I was just seeing news of all the days of rainfall in parts of Europe this winter. In France reading and also videos of the high waters and flooding in numerous rivers. Record breaking amounts in already very soaked soils. It is sad to see this for all who live and work in these areas!
Selfishly concerned for our Viking River cruise for March 29-April 5, Holy Week…Lyon to Avignon. We have never experienced flood or drought issues before with our fall river cruises. Lots of extreme weather everywhere!
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3627 posts
The current floods in France are mainly affecting the southwest and west of the country, with record rainfall (36 consecutive days of rain to date), but not so much the Lyon-Avignon region in the southeast. Therefore, these floods have no impact on any cruises or activities near Lyon/Avignon.
According to the weather forecast, the situation should improve in the coming days in this area. This doesn't mean there won't be other events (weather-related or otherwise) that could impact your cruise or travel.
So, since we're talking about cruises, my only advice is to think like a sailor: "The safest place for a ship is the port. But that's not what ships were created for".
Posted by
OP
581 posts
JoLui thank you. Thats an amazing stretch of rainfall! So there is less precipitation in the SE parts of France then. I am glad it looks to be clearing in days to come for flooded areas. I realize the directional terrain effects where those waters run. I have read the Seine is quite high in Paris. Hopeful better days ahead.
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3627 posts
The Seine and other rivers flowing into the sea have high water levels due to significant tidal coefficients in the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel, which slow the flow of water.
The large city of Bordeaux in the southwest was very close to being submerged.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/47kDHOmBv3U?feature=share
Things will be better in a few days... (hopefully).
Around Lyon and Avignon, there isn't this problem since the Mediterranean Sea has almost no tides.
Posted by
OP
581 posts
I love your help explaining the many ways river water levels come and go…of course tidal changes effects them also! I live in the US great lakes…where no tides exist. I have been to Venice and its ever changing water levels. Had not realized the Seine and I am sure many rivers are at the mercy of tides. Very sad for Bordeaux…we have been and stayed there and loved it! We dont hear that news here!?
I love geography…and I am always learning!!
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3627 posts
The tide also causes, under certain conditions, a large wave called a Mascaret (tidal bore) coming from the sea and travels upriver inland.
This (predictable) phenomenon, which is not unique to France, is appreciated by surfers.
Posted by
Normandie
586 posts
DREAL (Direction régionale de l'environnement, de l'aménagement et du logement) posts data on flooding on the Vigicrues website. Here is the link to the page for the Rhône River and you can see the stage of the Rhône is well below recently observed flood stages.
Eau France's Hydroportail is another source of information if you want to monitor specific stations that interest you. Here is one for the Rhône River near Viviers, between Orange and Valence.
Clarification: the second link depicts flow in cubic meters per second while the first shows river stage in meters.