Îlot Saint-Michel, Lake island with chapel in Chorges, France
The Saint-Michel islet stands in the Serre-Ponçon reservoir, featuring a stone chapel that emerges from turquoise waters against a backdrop of Alpine mountains.
The chapel, initially built in the 11th century and reconstructed in the 17th century, survived the flooding of the valley during the creation of Serre-Ponçon dam in 1961.
The chapel served as a significant pilgrimage site every September 29th for residents of Chorges and Prunières, marking the celebration of Saint Michael's day.
While direct access to the islet is prohibited, visitors can observe the chapel from various viewpoints along the lake shore or during boat excursions on Serre-Ponçon.
A cemetery once existed near the chapel but was relocated before the valley's flooding, making this islet a testament to preservation amid modernization.
Location: Chorges
GPS coordinates: 44.52059,6.33317
Latest update: September 23, 2025 12:41
Lac de Serre-Ponçon
1.4 km
Demoiselles Coiffées de Pontis
2.3 km
Viaduc de Chanteloube
2.4 km
Savines Bridge
5.2 km
Barrage de Serre-Ponçon
7.4 km
Parc Animalier de Serre-Ponçon
5.5 km
Cirque de Morgon
8.1 km
Villard dolmen
5.7 km
Église Saint-Victor de Chorges
5.3 km
Fontaine de Chorges
5.3 km
Les Demoiselles Coiffées
3.2 km
Plage des Tremouilles
2 km
Bench
6.5 km
Monument départemental des Hautes-Alpes FNACA des Hautes-Alpes
1.3 km
Église Saint-Pélade de Montgardin
8.1 km
Église Saint-Apollinaire de Saint-Apollinaire
4.5 km
Chapelle du cimetière de Prunières
2.7 km
Église Saint-Jérôme de Pontis
2.6 km
Église Saint-Claude de l'Adroit de Pontis
4.8 km
Église de Prunières
2.6 km
Église Saint-Florent de Savines-le-Lac
5.7 km
Chapelle des Chaussins
5.6 km
Chapelle Saint-Michel
138 m
Église Notre-Dame de la Colle du Sauze-du-Lac
5.1 km
Torrent du Barnafret
5.1 km
Chapelle Sainte-Anne de Chérines
5.8 km
Chapelle Saint-Martin des Chappas
2.4 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes