Lac de Roselend, Alpine reservoir in Beaufort, France
Lac de Roselend is an artificial lake created by a large dam in the French Alps that holds water for hydroelectric power generation. The lake fills a mountain valley and is surrounded by steep rocky slopes that rise on all sides.
The dam was built during the 1950s and 1960s, which caused the village of Roselend to be submerged beneath the rising waters. This construction project was part of a larger effort to develop hydroelectric power in the Alpine region.
The chapel of Saint Marie Madeleine was moved to the lakeshore before the waters rose, standing today as a reminder of what once lay beneath. Visitors can find this structure and see how the local community preserved its spiritual heritage.
The best time to visit is from May through October when the mountain pass is open and the area is easily reached. Winter conditions can block access due to snow, so check road status before planning a trip.
The lake works together with two other nearby dams to move water and generate power across the mountain region as one integrated system. This connection allows the three reservoirs to operate more efficiently together than they would separately.
Location: Beaufort
Address: Lac de Roselend, 73270 Beaufort, France
GPS coordinates: 45.68190,6.63403
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:48
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes area has lakes from very different beginnings. Large lakes that formed from glaciers, like Lake Bourget or Lake Annecy, appeared after the glaciers in the Alps melted. They have deep water surrounded by mountains. In the Massif Central, volcanic lakes sit in old craters, such as Lake Pavin, which is nearly 7,000 years old, and Lake Issarlès, which goes down more than 100 meters deep. Some lakes are high up in the mountains, like Lake Guéry at 1250 meters, while others are in flat land or in deep valleys. There are also several artificial lakes built in the 20th century to make electricity or manage water flow. Lake Monteynard was created in 1962 on the Drac river, and Lake Saint-Étienne-Cantalès, held back by a dam on the Cère river since 1945, are popular spots for swimming, sailing, and fishing. Each lake feels different: clear and cold mountain waters, wooded shores in Jura, changing colors in volcanic craters. Visitors can walk around these places, go by boat, or just enjoy the views from the banks.
Roselend Dam
1.4 km
Pierra Menta
5.1 km
Saint-Guérin Dam
5.5 km
Barrage de la Gittaz
3.4 km
Roignais
6.1 km
Chapelle de Roselend
2.2 km
Église Saint-Maxime-de-Riez de Beaufort
6 km
Aiguille du Grand Fond
3.4 km
Mont Coin
5.7 km
Défilé d'Entreroches
5.1 km
Chaire à prêcher à Beaufort
6.1 km
Lac de la Gittaz
3.6 km
Pointe de Gargan
5 km
Lac de Roselend
509 m
Via Ferrata Roc du Vent
3.6 km
La Grande Berge
802 m
Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste d'Arêches
5.1 km
Scenic viewpoint
3.6 km
Scenic viewpoint
1.1 km
Lac de Saint-Guérin
5.8 km
Torrent de la Gittaz
2.8 km
Ruisseau de Treicol
5.5 km
Rocher du Vent
3.8 km
Roc du Biolley
2.6 km
Chapelle Saint-Jacques de Boudin
4.2 km
Roche Parstire
2.7 km
Point de vue sur Lac de Roselend
1.8 km
Rochers des Enclaves
5.7 kmReviews
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