Article 556 of the French Civil Code

The landings and accretions that successively and imperceptibly form at the riparian bottoms of a watercourse are called “alluvium”.

Alluvium benefits the riparian owner, whether the watercourse is state-owned or not; on condition, in the former case, that the footpath or towpath is left, in accordance with the regulations.

Original in French 🇫🇷

Article 556

Les atterrissements et accroissements qui se forment successivement et imperceptiblement aux fonds riverains d’un cours d’eau s’appellent ” alluvion “.

L’alluvion profite au propriétaire riverain, qu’il s’agisse d’un cours d’eau domanial ou non ; à la charge, dans le premier cas, de laisser le marchepied ou chemin de halage, conformément aux règlements.