Lac Zola, Artificial reservoir in Le Tholonet, France
Description
Lac Zola is an artificial reservoir at the foot of Mount Sainte-Victoire, surrounded by pine forests, oak trees, and scrubland typical of the Mediterranean region. A curved dam holds back the water, creating a body of water that blends with the natural terrain.
History
The dam was designed in 1838 by François Zola to bring drinking water to Aix-en-Provence and protect the population from cholera outbreaks. This engineering achievement was crucial for supplying water to the entire region at that time.
Culture
The lake serves as a gathering place where locals and visitors walk along the water and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. The site has become a natural landmark that reflects the region's connection to its landscape and water management heritage.
Practical
The lake can be reached from parking areas at Bimont, Bibémus, or Le Tholonet, with walking trails available around the water. Swimming is not permitted, but visitors can explore the shoreline and enjoy the surrounding landscape on foot.
Did you know?
The dam was built as a curved arch structure about 42 meters high, an advanced engineering method for its time. This curved design allowed the structure to hold back large volumes of water while remaining relatively slim.
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