Mont Cenis dam, Hydroelectric embankment dam in Val-Cenis, France
Mont Cenis is a stone embankment dam that stretches 1,400 meters and holds a significant water reservoir in the French Alps. The construction varies in width and serves as a major barrier that contains water for multiple purposes.
Construction began in 1960 and finished in 1963 as France expanded hydroelectric power after the war. It became part of the alpine infrastructure built during that era to generate electricity from mountain water.
The dam's massive presence shapes how people experience the alpine valley and reminds visitors of human influence on mountain landscapes. The water surface has become a defining feature that locals and travelers recognize immediately.
Winter months make access difficult because snow and mountain conditions often block roads in the area. Plan your visit during warmer seasons and check road conditions before traveling.
The dam powers turbines that generate electricity for both France and Italy, showing cross-border energy cooperation. This shared arrangement makes it an example of practical teamwork between neighboring countries.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
