A Living Heritage

French rivers are not museums—they are living, working parts of the nation. Barges still carry grain down the Seine, though they now share the water with tourist boats and kayakers. The Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, functions both as a historical monument and a vital water management system. Modern locks use solar power, while their basic design remains unchanged since the 17th century.

This blend of heritage and innovation characterizes the French approach to their waterways. It's visible in Lyon, where the confluence of the Rhône and Saône has been transformed into a futuristic eco-district while preserving the rivers' natural dynamics. It's evident in the Loire Valley, where medieval techniques of flood management are being combined with 21st-century technology to protect both communities and ecosystems.