Lac de Carcès, Artificial reservoir in Var department, France.
Lake Carcès is an artificial reservoir created by damming the Caramy and Issole rivers in the 1930s, covering over 100 hectares with nearly 8 kilometers of shoreline and holding up to 8 million cubic meters of water.
Built between 1934 and 1939, this dam was constructed to supply drinking water to Toulon and surrounding towns, transforming the natural river confluence into a strategic water reserve for the region.
The lake serves as a vital drinking water source for local communities while hosting the annual Course du Lac running event, bringing together athletes and hikers in a celebration of sport and nature.
Swimming and boating are prohibited to maintain water quality standards, but fishing is permitted with specific licenses and seasonal quotas designed to protect the diverse aquatic ecosystem and fish populations.
The entire lake is drained every ten years for dam inspection and maintenance, a costly operation requiring temporary relocation of all fish species to ensure structural safety and operational integrity.
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