Rhein-Rhône-Kanal

The Rhône-Rhine Canal (Canal du Rhône au Rhin) is a historically significant navigable canal in eastern France, spanning the regions of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and Grand Est. It connects the Rhine near Strasbourg with the Saône, and thus the Rhône basin, creating a vital waterway between northern and southern Europe. Stretching approximately 236 kilometers from Saint-Symphorien-sur-Saône (on the Saône) to Niffer or Strasbourg on the Rhine, the canal was constructed between 1784 and 1833, making it one of France’s earliest major canals. It played a key role in goods transport, particularly during the industrial development of the 19th century.The canal is divided into two main sections: the northern section (from Mulhouse/Niffer to Strasbourg, about 37 km) and the southern section (from Saint-Symphorien to Mulhouse, about 199 km). The northern section accommodates larger vessels and partially utilizes the canalized Rhine, while the southern section is designed for Freycinet-standard vessels (max. 38.5 m length, 5.05 m width). The canal winds through picturesque landscapes, including the plains of Alsace, the hills of Burgundy, and the Doubs Valley. Notable technical features include numerous locks and the 475-meter-long Valdieu-Lutran tunnel.The canal is particularly appealing for recreational boating due to its serene atmosphere and charming towns along the route, such as Besançon, Dole, and Montbéliard. The southern section is characterized by its narrow, winding path lined with lush vegetation, while the northern section, closer to the Rhine, offers a wider waterway. Many locks, especially in the northern section, are automated and operated by remote control.