Short answers, pulled from the story.
The Rhône Glacier begins the river's journey at the eastern edge of the Swiss canton of Valais. Meltwater from this ice field starts at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters above sea level.
Ancient Greek sources referred to the river with a specific term that evolved into modern usage. The Gaulish name likely derived from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning to run or to roll.
The first experimental steam boat was built at Lyon by Jouffroy d'Abbans in 1783. Regular services did not start until 1829 and continued until 1952.
These facilities produce 13 GWh of electricity annually. This output represents 16% of France's total hydroelectric production.
Reaching Lyon, the most populous city on its course, the river receives its biggest tributary, the Saône. The Saône has an average flow of 300 cubic meters per second compared to the Rhône's 1,700 at this point.