Barrage de La Tache, Granite dam in Renaison, France.
Barrage de La Tache is a granite dam located in Renaison that holds a large reservoir of water. The structure features massive granite walls that taper progressively from the foundation upward, creating a distinctive tapered profile.
The dam was constructed between 1888 and 1891 to supply drinking water to the city of Roanne in the Loire department. It was built during a period when water storage infrastructure became increasingly vital for urban development.
The name refers to a local place designation in the Loire region, and the structure has become a symbol of local industrial heritage. Visitors encounter it as a landmark that defines the valley landscape and represents the region's engineering identity.
The dam is accessible from outside and offers views of the reservoir and surroundings. Plan your visit during periods when maintenance work is not underway, as inspections may occasionally restrict access to certain areas.
The granite blocks were sourced from local quarries and transported across considerable distances, representing an extraordinary engineering challenge for the period. This nearby stone supply enabled the construction of such a large-scale structure in a relatively remote location.
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