The Vienne river was not practical for such a project because of its narrow and steep-sided valley. However, the Maulde river, runing in a larger valley, offers the possibility to build up a very large water supply. To ensure the project energy profitability, it must be added with the building of a network of 21 dams, canals and underground tunnels.
This is how the works of the dam started in 1946. The lake will be flooded on Christmas eve 1950 to give birth to a reservoir of 1000 hectares and 106 millions m³ of water. The first turbine of the station was put in operation in 1951.
The lake seems so natural,
With its dented shores and wild islands as well as the installations of these works.
Indeed, we cross the dam like a bridge. You must take a break to understand its features : type of box cab design, 32,9m of height, 233m of crest and two automatic flap gates (spillways).
On its feet, no station, no processor, the landscape remains lush…
You must go to the Auphelle creek, Crozat port, to see a small square granit construction: it is the water intake. The water is taken here : it will travel 2,6km in an underground canal, then carry on its route via a pressure pipe of 610m before a fall of 252m towards three turbines installed in the underground station situated at Le Mazet hamlet, part of Peyrat-le-Château.
The average yearly electricity production of the station is 63Mw, meaning the yearly comsuption of a town of 40.000 inhabitants (like Brive). This sustainable and responsible energy avoids releasing 83.000 tons of CO2.
Other than the energy production, the Vassivière dam is used to regulate the Vienne river flow, supporting the low flow, in order to protect the fauna and flora upstream of the Civaux station (Vienne). It also became a major tourist spot offering a large range of activities.
Vassiviera proposes guided toursof the industrial site, the workings of the dam, its history, the staff work and the water management with free guided tours all year round.
Dive into the depths of the Vassiviera dam for an immersive and quirky experience.
If about fifteen houses, or “fires” as we call them, were demolished during the impoundment, hundreds more were built.
The human energy in this land concentrated to bring it to life and share it.
Did you know?
The memory of the place is engraved on a work created by Bernard CALET, in the sculpture park on Vassivière Island, on which there are also many granite remains.
Vassivière bears the name of the family who used to live on the island farm domain, where a large part of its land was flooded.
This memory remains in a masterpiece made by Bernard CALET, in the Vassivière island sculpture park in which we also find numerous granit remains.
