Lac de Montbel, Reservoir lake near Chalabre, France.
Lac de Montbel is a reservoir south of Chalabre in southwestern France with turquoise-colored water. The basin stretches for several kilometers and is bordered by forested hillsides and sloping shores.
The reservoir was built between 1982 and 1985 as a dam to support irrigation for farming areas in the region. The project combined modern engineering techniques with the water needs of local agriculture.
The lake sits within a region dotted with medieval fortresses and ancient villages that visitors can explore nearby. These historical sites shape the local character and reflect the area's deep connection to its past.
The lake has two swimming areas along its shores with access to water sports like paddling, canoeing, and pedal boats. Visitors should explore the paths on both sides and seek shade during hot sun, as the lake is mostly open and exposed.
When water levels drop, the shores reveal old tree stumps and pale clay deposits that look like fossil traces. These layers tell of the former forest that covered the valley before it was flooded.
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