Barrage de Lavalette, Hydraulic dam in Lapte and Saint-Jeures, France.
Lavalette Dam is a concrete structure built across a valley in the Haute-Loire region between the villages of Lapte and Saint-Jeures. The construction holds back a large reservoir that supplies water to surrounding communities and contributes to local electricity production.
The dam was built in 1914, replacing earlier structures that had served the region. After 1949, its storage capacity was significantly enlarged to meet growing demands for water and electricity in the surrounding area.
The dam supplies drinking water to Saint-Étienne through the Chapelette dam and generates electricity at the Versilhac hydroelectric plant.
The best time to visit is during warmer months when access roads are most passable. The site is largely open to view, but stay in designated areas and be cautious if weather conditions change.
In 1974, the structure was inspected using a specialized submarine originally designed for deep-sea exploration. This unusual inspection method allowed detailed examination of the dam without draining the water it held back.
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