Lac Zola, Artificial reservoir in Le Tholonet, France
The Zola Lake extends through a Mediterranean landscape, surrounded by green oaks, pine trees, and scrubland at the foot of Sainte-Victoire Mountain.
François Zola designed this reservoir dam in 1838 to supply drinking water to Aix-en-Provence and prevent cholera epidemics in the region.
The site represents a notable example of 19th-century hydraulic architecture with its 42-meter-high arch dam construction.
Visitors can reach the lake from the parking areas at Bimont, Bibémus, or Le Tholonet, though swimming is not permitted.
The reservoir now functions as a flood regulator for three waterways: the Infernet, Arc, and Cause rivers.
Location: Le Tholonet
Operator: Societe du canal de Provence
Address: Unnamed Road, 13100 Le Tholonet, France
GPS coordinates: 43.53237,5.51401
Latest update: November 23, 2025 20:58
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