Lac de Villefort, reservoir in France
Lac de Villefort is an artificial lake in the Lozere department spanning about 127 hectares, built in the Cevennes valley to store water and generate hydroelectric power. The lake is surrounded by green hills and rocky cliffs, with a sandy beach for swimming and designated areas for boating, fishing, and water sports.
The lake was created in the 1950s through dam construction and began filling with water in 1964, transforming the Bayard valley. The submersion of the valley led to the flooding of several settlements, submerging historical structures including a 19th-century bridge that occasionally becomes visible when water levels drop.
The name refers to the village of Villefort nearby, which has deep roots in this mountain region. Today the lake has become a gathering place where locals and visitors come to spend time together, marking a shift from its original purpose as purely an engineering project.
The lake features a monitored beach with restroom facilities and food services available during summer months. The site is easily accessible and offers walking paths along the shoreline, seasonal boat rentals, and designated fishing spots for visitors of all experience levels.
When water levels drop, a submerged 19th-century bridge becomes visible, offering a glimpse into the valley before flooding occurred. This structure stands as a silent reminder of the settlements and infrastructure that disappeared beneath the water.
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