Geography: Rivers

Seine RIver

Dordogne River

France is adorned with a network of rivers that have profoundly shaped its landscapes and played a pivotal role in its development. These rivers, including the iconic Seine, the picturesque Loire, and the mighty Rhône, traverse diverse terrains, from alpine regions to lush vineyards and urban cityscapes. They are integral to France's agriculture, providing irrigation for crops and vineyards, and are key to the country's renowned wine industry. Additionally, these rivers are vital for transportation, both historically and in contemporary times, and contribute significantly to the nation's energy needs through hydroelectric power. The rivers of France also hold deep cultural significance, inspiring artists and writers throughout history, and are central to many regional identities and traditions. The table below offers an overview of the major rivers in France, including information about their lengths, sources, and outflows.

River Name	Length*	Source	Outflow
Loire River	1,012 km (629 mi)	Mount Gerbier de Jonc, Massif Central	Atlantic Ocean
Rhône River	812 km (505 mi)	Rhône Glacier, Swiss Alps	Mediterranean Sea
Garonne River	602 km (374 mi)	Spanish Pyrenees	Gironde Estuary, Atlantic Ocean
Seine River	776 km (482 mi)	Source-Seine, Côte-d'Or	English Channel
Meuse River	925 km (575 mi)	Pouilly-en-Bassigny, Haute-Marne	North Sea
Rhine River	865 km (537 mi)	Andermatt, Swiss Alps	North Sea
Dordogne River	483 km (300 mi)	Puy de Sancy, Massif Central	Gironde Estuary, Atlantic Ocean
Moselle River	544 km (338 mi)	Vosges Mountains, Lorraine	Rhine River
Saône River	473 km (294 mi)	Vioménil, Vosges Mountains	Rhône River
Rhône-Saône River System*	475 km (295 mi)	Confluence of Rhône and Saône Rivers	Mediterranean Sea, Rhône River

*Sources do not differentiate between the length of river that exists within the country’s borders and the overall length of the river irrespective of national borders.