River tourism, a booming affair
The figures prove the growing attractiveness of river tourism on the Rhone: the number of pleasure boats has risen by 50% over the last ten years.
Since installing the infrastructures, and diversifying uses (cruising, pleasure boating, local tourism), the Rhone basin has become France’s leading inland nautical destination regarding the number of passenger boats.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of passengers board river cruisers to sail on the Rhone and enjoy an unforgettable trip combining nature, heritage and comfort.
River tourism provides a unique opportunity for the territories: greater attractiveness, economic benefits, the spotlighting of natural and cultural heritage. 91% of the river network is located less than 5 km from a cycle track, illustrating the considerable potential for eco-tourism and roving holidays that mix boating with cycling.
By organising a more sustainable activity, reliant on efficient infrastructures, reliable digital services and carbon-free mobility, CNR contributes to making the river a source of leisure for all for the present and for the long-term.
Key figures
5
pleasure boat locks on the Upper Rhone
1st
river basin in France for river cruise liners
44
marinas
104
water sports centres and 34 stopover locations
To further accelerate river tourism, CNR relies on an organised and coherent strategy shared with all the river’s actors. Based on the Orizon 2035 plan, it aims to:
- Develop the supply of services at stopovers;
- Strengthen the interconnection between river tourism and soft modes of travel;
- Support the territories to carry out their development projects;
- Upgrade infrastructures to accommodate more passengers;
- Make the river more attractive and sustainable.
This vision relies on permanent dialogue with the local authorities, tourist operators and public institutions, so as to foresee needs, and aid the growth of the sector in the long-term.
An additional 57 km upstream of Lyon
In 2010, CNR built and commissioned the locks of Chautagne and Belley to develop the tourism potential of the Upper Rhone and strengthen pleasure boating facilities. They complete the lock of Savières that has linked Lake Bourget with the Rhone since 1983.
This development provides 57 km of continuous navigable waterway for pleasure boaters upstream of Lyon, between Seyssel and Brégnier-Cordon.
Landing stages and jetties: accommodating cruisers and pleasure boats
To make river tourism attractive and practicable, CNR has installed adapted boarding infrastructures: landing stages for passenger boats, jetties for pleasure boats, and stopovers.
16 landing stages are installed on the Lower Rhone, intended for the river cruise liners in service on the river. These installations enable organising river tourism, receive passengers comfortably and facilitate stopovers. More recently, a new landing stage was installed at Arles in November 2023, highlighting the current trend: this modernised wharf is aimed at increasing the attractiveness of river stopovers that are both convivial and accessible.
High voltage electric terminals: sailing greener
CNR invests in modernising and in the energy transition of river navigation. Consequently, it has installed high power electric terminals at certain landing stages intended for river cruisers and passenger boats, so as to reduce the need for electro-generators.
By way of example, on the landing stage of Tournon‑sur‑Rhône, 1,050-amp terminals have been installed. They allow boats stopping over to be supplied with electricity for air-conditioning, catering and other services without causing noise or malodourous disturbances, or pollution.
These terminals operate with certified 100% renewable electricity, participating in a larger approach to sustainable development.
What is more, in 2024 CNR launched a public call for tenders for the sub-concession of electric terminals and drinking water supplies for barge-hotels and passenger boats, in order to widen this supply.
The goal is clear: reconcile tourism, user comfort and respect for the environment. A winning wager to make the Rhone a model of sustainable river navigation.
The InfoRhône website
InfoRhône is the navigation information tool developed by CNR for pleasure boaters, cruiser skippers and river tourists.
This site allows visualising the position of pleasure boat locks and supplies in real-time all the data required for safe and carefree navigation: water height, hydrological forecasts, notices to mariners, navigation conditions, works in progress, etc.
Accessible to both professionals and pleasure boaters, this site provides skippers with updated and precise information that increases the safety, the fluidity of navigation and the accessibility of the river for all.