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.
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