Barrage de Sénéchas, Flood control dam in Malbosc, France.
The Barrage de Sénéchas is a flood control structure built across the Cèze River near Malbosc. The dam creates a large water storage area with two distinct branches where secondary rivers merge into the main river valley.
Construction began in 1973 following major floods in 1958 that damaged nearby towns and made flood protection urgent for the region. The dam was completed in 1976 as part of efforts to prevent similar catastrophes.
The construction of this structure sparked debate about balancing flood protection with heritage preservation, as an ancient megalithic site was submerged. This tension between safety and archaeology reflects broader discussions about development in the region.
The dam is located in the Malbosc area and can be viewed from nearby roads and local access points. Visiting is best during dry weather, as the site offers practical views of how regional flood management works.
The water body created by the dam has a distinctive forked shape that is striking when seen from above or from certain viewpoints. This unusual configuration happens naturally where the two river valleys meet and creates a memorable landscape feature.
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