The river that gives its name to the Department runs across the entire length of the Forez plain, which is framed on three sides by the Monts du Forez, Pilat massif and Monts du Lyonnais mountains. Agriculture plays a smaller role here than in most other regions of France. Hit hard by the economic crisis, the Department, which was one of the cradles of the industrial revolution (producing weapons, bicycles, machinery), is updating its expertise in new technologies and innovative services.