Map of dams, power stations and ports on the Rhône

The Rhône River and its basin are an important area for energy production in France and goods transport in Europe. Zoom in on the dams, power stations (hydroelectric and nuclear) and industrial ports in the Rhône-Saône valley.

Rhône, energy and transport

In addition to agricultural irrigation and the many pumping stations (drinking water, factories, etc.), the river’s water is a major asset for many industrial uses, from transport to power generation.

This map shows the main water and energy-related developments along the Rhône, from the Saône to the Mediterranean delta:

• Dams and hydroelectric plants
  The Rhône, one of the most powerful rivers in Western Europe, is dotted with dams and hydroelectric power stations all along its course.
  These infrastructures, located on the map, bear witness to the importance of hydroelectric power generation in the Rhône valley for both Switzerland and France. Each dam is located in the immediate vicinity of the riverbed to optimise the retention and development of the river’s resources.

• River ports and freight
  Commercial shipping and freight transport rely on a network of strategic ports, identified from upstream to downstream. These sites serve as connection points for freight, contributing to the regional economy and facilitating logistics on the Rhone corridor.
  In 2022, freight traffic between Chalon and Fos is expected to total almost 3.5 million tonnes, for a journey time of around 50 hours.

• Nuclear power stations
  4 nuclear power stations and 14 nuclear reactors border the Rhône*, more specifically in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Their location on the map shows their proximity to the river, which is essential for their cooling. They account for almost a quarter of France’s electricity production.

Map of dams, ports and power stations in the Rhône valley

For a geographical overview of the river’s industrial and energy uses, here is a map of the dams, hydroelectric plants, river ports and nuclear power stations on the Rhône, produced by Webzine Voyage.

The map uses distinct pictograms to immediately distinguish the nature of each site:

• Checkdams
• Hydroelectric and nuclear power stations
• Multimodal platforms, river and sea ports
• The river Rhône (navigable section for freight transport)
• The Saône river, as far as the port of Pagny
• Canals to the seaports of Sète and Fos-sur-Mer :

This map is, of course, not exhaustive: don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any suggestions for additions or corrections.

Other maps of the Rhône river

If you would like to consult other maps of the Rhône river and its valley, from the Alps to the Mediterranean, please visit our dedicated page:

Or go directly to the map of your choice in the Rhône Valley :

• Map of dams, power stations and ports on the Rhône
• Map of stations and trains in the Rhône valley
• Maps of Lake Geneva, between Switzerland and France
• River navigation charts for the Rhône river