 It follows the Allier valley through gently rolling countryside to Moulins where the RN 9 branches off to the South.The RN 7 heads East climbing over hills at Lapalisse and then back into the Loire valley crossing the river again at Roanne at the head of the "Gorges de la Loire".The road is then dual carriageway south before turning east over the "Col du Pin Bouchain" (760 m).