Barrage de Hautefage, dam in France
Barrage de Hautefage is a concrete dam with a curved vault shape built across the Maronne River in Corrèze, standing about 52 meters high and stretching over 250 meters across the river. The reservoir behind it extends 6 to 7 kilometers along the river valley, surrounded by forests and fields, with water that reflects the sky and banks lined with rocks and vegetation.
The dam was built between 1956 and 1958 and has served the Maronne River since its completion. It was designed to manage water flow, generate hydroelectric power, and support local agriculture by controlling water availability throughout the year.
The road to the dam is accessible by car with several spots to stop for photos and views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors should stay on marked paths and check weather conditions, as heavy rain can cause water levels to rise quickly.
Water from behind the dam flows through an underground tunnel stretching 3 kilometers downstream to a power plant, bypassing a major bend in the river. This design allows electricity generation while maintaining the river's natural flow and protecting the environment.
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