Vilaine

Vilaine is a river in Brittany, northwestern France. It is also known as La Vilaine. The river rises in western Brittany and flows generally southwest, draining a watershed that covers parts of several departments. It reaches the Atlantic Ocean via the Vilaine estuary, a tidal region along the Breton coast. The river is about 215 kilometers long.

The lower reaches are influenced by tides, and the estuary supports wetlands, birdlife and aquatic species. The Vilaine watershed supports agriculture, settlements and light industry. Portions of the river are navigable for small craft, and the river valley has historically hosted mills, bridges and settlements that depended on water power and transport.

Environmental and water-management initiatives are coordinated at the regional level to maintain water quality, manage floods and protect habitats.

Etymology: In French, vilaine is the feminine form of vilain, meaning bad or ugly; the river's name is not related to that adjectival sense in its etymology.