Dranse

The Dranse is a river in the western Alps, located in the Haute-Savoie department of France. It has two main headstreams, the Dranse d'Abondance and the Dranse de Morzine, which originate in the Chablais region near Abondance and Morzine. These headstreams join to form the Dranse proper, which flows through the Chablais plain toward Lake Geneva.

The river reaches Lake Geneva at the town of Thonon-les-Bains, where its waters discharge into the lake. From Lake Geneva, the water continues its journey through the Rhône river system, eventually reaching the Mediterranean. The Dranse is thus part of the Rhône basin.

Hydrology and environment: The Dranse basin experiences seasonal variation in flow, with higher discharge during snowmelt and after precipitation. The river supports typical Alpine riverine habitats, including species such as trout, and water quality is subject to monitoring to balance ecological health with human usage.

Human use and significance: The Dranse has been harnessed for hydroelectric power at several sites along its course. It serves recreational activities in suitable stretches, including fishing and white-water experiences, and it is an important feature of the Chablais valley’s landscape. Towns in the area, including Morzine, Abondance, and Thonon-les-Bains, are closely linked to the river through tourism and regional economy.