Îlot Saint-Michel, Lake island with chapel in Chorges, France
Îlot Saint-Michel is a small island in the Serre-Ponçon reservoir featuring a stone chapel that rises from turquoise waters against Alpine peaks. The structure shows Romanesque architecture and remains visible from multiple angles, creating a distinctive focal point in the lake landscape.
The chapel was first built in the 11th century and underwent reconstruction in the 17th century. It survived the valley's flooding during the Serre-Ponçon dam construction in 1961 and remained at its original location.
The chapel was an important pilgrimage destination for residents from Chorges and Prunières, especially on September 29th for Saint Michael's feast day. This religious observance shaped local identity and drew believers from across the region.
Direct access to the island is not permitted, but visitors can view the chapel from various viewpoints along the lake shore or during boat trips on the reservoir. The best views are from the western shoreline areas when weather is clear.
A cemetery once stood near the chapel but was relocated before the valley flooded, making this island a symbol of preservation amid modernization. This deliberate rescue shows how much the place was valued.
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