940 views
| Geography |
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| Location |
Montalieu-Vercieu - Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes - France |
| Latitude |
45.8239978 |
| Longitude |
5.4203774 |
| Altitude |
205 meters |
| Orientation |
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| Information |
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| Owner |
Vallée Bleue |
| Camera |
Hikvision |
| Visitors |
940 visits |
| Specifications |
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| Resolution |
3K 6 Megapixels |
| Category |
Nature, Water |
Informations
The Rhône is one of the greatest rivers in Western Europe. It originates in the glaciers of the Saint-Gotthard massif in Switzerland and flows through much of southeastern France before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea, at the heart of the Camargue. Stretching over 812 kilometers—about 545 of which lie within France—it shapes powerful and varied landscapes, irrigates fertile plains, sustains numerous cities, and serves as a natural, economic, and cultural backbone for the entire Rhône Valley.
From its Swiss source, the Rhône rushes down the Alpine slopes through the Valais region, harnessing the force of glacial meltwater. It enters France via Lake Geneva, which it crosses while offering stunning views of the Alps, and then reaches the department of Ain, marking the beginning of its French journey. From there, the river broadens, becomes regulated, and plays a central role in regional planning.
The Rhône flows through many historic and vibrant cities: Geneva, Lyon, Vienne, Valence, Avignon, and Arles. In Lyon, it meets the Saône and majestically traverses the city, dividing iconic neighborhoods and crossing under landmark bridges. Further south, it nourishes prestigious vineyards (Côtes-du-Rhône, Hermitage, Châteauneuf-du-Pape), supports market gardening plains, and borders towns steeped in centuries of history and river trade.
For a long time, the Rhône was a vital communication route—first for the transport of goods by barges and paddle steamers, and later for energy and agriculture. Today, it is one of France’s major hydroelectric axes, featuring numerous dams and power stations (notably those managed by the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône), which ensure green electricity production and flood control.
Ecologically, the Rhône is a living, fragile, and complex ecosystem. It supports a wide variety of aquatic and riverside species, despite the human pressures that have altered its course. Efforts have been underway for decades to restore wetlands, reconnect cut-off river arms, reintroduce species, and promote ecological continuity between habitats.
In the Camargue, the Rhône splits into two branches—the Grand Rhône to the east and the Petit Rhône to the west—forming a unique delta in Europe, with exceptional biological richness. Here, the river intertwines with lagoons, reed beds, and salt marshes, in a shifting, wild, and flood-prone landscape. Fresh and saltwater mingle to nurture a world of pink flamingos, white horses, black bulls, and migratory birds.
The Rhône is also a cultural river—celebrated by poets, painted by the Impressionists, navigated by barge workers, and preserved in the collective memory of riverside towns. It forms a link between mountains and sea, between the Alps and the Mediterranean, between pure spring water and the golden light of the delta.
The Rhône is a powerful, living, and foundational river—both natural and engineered, wild and tamed. It is a lifeline, a passage, a memory, and a source of renewal, flowing through France like a liquid artery, connecting people, landscapes, seasons, and stories.
Vallée Bleue
La Vallée Bleue is a nature and leisure site located along the banks of the Rhône River, near Montalieu-Vercieu, in the Isère department at the crossroads of the Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes region. Nestled between the foothills of the Bugey and the gentle meanders of the river, it offers a lush, aquatic setting where relaxation, water-based activities, family fun, and the exploration of peaceful river landscapes come together.
Born from the conversion of a former industrial and port area, La Vallée Bleue has gradually evolved over the decades into a true family-friendly recreational hub. Surrounded by protected natural zones, forests, reed beds, and landscaped riverbanks, it provides a refreshing escape in the heart of the Upper Rhône Valley, easily accessible from Lyon, Bourgoin, or Ambérieu.
The site offers a wide range of water and outdoor activities suitable for all ages. In summer, visitors can enjoy a large open-air swimming pool with slides, water jets, and shaded areas for relaxation. A small marina welcomes pleasure boats, and river cruises on the Rhône offer scenic tours with commentary on local wildlife, flora, and cultural heritage.
For thrill-seekers, La Vallée Bleue also features motor sports: go-karting, jet skiing, personal watercraft, buggies, and quads on dedicated, secure tracks. For a gentler pace, there’s canoeing, paddleboarding, pedal boats, electric boats, and fishing along the riverbanks.
The Rhône’s riverbanks bordering the leisure base are arranged for walking, cycling, and rollerblading, with a greenway that winds along the river. This shaded path connects La Vallée Bleue to neighboring towns, allowing visitors to discover a mosaic of natural environments rich in biodiversity.
Local wildlife—such as water birds (herons, cormorants, swans), Rhône fish species, and aquatic insects—can be observed along the trails or during boat rides. Picnic areas, playgrounds, benches, and scenic viewpoints are scattered throughout the site, making it enjoyable year-round.
La Vallée Bleue also includes a multi-activity amusement park with a climbing wall, zip lines, inflatable structures, mini-golf, and supervised children's activities. Seasonal events like open-air concerts, fireworks, and themed days bring a festive and welcoming atmosphere to the area.
Various accommodation options are available on or near the site: hotels, guesthouses, camper van areas, and bivouac zones allow visitors to extend their stay by the water. Several restaurants, snack bars, and riverside taverns serve local products and simple menus, with shaded terraces overlooking the Rhône.
La Vallée Bleue also promotes environmental awareness. Educational walks, interpretive signs, exhibitions, and partnerships with nature conservation groups highlight the river’s heritage, preservation efforts, and the Rhône’s historic significance.
A place for leisure, relaxation, and discovery, La Vallée Bleue is a vibrant, accessible destination at the intersection of the Rhône plain, Bugey, and northern Isère. It stands as a successful example of site rehabilitation, where water, nature, and enjoyment come together to create a warm and refreshing environment on the banks of France’s most powerful river.
