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.

Built between 1973 and 1976 on the Cèze and its tributary the Homol, the dam was a response to the 1958 flood that swept away bridges and destroyed houses in Bessèges and Saint-Ambroix. Its construction also submerged the megalithic site of Sauto Cabro, defended by the Cévenol writer Jean-Pierre Chabrol and Abbé Jean Roux of Sénéchas.

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.

Despite its name, the dam lies across the communes of Malbosc (Ardèche) and Chambon (Gard), not Sénéchas, whose boundary begins 95 m upstream. The D52 road between Malbosc and Chambon runs over its crest, and the southern half falls within the Cévennes National Park's membership area.