As the Rhône breaches the rocky gateway of Montélimar and Orange, Mediterranean heat warms the limestone country of Provence. The river sweeps past the fortress walls of the Palais des Papes in Avignon and the Roman arena of Arles.
The Bifurcation at Arles & The Wild Camargue
Just north of Arles, the river divides into two branches: the Petit Rhône flows west toward Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, while the Grand Rhône steers southeast toward Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône. Between these arteries lies Western Europe's largest river delta.
Avignon Gothic Citadels
The vast 14th-century Papal seat overlooking the river and the remaining stone arches of the Pont Saint-Bénézet.
Arles Bifurcation
The Roman river hub where the single river channel permanently splits into Grand and Petit delta streams.
Saline Étangs & Dunes
Vast brackish lagoons hosting wild Camargue white horses, black bulls, and pink flamingos before the open sea.
Final Union with the Mediterranean Sea
At the mouth of the Grand Rhône, millions of tons of rich alluvial sediments feed the Golfe du Lion every year. After 812 kilometers of continuous descent, the fresh alpine meltwaters fully merge with the cobalt currents of the Mediterranean basin.