| Sioule | |
|---|---|
 The bridge over the Sioule in Menat | |
 | |
| Location | |
| Country | France |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • location | Massif Central |
| • elevation | 1,090 m (3,580 ft) |
| Mouth | |
• location | Allier |
• coordinates | 46°21′57″N 3°19′11″E / 46.36583°N 3.31972°E |
• elevation | 222 m (728 ft) |
| Length | 164 km (102 mi) |
| Basin size | 2,468 km2 (953 sq mi) |
| Discharge | |
| • average | 26 m3/s (920 cu ft/s) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Allier→ Loire→ Atlantic Ocean |
The Sioule (French pronunciation: [sjul]; Occitan: Siula) is a 164-kilometre (102 mi) long river in central France, a left tributary of the river Allier.[1] Its source is near the village of Orcival, north of Mont-Dore, in the Massif Central. The Sioule has cut a deep gorge, especially in its upper course. The Sioule flows generally northeast through the following departments and towns:
The Sioule flows into the river Allier at La Ferté-Hauterive, 10 km (6 mi) north of Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule.
Its main tributaries are the Sioulet and the Bouble.
The Fades viaduct, the tallest railway bridge in France, is located on the Sioule.