Lac d'Avène, reservoir in France
Lac d'Avène is a reservoir created by a dam that regulates the Orb river and stretches for about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles). Dense forests of conifers, beech, and holm oak surround the water, offering quiet walking paths along the shore.
The reservoir was built between 1959 and 1963 to store water for farming and drinking water while controlling floods in the area. The arch dam has served this purpose since then, helping stabilize the Orb river level during heavy seasonal rains.
The name Avène comes from natural springs long known for their healing properties that have shaped the region for centuries. Today, the area reflects this water-centered heritage, with villages and daily life organized around these sources.
A parking lot for cars and buses is available at the lake, and train stations at Ceilhes-Roqueredonde and Les Cabrils offer nearby access. Electric bikes and local transport options can help you explore the surrounding area.
A small hydroelectric plant has powered the area since the 1970s, generating electricity for about 1,200 homes from the dam's water flow. This quiet renewable energy source works in the background, supporting the region's power supply.
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