One of Europe's few major rivers to flow directly into the Mediterranean (via the Gulf of Lion), the Rhone originates in the Swiss Alps and flows into Lake Geneva. It emerges from Geneva and flows south, passes through Lyon, Avignon, and Arles, and enters the sea just west of Marseille. At Arles, the river splits into 'grand' and 'petit' branches that encircle the island Camargue. The river's valley is famous for its red wine, and because it is navigable for 300 miles, the Rhone is the key access route of southern France.