In the list of the largest and most beautiful water streams in France and Spain, the Garonne River is not the last. In this article we will get to know a little closer with her, her geographical location, historical facts, ancient cities located in her valley.
general characteristics
The first evidence of interest to the average tourist is the length of the water source. It is 647 kilometers, and the basin area is about 56 thousand km². The Garonne River managed to locate the source and mouth on the territory of two states - Spain (124 km) and France (523 km).
The beginning of the river should be sought in the Pyrenees, at an altitude of 1872 meters above sea level, to watch how it becomes wider and Catalans can full-time. A meeting place with the oceans should be sought where the Bay of Biscay is located. This is France, where the river flows through the regions of New Aquitaine and Occitania.
Garonne Geographical Data
It is clear that, starting in the mountains, it occupies a narrow deep valley, characterized by a steep fall. In the French territories, the Garonne River is becoming calmer, wider - now it is a water source typical of the European plains.
Having reached the city of Bordeaux, the river occupies a valley the width of which reaches half a kilometer. Approaching the Bay of Biscay, it connects to the Dordogne River, and together they form the Gironde estuary. Its length is 75 kilometers. Hydrologists call the two main sources of food for the Garonne - rain (takes precedence), snow (due to the melting of snow lying in the mountains).
Seasonal fluctuations in water level are observed, they occur in spring and winter, are associated with a sharp melting of snow or heavy rain. The flow of water begins to decrease in May, reaching a minimum by July. By October, the water level rises again, fluctuations are possible at other times, but are short-lived. The largest flood occurred in 1930 in Mas d'Agen, in 1875 - at the confluence with Tarn.
Garonne Shipping
In Spain, the Garonne River is not navigable, in France - partially. From the mouth of the court can pass about 190 kilometers, to Langon. Important are a few points. The first is that ships can pass along the river to the city of Bordeaux, so the water source plays an important role in the country's transport system. The river traffic in the Garonne after Bordeaux is associated exclusively with river tourism.
The second important point - the Garonne is included in the water system of France, thanks to which the Mediterranean Sea and the Bay of Biscay are interconnected. Earlier, timber was rafted along it, cargo was transported, today the river is used in hydropower, not so long ago two nuclear power plants were built in its vicinity.
Largest tributaries and cities
The Garonne River has many large and small tributaries, among the main called Ariège, Sav, Jer, Baiz, Tarn, Lo. Ariege also begins in the Pyrenees, flows into the Garonne before Toulouse. In the next section, to Bordeaux, the source is fed by the main tributaries - Lo and Tarn, which are part of the hydrological system of the Central Massif.
The largest French cities located in the Garonne Valley are Toulouse and Bordeaux. The old part of Toulouse is nestled on the high bank, it was here that the first settlements appeared during the Middle Ages. Tourists call this city "pink", since from ancient times it was used for the construction of a brick of a pinkish hue. In the historical part, many religious buildings have been preserved, since Toulouse was at one time a religious center.
Even more popular with tourists is Bordeaux, located on both banks of the Garonne. Its main attraction is the port of the moon. It is located in a beautiful river bow. On the left bank there is a historical quarter with the main architectural pearls, it is listed by UNESCO. Bordeaux is also known as a winemaking center.
Flora and fauna
Many tourists are interested in where the Garonne River is located to go fishing. Local fishing enthusiasts report that 8 species of fish live in this water source. The most valuable are sturgeon, eel, river and sea lampreys, sea trout and Atlantic salmon.
Unfortunately, rapid industrial production in the river valley has caused significant damage to its ecosystem. Among the negative factors are the construction of dams, the intensive discharge of industrial waste, and water pollution. Currently, joint efforts of ecologists, the state and private entrepreneurs are taking measures to restore the purity of the river and its environs.