Sélune

The Sélune is a river in the Normandy region of northwestern France. It flows through the western part of the region and drains into the English Channel along the coast. Its course runs generally northwest from its inland origin, passing through agricultural lands and small woodland patches before reaching the sea.

Although modest in size compared to France’s great rivers, the Sélune supports a variety of habitats for freshwater life and migratory species that traverse its waters. The river’s watershed covers a rural landscape characterized by farms, hedgerows, and forested areas, reflecting the region’s traditional land use.

Water management in the Sélune basin includes monitoring of water quality and the presence of infrastructure such as weirs and small hydroelectric facilities used to regulate flow and protect settlements from flooding. These elements are part of broader regional efforts to balance energy production, agriculture, and ecological integrity.

Historically, rivers in Normandy have contributed to milling, agriculture, and local livelihoods, and the Sélune has shaped land use in the communities along its banks. In contemporary times, environmental and regional authorities have pursued initiatives aimed at restoring natural river dynamics, improving habitat connectivity, and enhancing biodiversity within the Sélune valley.