RhôneRhine

RhôneRhine is a term that has been used to refer to a proposed or imagined canal or waterway system that would connect the Rhône River and the Rhine River in Europe. The concept has surfaced periodically throughout history, driven by the desire to improve inland navigation and facilitate trade between the Mediterranean Sea and the North Sea. Such a connection would create a significant north-south waterway across Western Europe, linking vital industrial and port regions.

Several proposals and studies have been conducted over the centuries, exploring different routes and engineering challenges. The most significant historical attempt was the Canal de la Saône à l'Est, which aimed to connect the Saône (a tributary of the Rhône) to the Rhine via the Doubs River. While parts of this canal system were built, a complete and direct connection between the Rhône and Rhine rivers has never been fully realized. The geographical and geological obstacles, including significant elevation changes and the need for numerous locks and tunnels, have made such a project extremely complex and costly. Contemporary discussions about enhancing European waterway networks sometimes revisit the idea, but the focus has shifted to improving existing waterways and developing more integrated intermodal transport solutions.