The banks of rivers, even when they are of private ownership, are subject in their entire length and in their margins, within a zone of three meters, to the servitude of public use for the general interest of navigation, floatage, fishing and salvage.
The tenements adjoining the banks of navigable or floatable rivers are furthermore subject to the servitude of a towpath for the exclusive service of river navigation and floatage.
If it be necessary for such purpose to make use of lands of private ownership, the proper indemnity shall first be paid.
History —Civil Code, 1930, § 489.