The Swiss Rhône

Before becoming French, the Rhône is thoroughly Swiss, flowing through the Valais canton where it collects waters from countless Alpine streams. Here, the river learns its first lessons in human partnership. Swiss engineers have channeled its course, built precise systems of irrigation channels called bisses, and created a model of water management that influences the entire river.

This Swiss precision mingles with ancient traditions. In villages like Ernen, blessing ceremonies for the water date back to pre-Christian times. Today, these ceremonies include not just Catholic priests but also Protestant ministers and, increasingly, imam from the growing Muslim communities in Swiss mountain towns. "Water is sacred in all our traditions," notes Imam Rashid Moser, a Swiss convert who leads prayers in Visp. "The Rhône connects us all."