Confluence of the Rhône and Arve at the Jonction

Upstream from Lake Geneva in the commune of Geneva, discover the unique hydrological phenomenon of the confluence of the Rhône and Arve rivers, with the surrounding leisure activities of the Jonction site.

Have you ever had the opportunity to contemplate the confluence of the Rhône and Arve rivers? If not, you are missing out on an incredible opportunity to witness a natural wonder of beauty.

In addition to the spectacular contrast of colours between the two rivers, this meeting also offers a natural setting for a number of leisure activities, from musical refreshments to swimming, rafting and canoeing.

View of Geneva and the Alps from the confluence

Confluence of the Rhône and Arve

Confluence is a geographical term used in hydrology to describe the meeting of the waters of two rivers. In this case, it is the confluence between the Rhône and the Arve rivers.

The Arve is a river in the Alps which rises in the Mont Blanc massif and flows into the Rhône at Geneva, not far from the border between Switzerland and France.

The difference between the rivers is visible to the naked eye: the Rhone is clear while the Arve is muddy. This meeting creates an impressive contrast and gives rise to unique colour and shape palettes throughout the seasons.

Leisure activities around the confluence

The Pointe de la Jonction, a sort of Geneva peninsula between the Rhône and the Arve, is a unique, popular and lively place. Considered as a leisure area along the river, an intense activity takes place there, especially in summer, whether it is for guinguettes, picnics or simply a walk.

The beach at the Jonction is also a place for swimming and for rafting, canoeing and kayaking in the powerful currents of the Rhône, which are quickly multiplied by the confluence of the Arve.

Rafting on the Rhône at the confluence

The influence of the Arve on the Rhône

Scientists are studying the water movements and currents created by the meeting of the Rhône and the Arve to understand how they affect the local environment. Climate change and variations in the river’s flow also have an impact on fauna and flora, as well as human activities such as the screw-cutting industry on the French coast, which is a source of pollution.

The Arve River is one of the most powerful rivers in France, with an average annual flow of 74 m³/s observed over nearly 50 years upstream from the Swiss border. Its colour comes from the sediments it carries from the Mont Blanc massif.

The confluence of the Rhône and the Arve is also the meeting point of two watersheds, the Rhône and the Arve. The Rhône River before it meets the Arve has an average flow of 251 m³/s, to which must be added the 74 m³/s of the river at the confluence.

The confluence between the Rhône and the Arve is subject to regular flooding, particularly during the spring and autumn floods due to precipitation and snowmelt.

Between the Rhône (clear) and the Arve (muddy)

A plural confluence

In conclusion, the confluence of the Rhône and Arve rivers is a place of great geographical, historical and environmental importance. Its location on the border between Switzerland and France makes it a meeting place for two cultures and two hydrological systems, and its natural beauty makes it a unique place to discover.