Understand the Rhône River in 100 questions?

Le Rhône en 100 questions (The Rhône in 100 questions) is a scientific and technical publication written by 80 writers, all of whom share a common theme and a desire to inform residents and enthusiasts of the Rhône river. Zoom in and consult this document.

The Rhône River in 100 questions?

The document Le Rhône en 100 questions (The Rhône in 100 questions), coordinated and published by the ZABR*, offers a detailed exploration of the many dimensions of the Rhône river, through a series of themes addressed by experts in various fields.

Organised into ten parts, it provides an overview of the management, operation, development and economic importance of the Rhône. The document also looks at natural phenomena such as flooding, water quality and the environmental challenges of preserving the river’s ecosystems. The issues of fishing and fish fauna, as well as the close relationship between the river and its water tables, are extensively detailed. Natural heritage and biodiversity feature prominently, with a focus on restoration efforts and the management of invasive species.

Finally, it also highlights the cultural and heritage wealth of the Rhône, which bears witness to the history of its riverside inhabitants and the evolution of their relationship with the river. Through the Rhône in 100 questions, this book provides an essential basis for understanding the contemporary challenges and future prospects of this major river in the Rhone valley. Here is a summary of each chapter, the document to consult and related links.

Managing the Rhône

The Rhône, France’s most emblematic river, is at the heart of a complex management system that is shared by a number of players. This management network includes entities such as Voies Navigables de France (VNF), the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR), and the basin delegations of the DIREN Rhône-Alpes. Coordination with Switzerland is also crucial to effective cross-border management, particularly with regard to the multiple uses of the river and the regulation of hydroelectric schemes.

How the river works

The Rhône draws its water from several sources, mainly in the Alps. Its hydrological regime is influenced by various factors, including climate change. Sediment transport plays a key role in the river’s morphology, and the issue of sediment accumulation in hydroelectric dams is a constant challenge. The Camargue, located at the mouth of the river, is also seeing its coastline recede, a phenomenon attributed to the reduction in sedimentary input from the Rhône.

Old bridge over the Rhône in Arles / Photo WV

Development of the Rhône

The river has been shaped over the centuries by a variety of developments, some dating back to the 19^th century. Today, the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR) is responsible for managing a large number of facilities, with the mission of optimising hydroelectric production while respecting environmental and economic issues. Developments on the Rhône play a strategic role in water management, energy production and river transport.

The economic importance of the river

The Rhône is a major economic resource. It provides clean energy thanks to its hydroelectric dams, and is a major transport route for goods. The river is also an important source of water for agricultural irrigation and industrial water supply. Finally, it is a key vector for the development of tourism, with leisure activities such as fishing and pleasure boating.

Flooding on the Rhône

The Rhône is subject to regular flooding, which is monitored and forecast by specialised institutions. The impact of flooding is accentuated by the river’s tributaries, and the Rhône valley has suffered several significant floods in recent decades, notably between 1993 and 2003. Developments such as dykes and dams aim to mitigate these risks, but areas such as the Camargue remain particularly vulnerable.

Dam on the Rhône at Le Pouzin in the Ardèche / Photo WV

Water quality in the Rhône

The water in the Rhône, although generally of good quality, is subject to the effects of various sources of pollution, both industrial and urban. Water quality is a public health issue, affecting both ecosystems and local populations. The authorities are working actively to limit micro-pollutants and improve the bacteriological quality of the water, particularly in the few existing bathing areas and those yet to be developed.

Fish and fishing in the Rhône

At the beginning of the 20^th century, the Rhône was home to a wide variety of fish. Since then, some species have disappeared or seen their populations decline as a result of pollution and hydraulic engineering. Introduced species, such as the catfish, have also altered the river’s ecological balance. Action is being taken to restore fish biodiversity, in particular by reintroducing native species and trying to limit the effects of climate change.

Groundwater in the Rhône

The groundwater that accompanies the Rhône is a precious resource, particularly for drinking water supplies. However, they are vulnerable to pollution, particularly if the river is contaminated. Studies are being carried out to understand the impact of the Rhône’s development on these aquifers, and to identify the threats to groundwater quality.

Confluence of the Arve with the Rhône / Photo Pixabay

The natural heritage of the Rhône

The natural heritage of the Rhône has evolved over time, with increasing efforts to restore damaged ecosystems. The rehabilitation of the lônes, real branches of the river, is an example of these initiatives. However, invasive exotic species such as Japanese knotweed have disrupted the ecological balance of the river. Protected natural areas have also been created to preserve local biodiversity, notably on the islands of the Rhône.

Culture and heritage

The Rhône is the bearer of a unique river culture. The river has always played a central role in the lives of local people, influencing landscapes and lifestyles. The management of water in the Camargue, the relationship between towns and the river, and the reappropriation of the river by local residents are all subjects addressed in this document. The Rhône has a rich heritage, blending tradition and modernity, as seen in the nautical jousting and Latin sails that are still sailed today.

This brief summary provides an overview of the various themes addressed in the document, and invites you to read it in depth to gain a better understanding of the complex issues surrounding the River Rhône in 100 questions.

The Rhône in 100 questions, cover page of the book

The Rhône in 100 questions

Available online or as a download, the collective work was written under the direction of Jean-Paul Bravard and Anne Clémens and published by ZABR*, Zone Atelier Bassin du Rhône.

This book is deliberately organised into questions, looking successively at the natural functioning of the river, its management, its development, its quality and the economy it underpins, flood risks and its ecological and cultural heritage.

This collective work was produced under the direction of J.-P. Bravard and A. Clemens and coordinated by the Zone-Atelier Bassin du Rhône-CNRS (ZABR).
It was born out of a need for better information on the Rhône during the preparatory phase of the Rhône Plan.
People living along the Rhône, local authorities and management bodies often expressed a lack of knowledge, which hampers collective discussion and makes speaking out dependent on the skills of technicians and specialists.
The book therefore aims to provide people living along the river, whether they are private individuals, representatives of local authorities, teachers or members of associations with an interest in the river, with scientific and technical information, in clear language, on all aspects of the river.
It was written by 80 members of the scientific and economic community in the Rhône basin.
Ten chapters, deliberately organised around the Rhône in 100 questions, deal with the major themes
of current management of the Rhône:
The natural functioning of the river, its management, its development and their consequences, its quality, the economy it underpins, flood risks and its ecological and cultural heritage.
The book can be approached by any question, allowing readers to appropriate their share of knowledge of the river. In addition, each question can be read at several levels, combining scientific details with technical realities.
Pedagogical and well-illustrated, it enables readers to retain only the essentials of each question, while allowing interested specialists to delve deeper into the science.
In short, a useful document for all those who work on this great river … and for others.
Open Edition, the Rhône in 100 questions ↗

Contents of the 295-page book, Le Rhône en 100 questions:

The Rhône in 100 questions, web version

Would you prefer to access support directly online?

WikiHydro, a site published by the French Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, invites you to discover the river with a 100% web version of the questions and answers, with additional resources to discover:

The Rhône in 100 questions, web version

The Rhône in 100 questions, full version

The document Le Rhône en 100 questions (The Rhône in 100 questions ) is available in a paper version for a fee and in a PDF version for downloading directly online, chapter by chapter, from the Graie website: