Rhine

The Rhine is Europe's most important waterway. With a total length of 1,320km/820mi, it is an international river traversing six countries, including France. Between Basle and Strasbourg the main shipping channel is the Grand Canal d'Alsace, which runs parallel to the river and has a link with the Rhine-Rhône Canal (Canal du Rhône au Rhin). The Grand Canal du Rhin is 51km/32mi long and between 110 and 140m (360 and 460ft) wide. In the southern section, which is wholly canalized, there are four dams and hydroelectric stations (at Kembs, Ottmarsheim, Fessenheim and Vogelgroen) and the total fall is 140m/460ft.