The Rhône River: Sustaining Landscapes and Communities in Southern France
The Rhône River is an important waterway in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southern France, supporting both natural ecosystems and human activities. Flowing through a mosaic of forests, fertile plains, and urban areas, the river plays a key role in irrigation, biodiversity conservation, and local climate regulation. Around Avignon, it supports agriculture, including vineyards in the renowned Côtes du Rhône region, illustrating the close relationship between water availability and local economies.
This true-colour image, acquired on 19 March 2026 by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites, shows the Rhône River winding through cultivated areas and flowing alongside the city of Avignon.
Copernicus satellite data support the monitoring of water resources, helping manage land use, anticipate flood risk, and protect freshwater ecosystems over time.
