Barrage de Monteynard, Hydroelectric power station near Monteynard, France.
Barrage de Monteynard is a large arch dam that holds back the waters of the Drac River in the valley below. The concrete structure creates a substantial lake that dominates the landscape and serves the surrounding towns.
Planning for the dam began in the 1950s and construction started in 1955 to provide electricity for the region. The facility began operating in 1962 and became an important part of France's energy infrastructure at that time.
The exhibition space shows films and photographs about how hydropower shaped the lives and communities in the Drac Valley. Visitors can learn about the people who built their homes and livelihoods around this engineering project.
The lake and surrounding area are accessible at certain points, though some sections are restricted for operational or safety reasons. It is best to check locally what routes are open and whether guided tours are offered before visiting.
Two suspension bridges cross the artificial lake at striking heights above the water, connecting the areas on either side. These structures are often overlooked by visitors but create an unexpected feature in the landscape that is worth discovering.
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