Isère (river) facts for kids
For other uses, see Isère (disambiguation)
The Isère is a famous river in southeastern France. It flows through the beautiful Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The Isère river is a "left-bank tributary" of the Rhône river. This means it joins the Rhône on its left side as the Rhône flows downstream. The Isère department, a part of France, is actually named after this very river!
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The Isère River's Journey
The Isère river starts high up in the Alps mountains. Its source is in the Vanoise National Park, near the border with Italy. This area is known for its stunning snowy peaks and glaciers. From there, the river flows for about 286 kilometres (178 miles).
Where Does the Isère Start?
The Isère begins its long journey in the Graian Alps. This is a mountain range in the northern part of the Alps. The exact spot is at the foot of the Grande Aiguille Rousse mountain. This mountain is very tall, reaching about 3,482 meters (11,424 feet) high. The water comes from melting snow and glaciers.
Flowing Through Mountains and Valleys
As the Isère river leaves the high mountains, it flows through several important valleys. One of the most famous is the Grésivaudan Valley. This valley is very fertile and has been important for farming for centuries. The river also passes through many towns and cities.
Key Cities Along the Isère
The Isère river is very important to the cities it passes through.
- Val-d'Isère: This is a famous ski resort town. The river flows through here in its upper parts.
- Moûtiers: A town in the Savoie region. The river helps shape the landscape around it.
- Montmélian: Here, you can see bridges crossing the Isère.
- Grenoble: This is one of the largest cities the Isère flows through. The river runs right through the heart of Grenoble. It has played a big role in the city's history and development. Many bridges cross the Isère in Grenoble.
- Romans-sur-Isère: This town is also named after the river. It shows how important the Isère is to the local area.
Joining the Rhône River
After its long journey, the Isère river finally meets the larger Rhône river. This meeting point is near the town of La Roche-de-Glun. The Rhône then continues its flow towards the Mediterranean Sea. The Isère adds a lot of water to the Rhône, especially from the melting snow in the Alps.
Importance of the Isère River
The Isère river has been important for many reasons throughout history.
- Transport: In the past, the river was used to transport goods.
- Agriculture: Its waters help irrigate farms in the valleys, making the land good for growing crops.
- Energy: The river's flow is used to generate hydroelectric power. This means using the force of the water to create electricity.
- Tourism: The beautiful landscapes along the Is Isère attract many visitors. People enjoy activities like fishing, kayaking, and hiking along its banks.
Images for kids
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Lower Isère valley (basse vallée de l'Isère) in the north of the Plain of Valence
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Confluence of the Isère (left) and the Rhône (right) near La Roche-de-Glun
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The Isère in the Grésivaudan Valley, seen from the Chartreuse Mountains
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The Isère from La Daille, near Val-d'Isère
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Moûtiers: the Isère and the cathedral
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The bridge on the Isère at Montmélian
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The Isère leaving Grenoble
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The Isère at Romans-sur-Isère
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Antoine Guindrand Paysage de l'Isère [Isère landscape] (1836)
See also
In Spanish: Río Isère para niños
