Barrage de Lavalette, Hydraulic dam in Lapte and Saint-Jeures, France.
The Lavalette Dam measures 60 meters in height and 505 meters in length, with a thickness ranging from 4 meters at the top to 45 meters at the base.
Opened in 1914 to replace the Gouffre d'Enfer and Pas de Riot dams, its initial capacity of 5.5 million cubic meters increased to 40 million after 1949.
The dam supplies drinking water to Saint-Étienne through the Chapelette dam and generates electricity at the Versilhac hydroelectric plant.
Four sector gates installed on the dam regulate floods, following significant flooding events that occurred in September 1980.
In 1974, the dam was inspected by a SP350 submarine designed by Jacques Cousteau, allowing examination of the structure without emptying 40 million cubic meters of water.
Location: Haute-Loire
Address: 9 La Chazotte, 43200 Lapte, France 43200 Lapte
Opening Hours: Thursday 00:00-00:00
GPS coordinates: 45.14995,4.21177
Latest update: June 30, 2025 15:47
The lakes of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes showcase remarkable geological diversity. The natural glacial lakes such as Bourget and Annecy contrast with the deep volcanic lakes of Pavin and Bouchet. The artificial lakes of Serre-Ponçon and Monteynard complete this hydrographic network. This region includes high-altitude lakes in the Alps and the Massif Central, plains water bodies, and hydropower dam reservoirs.
Passerelle des gorges du Lignon
6.1 km
Château de Maubourg
8.5 km
Lieu de mémoire du Chambon-sur-Lignon
12.3 km
Château de Carry
6.1 km
Testavoyre
12.4 km
Château du Besset
7.8 km
Druidic stone of Crouzilhac
7.6 km
Chapelle du Fraisse
11.9 km
Chapelle des Pénitents d'Yssingeaux
6.8 km
Jardin Botanique Montagnard
12.1 km
Croix-menhir de Mendigoules
6.2 km
Dolmen de Vacheresse
10 km
Lieu de Mémoire
12.3 km
Base de loisirs du Neyrial
4.6 km
Église Saint-Jean de Lapte
4.1 km
Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Bessamorel
10.2 km
Église Saint-Voy de Mazet-Saint-Voy
11 km
Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Montregard
10.6 km
Église Saint-Étienne de Raucoules
7.8 km
Église Saint-Maurice de Saint-Maurice-de-Lignon
10.1 km
Chapelle Saint-Julien-la-Tourette
7.8 km
Putting-Golf de Tence
8 km
Église Saint-Martin de Tence
7.3 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame de Tence
7.1 km
Église de l'Assomption de Recharinges
10.5 km
Église Saint-Pierre de Saint-Pal-de-Mons
11.8 km
Église Saint-Pierre de Montfaucon-en-Velay
9 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame de Montfaucon-en-Velay
8.8 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes