Paillon

The Paillon (Nissard Occitan: Palhon) is a coastal river of the Alpes-Maritimes that flows into the Mediterranean Sea in Nice, near the old district. It is 35.8 km (22.2 mi) long.[1] Its drainage basin is 258 km² (100 sq mi).[2] Its source is north of Lucéram. It flows generally south, through L'Escarène, Peillon, Drap (where it meets its main tributary Paillon de Contes), La Trinité, and finally Nice.

An overview of the Paillon in a valley

Paillon
The Paillon in Contes
Location
Country	France
Physical characteristics
Mouth	Mediterranean Sea
• coordinates	43.6945°N 7.2679°E / 43.6945; 7.2679
Length	36 km (22 mi)
Basin size	258 km2 (100 sq mi)

The Paillon near the Palais des Congrès Acropolis, during a flood

The region of the Paillon and the Paillon de Contes is called the pays des Paillons. The river is covered in its last few kilometers in the city of Nice, with the Guillaume Apollinaire High School and the Palais des Congrès Acropolis over the river.

It is a typical Mediterranean river, with low water level throughout the year and violent floods during autumn and sometimes during spring.