Flowing through Alsace, the Ill River whispers tales of history and transformation. The Ill is a vital artery of this region in northeastern France. It stretches 217 kilometers from its source in the Jura mountains to its confluence with the Rhine.
Imagine the Ill’s journey. It begins near Winkel, then flows past Ferrette and through Alsace. The river parallels the Rhine carving its path northward. The Largue joins the Ill near Illfurth. A series of tributaries join the Ill from the Vosges mountains including the Doller, the Thur, and the Bruche. These waters shape the land.
Near Mulhouse much of the Ill’s flow diverts into a discharge channel. This protects the town from floods. The diverted water flows into the Doller. Imagine the peace of mind this diversion brought to Mulhouse residents.
As the Ill flows through Strasbourg it becomes part of the city’s defenses. In the 17th century fortifications were built utilizing the river’s course. The Ill meanders through locks and channels in the old town. The picturesque Petite France quarter showcases the river’s past. Here the Ill once powered mills and tanneries. The Canal du Faux-Rempart and the main channel surround the Grande Île. The Grande Île is Strasbourg’s historic center.
Navigation on the Ill has evolved. Today a stretch of nearly 10 kilometers is navigable from the Canal de la Marne au Rhin. This section reaches Nachtweid. It runs through the center of Strasbourg connecting with other canals.
One lock exists in Petite France. It controls the water flow. Navigation through Petite France has restrictions. Only small pleasure craft can travel downstream. Upstream and commercial traffic use an indirect route. They travel from the Canal de la Marne au Rhin to the Canal du Rhone au Rhine. Passenger boats use the Canal du Faux-Rempart completing a loop.
Other parts of the Ill are not navigable by powered craft. These stretches lie downstream of the Canal de la Marne au Rhin. They also lie upstream of Nachtweid. Canoes and similar craft can still use these sections.
The name Ill appears in historical records. It was called Illa in the late 8th century. By the 14th century the name stabilized as Ill. Some once thought Alsace derived its name from the Ill. This etymology is now disputed.
The Ill has long been a resource. Mills once lined its banks. They harnessed its power for various industries. The river presented challenges too. Crossing the Ill required ingenuity. Many bridges and fords facilitated passage.
Towns and cities along the Ill relied on its waters. Colmar, Sélestat and Strasbourg developed ports. These ports supported trade and transport. Boatmen organized into guilds. They navigated the Ill carrying goods.
The Ill’s boats were flat-bottomed barges. They transported wine, grain, and textiles. Over time the Ill faced challenges. Road and canal development reduced its importance. Pollution became a concern. Efforts were made to address water quality issues. The Ill continues its journey shaping Alsace.