Rhone River: description, features, photo

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:41

The Rhone River is one of the most majestic watercourses in Switzerland and France. It is essential for industry, agriculture and culture.

Characteristic

The length of the river reaches 812 km. Its total area is 98 thousand square meters. km. The river begins in Switzerland. The Rona takes its origins from the Lepontine Alps, in places where glaciers melt. At first, it heads southwest, crossing Lake Geneva. On the map above you can see how the river goes. It can be seen that then the water flow goes through the port of Lyon and flows into the Mediterranean waters of the Gulf of Lyon. The huge delta of the Rhone (a little over 12,000 sq. km) diverges into two branches. The right tributaries of the swift river include the Saone, Ardèche and Ain, and the left tributaries the Durance, Isère and Drome.

Highlights

According to the myths, the river was named after Ron, who was brave, fast, wayward, purposeful and could lead everyone. This reservoir originates in Switzerland, passes through Geneva. At the port of Lyon, the calmer Saone watercourse, which was also named after a woman from myths, flows into it. Often their images and sculptures can be seen in French architecture.

PoNumerous cities are located on the banks of the Rhone, for example, Brig and Arles, Avignon and Lyon, Geneva and Sion, as well as Mortelimard and Valence.

Shipping

Because the Rhone River is an excellent option for boat traffic, transport links between all coastal cities are very good. Even ships with a draft of 4 meters can easily pass through the expanses of water of this stream. Such a special channel was obtained thanks to the construction of numerous bypass channels, as well as locks. There are 13 of them throughout the river. This allows ships to rise almost 165 meters higher than the sea level in Lyon (the largest port on the Rhone River). In addition to this function, locks together with dams form a kind of bridges. In other parts of the river, you can only move on river boats, especially when it comes to moving up the river.

Meaning of the river

Thanks to these features, the Rhone has been recognized as the main artery of the transport system in France. Numerous bridges adorn the river expanses, and they were created for transport, railway communication and even for the movement of pedestrians. Another important quality of the river is a special role in the power supply of all nearby cities, many nuclear power plants, hydroelectric power stations, wind farms operate at the expense of the Rhone's water resources. River water is an excellent tool for the development of French industry. In addition, Rhone is considered the heart of agriculture in France. Irrigation and enrichment of nearby pastures and vineyards, fieldsIt is possible only because this river passes nearby. In Switzerland, its resources are not of such importance, since only its upper part passes within this state.

Coastal zone and pollution

Due to the fact that the banks of the Rhone are dotted with industrial enterprises and power plants, it was decided to strengthen the coastal zone with concrete slabs, because of this, part of the local flora and fauna could not continue to exist. The southern part of the river is considered the most polluted. Fishing is strictly prohibited here. The reason for this was the frequent release into the water. The largest of them were committed in 2008 (uranium leak), 2011 (after the explosion at the Markul nuclear power plant).

Attractions

The main feature of this watercourse was the love of tourists for local attractions and beautiful landscapes. You can often see how guests of France look at the cultural, architectural and natural heritage that surrounds the Rhone River from bridges through binoculars. There are numerous churches, chapels and cathedrals in every town and village. The most famous of them are Notre Dame, Saint, the Church of St. Nicholas and others. Here you can see the most beautiful castles from different historical eras. Many of them are located on mountains or hills. There are also magnificent towers with stunning panoramic views. The valley of the Rhone River is also striking in splendor. Luxurious vineyards are spread here, the history of which began long before our era.

The largest port on the river

MainThe landmark of the Rhone is rightfully called the port of Lyon. This is the largest port center in France, which at the same time is the oldest in the country. It is located between the capital of France and Marseille. It is a modern industrial and commercial center with a rich history. The populous city occupies the third place in France in terms of the number of people living on its territory. The total number of citizens reaches almost 500 thousand people. The Rhone-Alpes region is considered the center of Lyon. This large city has become famous throughout the world due to its medical significance. After all, it is here that the main European Research Center for the fight against cancer is located.

Students from all over France flock to Lyon to study at four of the best universities in the country. And tourists from all over the world unite, lovingly visiting the ancient architectural buildings of the era of the Romans. Each of them is under the vigilant protection of UNESCO. The port on the rivers Rhone and Saone has another name, it sounds like Edouard Herriot. Thanks to them, Lyon has free access to the Mediterranean sea. The Rhone also provides a link between French and European cities. That is why the port of Lyon is considered not only a river port, but also a sea port. Freight and passenger transportation is carried out through it.

Summing up

Rhone is a river that has become a real asset and pride of France and Switzerland. A lot of tourists come to these unique places. Here you can always spend an unforgettable vacation filled with richexcursion program, delicious dishes, breathtaking views, rich historical heritage, reflected in every building of ancient eras. Finding the river is pretty easy. First you need to find Lake Geneva on the map. It immediately shows where the bed of the Rhone begins.