastronomy thanks to the famous chef Pierre Troisgros, who lived in Le Coteau until his death in 2020, to whom a fresco pays tribute.
 

With a population of 9,393 habitants, Monistrol-sur-Loire is the second biggest town of the Haute-Loire department. This former fortified town was the summer residence for the bishops of Puy-en-Velay whose castle (dating from the 14th to 17th century) has become the emblem of the town. At an altitude of 600 metres along the road historically linking Lyon to Toulouse, the town boasts pleasant residential zones and a temperate climate and has attracted a young and active population. More than 4,000 school children attend the eight schools in Monistrol-sur-Loire, which is also a great town for shopping with its many boutiques. A good number of industrial businesses also have their head offices here, especially in the plastics processing and weaving sectors. With more than one hundred associations run by committed volunteers, the town is a lively place throughout the year thanks to its cultural, sporting or leisure events. Its Saturday morning market boasts the local producers’ label, guaranteeing the availability of quality local products.