# Durance

> major river in southeastern France

**Wikidata**: [Q754718](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q754718)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durance)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/durance

## Summary
Durance is a major river in southeastern France, flowing through the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and serving as a key geographical feature in the region's landscape and economy. It is part of the Rhône river system and is notable for its role in the development of communes such as Saint-Clément-sur-Durance and Saint-Paul-lès-Durance.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Flows through southeastern France, primarily in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
- **Related Entities**:
  - **River**: Part of the larger natural watercourse system.
  - **Communes**: Includes Saint-Clément-sur-Durance, Saint-Paul-lès-Durance, and Caumont-sur-Durance.
  - **ARA Patagonia**: A 1975 Durance-class tanker.
- **Geographical Features**: Flows through the Provence Alps and Prealps, including the Dauphiné Prealps and Dauphiné Alps.
- **Coordinates**: Multiple points along its course, including 44.8936°N 6.7214°E and 43.9228°N 4.7436°E.
- **Aliases**: Durença, Durènço.
- **Wikipedia Title**: Durance.
- **Wikidata Description**: Major river in southeastern France.

## FAQs
**What is the significance of the Durance River in southeastern France?**
The Durance River is a major geographical feature in southeastern France, flowing through the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and serving as a key watercourse in the region's landscape and economy. It is part of the Rhône river system and has historical and ecological importance.

**Which communes are located along the Durance River?**
Several communes are located along the Durance River, including Saint-Clément-sur-Durance, Saint-Paul-lès-Durance, and Caumont-sur-Durance, all of which are in France.

**What is the ARA Patagonia, and how is it related to the Durance River?**
The ARA Patagonia is a 1975 Durance-class tanker, and while it is not directly related to the Durance River, it shares the same name, which may be a coincidence or part of a naming convention.

**What are the geographical features associated with the Durance River?**
The Durance River flows through the Provence Alps and Prealps, including the Dauphiné Prealps and Dauphiné Alps, which are significant mountain ranges in France.

**What are the coordinates of the Durance River?**
The Durance River has multiple coordinates along its course, including 44.8936°N 6.7214°E and 43.9228°N 4.7436°E, marking key points along its flow.

## Why It Matters
The Durance River holds significant importance in southeastern France due to its role in the region's geography, economy, and cultural heritage. As part of the Rhône river system, it supports agricultural and industrial activities, while its scenic landscapes attract tourism. The river's flow through the Provence Alps and Prealps contributes to the natural beauty of the region and supports local ecosystems. Additionally, the communes along the Durance River, such as Saint-Clément-sur-Durance and Saint-Paul-lès-Durance, benefit from the river's resources and have developed unique cultural identities. The Durance River's presence underscores the region's historical and ecological significance, making it a vital part of southeastern France's identity.

## Notable For
- **Geographical Significance**: Part of the Rhône river system, flowing through the Provence Alps and Prealps.
- **Economic Impact**: Supports agricultural and industrial activities in the region.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Attracts tourism and contributes to the cultural identity of nearby communes.
- **Ecological Role**: Supports local ecosystems and natural landscapes.
- **Historical Context**: Linked to the development of communes such as Saint-Clément-sur-Durance and Saint-Paul-lès-Durance.

## Body
### Geography and Location
The Durance River is a major river in southeastern France, primarily flowing through the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It is part of the Rhône river system and has a significant impact on the region's geography. The river's course includes multiple coordinates, such as 44.8936°N 6.7214°E and 43.9228°N 4.7436°E, marking key points along its flow. The Durance River flows through the Provence Alps and Prealps, including the Dauphiné Prealps and Dauphiné Alps, which are notable mountain ranges in France.

### Related Entities
The Durance River is related to several entities, including the larger natural watercourse system and specific communes along its course. These communes, such as Saint-Clément-sur-Durance, Saint-Paul-lès-Durance, and Caumont-sur-Durance, are located in France and have developed unique cultural identities. Additionally, the ARA Patagonia, a 1975 Durance-class tanker, shares the same name, though its relationship to the river is not directly specified.

### Historical and Cultural Significance
The Durance River has historical and cultural significance in southeastern France. It has been part of the region's development, supporting agricultural and industrial activities and attracting tourism. The river's flow through the Provence Alps and Prealps contributes to the natural beauty of the region and supports local ecosystems. The communes along the Durance River, such as Saint-Clément-sur-Durance and Saint-Paul-lès-Durance, have developed unique cultural identities and benefit from the river's resources.

### Economic and Ecological Impact
The Durance River has a significant economic and ecological impact on southeastern France. As part of the Rhône river system, it supports agricultural and industrial activities, while its scenic landscapes attract tourism. The river's flow through the Provence Alps and Prealps contributes to the natural beauty of the region and supports local ecosystems. The Durance River's presence underscores the region's historical and ecological significance, making it a vital part of southeastern France's identity.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. GeoNames