Étang de Soulcem, reservoir in France
Étang de Soulcem is an artificial reservoir in the French Pyrenees located near Auzat at about 1570 meters elevation, fed by melting snow and rainfall from surrounding peaks. A concrete dam holds back clear, turquoise-tinted waters that mirror the jagged mountains of Montcalm and Bassiès on opposite shores.
This reservoir was completed in the 1980s as a hydroelectric installation, submerging what was once grazing pasture and transforming local land use from agriculture to energy production. The dam continues to generate electricity through a drop of over 400 meters and protects the valley from flooding.
This body of water was created by human engineering yet now serves as a focal point in the valley, where locals and visitors find both recreation and connection to the mountainous landscape. The site represents a place where modern infrastructure and natural surroundings coexist without stark conflict.
Vehicles reach the reservoir via roads climbing gradually from Auzat, passing through switchbacks with mountain views. No lodging exists on-site, so visitors should plan for camping or mobile accommodations and bring warm layers since temperatures drop significantly at night, even during summer months.
A notable feature is the large overflow spillway shaped like a tulip on the right bank that evacuates excess water during heavy rainfall. This safety structure demonstrates the engineering ingenuity used to manage massive water volumes and remains visible from across the lake.
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