EDF Discovery Center Rance Tidal Power Plant

The EDF Discovery Center sits beside a tidal power station on the Rance estuary and displays models and films explaining how the sea's natural movements generate electricity. The exhibition space shows visitors how the turbines work and traces the path from water flow to power production.

The tidal power station was built between 1961 and 1966 and became the world's first commercial facility to generate electricity from tidal energy. This pioneering installation proved that tidal movements could reliably produce power.

The center provides educational programs and guided tours in multiple languages, demonstrating France's commitment to renewable energy development and public education.

The exhibition is easy to follow and explains tidal power clearly to visitors without technical knowledge. Guided tours help you understand how the installation and the power station actually work.

The installation uses 24 turbines built into a large dam that process millions of tons of water daily through strong tidal currents. This technology runs without fuel and without polluting the water, making it one of the cleanest power solutions.

Location: La Richardais

Address: Barrage de la Rance, 35780 La Richardais, France

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday 14:00-18:00; Saturday 13:30-18:00

Phone: +33299163714

Website: https://edf.fr/groupe-edf/producteur-industriel/energies-renouvelables/hydraulique/edf-hydraulique-bretagne-normandie/l-usine-maremotrice-de-la-rance/visiter-l-espace-decouverte

GPS coordinates: 48.61717,-2.02908

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:28