The Rhone River is one of the most majestic waterways in Switzerland and France. It is important 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. Ron takes his origins from the Lepontin Alps, in places where glaciers melt. First it goes to the southwest, crossing Lake Geneva. On the map above you can see how the river passes. It can be seen that later the water flow goes through the port of Lyon and flows into the Mediterranean waters of the Gulf of Lyon. The huge Rhone delta (just over 12,000 sq. Km.) Diverges into two branches. The right tributaries of the swift river include Sona, Ardesh and En, and to the left - Durance, Izer and Drome.
Basic moments
According to myths, the river was named after Ron,who was bold, quick, willful, purposeful and could lead everyone for himself. This reservoir originates in Switzerland, passes through Geneva. At the port of Lyon, the quieter watercourse Sona flows into it, which was also named after a woman of myths. Often their images and sculptures can be seen in French architecture.
On the banks of the Rhone are numerous cities, for example, Brig and Arles, Avignon and Lyon, Geneva and Sion, as well as Mortelimar and Valence.
Shipping
Since the River Rhône is an excellent option fortransport of ships, transport communication between all coastal cities is very good. Even vessels with a draft of 4 meters can safely pass through the water expanses of this stream. This special channel was obtained due to the construction of numerous bypass channels, as well as locks. There are 13 of them all over the river. This allows ships to rise almost 165 meters higher than the level of sea water in Lyon (the largest port on the River Rhône). In addition to this function, locks in total with dams form original bridges. In other parts of the river, you can only move on river vessels, especially if it concerns traffic up the river.
Value of the river
Thanks to such features, Ron was recognizedthe main artery of the transport system in France. Numerous bridges decorate river open spaces, and they are created for transport, railway communication and even for the movement of pedestrians. Another important quality of the river is a special role in the electricity supply of all nearby cities, many nuclear power plants, hydroelectric power plants, wind farms operate at the expense of the Rhone water resources. River water is an excellent tool for the development of French industry. In addition, Ron is considered the heart of agriculture in France. Irrigation and enrichment of nearby pastures and vineyards, fields is possible only due to the fact that this river is nearby. In Switzerland, its resources are not so important, since only its upper part passes through this state.
Coastal zone and pollution
Due to the fact that the banks of the Rhone are dotted with industrialenterprises 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 exist further. The southern part of the river is considered the most polluted. It is strictly forbidden to fish. The reason for this was the frequent release into the water. The largest of them were committed in 2008 (uranium leakage), 2011 (after the explosion at the Marcul nuclear power plant).
sights
The main feature of this watercourse was lovetourists to local sights and beautiful scenery. You can often see how the guests of France from the bridges through binoculars look at the cultural, architectural and natural treasures that surround the river Rhone. In every town and village there are numerous churches, chapels and cathedrals. The most famous of them are Notre Dame, Saint, St. Nicholas Church 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 magnificent towers, from where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views. The valley of the river Rhône also impresses with magnificence. Here stretched gorgeous vineyards, the history of which began long before our era.
The largest port on the river
The main attraction of the Rhone by rightthe port of Lyon is named. This is the largest port center of France, which at the same time is the oldest in the country. It was located between the capital of France and Marseilles. It is a modern industrial and commercial center with a rich history. A populated 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 center of Lyon is the Rhône-Alpes region. This large city has become famous all over the world because of its medical significance. It is here that the main research center for cancer control in Europe is located.
Students from all over France come to Lyon toto study at the four best universities in the country. And tourists from all over the world unite, lovingly visiting the ancient architectural structures of the Roman rule. Each of them is under the watchful guard of UNESCO. The port on the rivers Rhone and Sona has a different name, it sounds like Eduard Herriot. Thanks to them, Lyon has free access to the Mediterranean sea. Also, the Rhone River provides communication between French and European cities. That is why the port of Lyon is considered not only a river, but also a sea port. Through it, freight and passenger transportation are carried out.
Let's sum up
Rona is a river that has become a real treasure andthe pride of France and Switzerland. In these unique places comes a lot of tourists. Here you can always spend an unforgettable holiday, filled with a rich excursion program, delicious dishes, spectacular views, rich historical heritage, reflected in each structure of ancient eras. Finding a river is quite simple. First you need to find Lake Geneva on the map. It immediately shows where the bed of the Rhone begins.
