Vilaine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vilaine |
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The Vilaine in Rennes.
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| Country | France |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Juvigné, Mayenne 175 m (574 ft) 48°13′46″N 01°03′11″W / 48.22944°N 1.05306°W |
| River mouth | Atlantic Ocean 47°30′20″N 2°29′57″W / 47.50556°N 2.49917°W |
| Length | 218.1 km (135.5 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 10,882 km2 (4,202 sq mi) |
The Vilaine is a river located in Brittany, a region in western France. It starts in the Mayenne area and flows into the Atlantic Ocean near Pénestin. The Vilaine river is about 218 kilometers (135 miles) long. It is one of the most important rivers in Brittany.
Contents
Where Does the Vilaine River Flow?
The Vilaine river begins near the towns of Juvigné and La Croixille. As it travels, it passes through four different areas, called départements: Mayenne, Ille-et-Vilaine, Loire-Atlantique, and Morbihan.
The river also flows through four major towns:
Finally, the Vilaine empties into the Bay of Biscay, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean, near the town of Pénestin.
How Does the Vilaine River Help Prevent Floods?
To help control flooding and make sure there's enough drinking water, three special dams were built near Vitré, Ille-et-Vilaine. These dams also offer fun places for people to do outdoor activities.
The dams are:
- The Valière barrage, built in 1978
- The Haute-Vilaine barrage, built in 1982
- The Villaumur barrage, built in 1995
How is the Vilaine River Used for Boats?
The Vilaine river is an important part of Brittany's canal system. This system was mostly built in the 1800s for small boats, like barges, that could carry up to 130 tons of goods.
In 2011, the entire canal system became managed by the Brittany Region.
- In Rennes, the Vilaine river connects to the Canal d'Ille et Rance. This canal leads to the Rance estuary, which flows into the English Channel at Saint-Malo.
- In Redon, the Vilaine crosses the Canal de Nantes à Brest. This connection allows boats to travel west to Pontivy and the Blavet river, or east to Nantes.
What Rivers Flow into the Vilaine?
Many smaller rivers and streams flow into the Vilaine river. These are called tributaries. They bring water from a large area, known as the Vilaine catchment area, into the main river.
Some of the main rivers that join the Vilaine are:
- Ille
- Meu
- Seiche
- Semnon
- Chère
- Don
- Oust
- Isac
See also
In Spanish: Río Vilaine para niños
