The Serre Ponçon lake dam
With its azure-blue mountain lake and wild creeks, you'd almost forget that Lac de Serre-Ponçon is man-made. In winter, the original bed of the Durance is revealed, winding through the heart of the valley. In 1955, devastating floods led to the construction of a colossal edifice: the Serre-Ponçon dam. Much more than a simple structure, its construction literally transformed the valley and left its mark on its inhabitants. A veritable technical feat and human odyssey, it is one of the largest dams in Europe. Today, it's hard to imagine the valley without this majestic lake, yet not so long ago, it was a very different place.
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The Serre Ponçon dam: an extraordinary project!
Built between 1955 and 1961, the Serre-Ponçon dam profoundly transformed the valley. This extraordinary project was initiated in response to the devastating floods of the Durance, which regularly ravaged farmland and threatened the surrounding villages.
The idea for the project dates back to 1856, when engineer Yvan Wilhem first imagined the dam. It took almost half a century for this dream to become reality.
In 1955, work began on this huge earthen reservoir, capable of holding back 1.2 billion m³ of water. Two villages, Savines and Ubaye, were engulfed, and almost 1,000 inhabitants relocated. Today, the remains of the villages can still be seen, such as the chapel of Saint Michel, which survived the floods and is located just above the lake's highest point.
What is the Serre Ponçon dam used for?
In addition to generating electricity, these structures are a considerable regional asset, playing a vital role in the sharing of water in Provence:
- supply of drinking water for over 3 million people,
- irrigation for 80,000 hectares of farmland,
- industrial water supply for nearly 400 companies,
- drought and flood control,
- development of the tourist economy.
How does the Serre Ponçon dam work?
The Serre-Ponçon dam functions as an immense earthen reservoir, capable of holding back up to 1.2 billion m³ of water, and lives to the rhythm of inflows and outflows. Its operation follows a regular annual cycle: in spring, snowmelt and inflows from the Ubaye and Durance rivers enable summer filling, while in summer, water is progressively released to meet agricultural needs, maintain a minimum flow in the river and ensure drinking and industrial water supplies. Autumn sees a gradual resumption of electricity production, but it's winter that remains the preferred period for producing renewable, low-carbon energy, particularly during peak consumption periods.
The lake's water level, or tidal range*, varies according to energy needs and downstream abstractions, from 780 m NGF (maximum level) to 725 m NGF (minimum operating level), sometimes creating lunar landscapes. To generate the electricity required, EDF constantly monitors the thickness of the snowpack to ensure that it is sufficiently full in spring.
The lake level is also maintained to enable water sports activities. In this way, the facility is an example of multi-use management, combining hydroelectricity, irrigation, drinking water, tourism and preservation of the natural environment, while offering visitors spectacular scenery and water sports activities on the lake.
*The tidal range: this variation in water level can reach up to 58m between the maximum level of 780m and the minimum level of around 722m.
The landscape of Lac de Serre-Ponçon changes with the seasons, offering different nuances and moods depending on the water level.
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The compensation lake of the Serre Ponçon dam
After the Serre-Ponçon dam, in the commune of Rousset Serre Ponçon, lies the compensation lake, a magnificent body of water whose appearance changes with the seasons and the light of day. This reservoir plays a key role in water distribution: it regulates the flow of water from the hydropower plant by directing most of the water towards the Durance canal, which supplies the Saulce hydroelectric plant, while leaving a controlled flow in the natural bed of the Durance, thus preserving the wild river and its ecosystem.
How to visit the Serre Ponçon dam?
Lake Serre Ponçon museums
Two museums invite you and your family to discover the history of Serre Ponçon lake!
The lake museoscope
Embark on an astonishing journey and discover the sunken villages and the construction of the Serre-Ponçon dam. (3D and 5D room, model room, cinema...)
1.5-hour visit for children aged 6 and over. Audioguides in English, German, Italian and Dutch. Open all year round on reservation
Opening hours of Muséoscope du Lac de Serre-Ponçon
Serre-Ponçon water and energy centre: Espace Odyssélec
Discover the dam through a playful, interactive and educational discovery area: modules, touch screens, films, etc. and a photo exhibition on the history of the dam. The Maison de l'Eau et des Energies is open from early June to mid-September, with unrestricted access. During the off-season, groups of more than 10 people must book in advance. Reservations by telephone 04 92 54 58 11 or e-mail (with your contact details) visites-upm@edf.fr.
Tour inside the Serre Ponçon dam
Underground exploration of a historic industrial site: the underground engine room of Serre-Ponçon, behind the scenes of this immense electrical cathedral. A unique experience! Prior booking essential and subject to availability. edf.fr/visiter-EDF.
The visit is subject to strict access conditions, no exceptions:
- children aged 12 and over accepted,
- valid national identity card or passport for adults and minors (not accepted: driving license, residence permit),
- closed shoes without heels for all (sneakers or hiking boots),
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The road to the Serre Ponçon dam
Col Lebraut and the lookout point for the Serre Ponçon dam
To discover the Serre-Ponçon dam, take the superb panoramic Col Lebraut road between Chorges and Rousset-Serre-Ponçon. This road offers spectacular views of the lake and plenty of parking space for photo breaks or simply to admire the scenery. One of the must-see stops is the panoramic belvedere at the dam, an impressive site that allows you to appreciate the sheer size of the structure and enjoy a breathtaking panorama.
Two restaurants, Le Belvédère and Le Panoramique, invite you to extend your gourmet break at the tip of the lake, facing an awe-inspiring view. And if the sun gets too hot, a path leads from the belvedere to the beach at the Bois Vieux cove: a cool spot among the pines, ideal for a dip in the lake's turquoise waters and to enjoy Serre-Ponçon's legendary floating pools.
Camping du barrage at the tip of Lake Serre Ponçon
Family campsite near Serre Ponçon lake
Located just above the Serre-Ponçon dam, Camping de la Viste is the ideal place for a family vacation in the heart of an exceptional natural setting. At the tip of the lake, it's within walking distance of the superb Bois Vieux beach, with its turquoise waters lined with pine trees, where you can completely forget about the nearby dam.
Just a stone's throw from the Muséoscope du Lac, the campsite combines relaxation and discovery, perfect for a relaxing and enriching vacation. Numerous hiking itineraries, as well as water sports and cycling, allow you to take full advantage of the surrounding nature and vary your pleasures throughout your stay.
Discover our Serre Ponçon valleys!
From the tip of the lake to the Avance and Durance valleys.
