The ‘Barrage de l'Aigle’ (dam)
The ‘Barrage de l'Aigle’ (dam), a great technical achievement
The ‘Barrage de l’Aigle’ dam on the River Dordogne is the most powerful hydroelectric installation in the valley. The arch-gravity construction, which straddles the ‘départements’ of Corrèze and Cantal, was built during the Second World War and opened on 15 October 1945. The colossal architectural achievement has a volume of 220 million cubic metres of water and covers an area of 25km². Its maximum height is 84m, its crest length is 289m with 2 ski-jump spillways.
This impressive construction is marked by the history of France. Nicknamed the « Barrage de la Résistance », it is proof of the willingness of French people who continued to build it in spite of the war to allow the country to benefit from new energy resources after liberation.
EDF offers free visits of the dam. Children can marvel at the immensity of the dam and the power of the water while grown-ups discover how a hydro-electric dam works and the history of this rather special dam.
You have a choice of two free discovery trails to visit the Barrage de l’Aigle. The first one is an outdoor one which takes you from the viewing point on the crest of the dam down to the foot of the construction. The viewing point has magnificent views over the Dordogne Valley and also features an interpretation trail about the history of the dam and a picnic area. The second discovery trail takes place from the interior : in a 1945 workman’s hut and in the resistants’ laboratory. You can also see models of the Barrage de l’Aigle.
If you would like to know more about the production and workings of hydro-electricity, EDF offers engine room visit by prior arrangement only. The power station can produce enough electricity for 130,000 people for a year.
The Barrage de l'Aigle - Barrage de la Résistance
The Barrage de l’Aigle is also known as the « Barrage de la Résistance ». It left its mark on the pages of history ! During its construction in WW2 it welcomed escaped prisoners, patriots, STO recusants, Spanish and Italian anti-fascists. In 1942 in liaison with London, the dam became part of a clandestine network which aimed to bring together volunteers to fight against the enemy. A memorial commemorates this episode by paying tribute to the builders who were members of the Resistance.
You can also enjoy the abundant wildlife of the upper Dordogne Valley on a 6km walk lasting 2 hours starting from Chalvignac. The area is recognised as a nature reserve by UNESCO.
The owners of the Gîtes de France accommodation where you stay are always delighted to suggest where to go and what to do in the vicinity of the Barrage de l’Aigle or a little further afield like Puy Mary, an ‘absolute must’, or following the River Dordogne as far as Château de Val…
For more information about the Barrage de l’Aigle, please contact the Office du Tourisme du Pays de Mauriac on 04.71.68.19.87. To book a visit to the engine room, ring EDF on 05.34.39.88.70. These visits are restricted to adults and children over 12; cameras and rucksacks are forbidden at the site for security reasons."
