Population:

Well known cities:

The Massif Central is surrounded by major centres of activity and business like Lyon, Montpellier and Toulouse.
The originality of the Massif Central is that it is geographic. However many of the CCIs from these peripheral cities are part of UCCIMAC, because parts of their regions are included in the Massif Central.

The Massif Central has excellent accessibility.
There are many low cost airports with routes from the UK, like Limoges, Rodez, Nimes and soon Clermont Ferrand.
In fact there is no location more than 1 hour from a low cost airport.
Also comprehensive rail links and excellent motorway network with north / south and east / west axis.

Fine gastronomy, unspoilt countryside with 12 national parks, rich heritage and lovely weather are helping many of the regions to develop their tourism.
Well known sites include the puy de Dome and the Volcanic chain, the Millau viaduct…

Major companies / multinationals include Michelin, Volvic, Limagrain, Legrand, Merck…
Merck for example has recently announced an investment programme of €85m to manufacture antibiotics in its plant near Clermont Ferrand.

Important and diverse number of SMEs representing the dynamic of the MC.

Typical sectors of activity:

Agribusiness
Tourism
Subcontracting and service companies

There are a number of different incentive programmes available in the Massif Central, depending on the region.
Regional incentives for investment in production industries
# Financial assistance for investment and job creation for SMEs
# Employment assistance for specific sections of the working population
# Environmental subsidies for SMEs.