Tignes Dam

Tignes Dam is a concrete arch dam in Tignes, France, that measures 296 meters across and rises 180 meters above the river below. The structure curves gently across the valley and holds back the waters of Lac du Chevril.

Construction took place between 1948 and 1952 and forced the complete relocation of the original Tignes village, now resting beneath the reservoir. The completed dam became a major power source for the Savoie region.

The dam's surface features a large fresco of Hercules, painted by Jean-Marie Pierret and eight other artists over 60 days in preparation for the 1992 Winter Olympics.

The dam is easily visible from the valley and offers a view over the reservoir and surrounding mountains. Visiting in summer reveals the lake at lower levels, while winter typically brings deep snow around the structure.

A large fresco of Hercules covers the surface, painted by nine artists over 60 days in preparation for the 1992 Winter Olympics. When water levels drop in summer, foundations of the old village sometimes emerge from the reservoir.

Location: Tignes

Inception: 1952

Architects: Raymond Gleize

Height: 180 m

Length: 296 m

Width: 43.57 m

Made from material: concrete

Operator: EDF

Website: https://hydrelect.info/articles.php?lang=fr&pg=113

GPS coordinates: 45.49490,6.93185

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:26