France River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids France |
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Watershed of Nottaway River
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Nord-du-Québec |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Unidentified lake Eeyou Istchee Baie-James, Nord-du-Québec, Quebec 424 m (1,391 ft) 50°08′04″N 73°52′56″W / 50.13444°N 73.88222°W |
| River mouth | Chibougamau Lake Chibougamau, Nord-du-Québec, Quebec 379 m (1,243 ft) 49°58′58″N 74°06′13″W / 49.98278°N 74.10361°W |
| Length | 32.2 km (20.0 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The France River is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into Chibougamau Lake. This lake is part of a larger river system that eventually reaches James Bay.
The river is located in the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James area and the city of Chibougamau. It flows through the Bignell, McCorkill, and Roy townships.
You can reach the France River by using a forest road. This road runs along the north side of Chibougamau Lake. It connects to Route 167, which also serves Waconichi Lake. Route 167 starts in Chibougamau and goes northeast.
The France River is usually frozen from early November until mid-May. It is safe to travel on the ice from mid-November to mid-April.
Contents
Where the France River Flows
The France River starts from an unnamed lake. This lake is about 424 metres (1,391 ft) (1,391 ft) above sea level. It is located in the Bignell township.
The river flows for about 32.2 kilometres (20.0 mi) (20.0 mi). It generally moves towards the southwest.
The Upper Part of the River
The first part of the France River is about 16.1 kilometres (10.0 mi) (10.0 mi) long.
- It flows south through Lake Cesia.
- Then, it crosses another unnamed lake.
- Next, it goes through the western part of Lake Éva.
- Finally, it flows through Lake France. The river leaves Lake France at its mouth.
The Lower Part of the River
The second part of the France River is also about 16.1 kilometres (10.0 mi) (10.0 mi) long.
- It flows southwest through McCorkill township.
- It then enters the city of Chibougamau. Here, it crosses a forest road.
- The river then winds westward through Roy township. It collects water from several lakes, including Michaux, Lévesque, Lavoie Lepage, Lefebvre, and Courtois.
The France River empties into "Baie des Rapides." This bay is an extension of McKenzie Bay, located northeast of Chibougamau Lake.
River's Journey to the Sea
From the mouth of the France River, the water flows southwest through McKenzie Bay. It then enters Chibougamau Lake. Chibougamau Lake is the main source lake for the Chibougamau River.
The water then travels through Lac aux Dorés. It continues southwest along the Chibougamau River. This river joins the Opawica River.
From this meeting point, the water flows southwest into the Waswanipi River. The Waswanipi River crosses Goéland Lake and then flows into Matagami Lake.
Finally, the water flows along the Nottaway River. It eventually empties into Rupert Bay, which is part of James Bay.
Naming the River
The name "rivière France" (France River) became official on December 5, 1968. This was when the Commission de toponymie du Québec (Quebec Toponymy Commission) was founded.
