The Eagle Dam
The Eagle Dam
The ‘Barrage de l'Aigle’ (dam), a great technical achievement
The Aigle dam, a technical feat
The Aigle dam on the Dordogne is the most powerful hydroelectric structure in the valley. It is located in France, partly in the commune of Soursac in Corrèze and partly in the commune of Chalvignac in Cantal. Built during the Second World War, it was inaugurated on October 15, 1945. EDF and Tourisme Haute-Corrèze invite you to visit the Aigle dam by opening its doors to you... Come and discover this colossal architectural work with a capacity of 220 million m3 of water, covering an area of 25 km². It has a maximum head of 95 metres and a crest length of 290 m, with 2 ski jump weirs.
This impressive structure is a brand in French history. Nicknamed the " Dam of the Resistance ", it bears witness to the determination of the French who, despite the war, continued building the dam to enable liberated France to benefit from new energy resources.
A visit to the dam is suitable for families, and while Kids aged 8 and over will be amazed by the size of the dam and the power of the water, adults will discover how a hydroelectric dam works and the history of this particular dam.
Towering majestically over the Dordogne valley, the Aigle dam invites you on a journey of discovery that's as spectacular as it is rewarding.
With free access, the first outdoor tour takes you to the lookout point on the dam's crest. From here, the panorama opens out onto an imposing landscape, while a scenographic tour immerses you in the history and secrets of the construction of this impressive structure. The walk continues to the foot of the dam, to better understand its magnitude, and concludes with a convivial picnic area.
To take your exploration a step further, a second tour takes you into the heart of the dam. The 1945 workers' hut and the resistance fighters' laboratory, freely accessible, tell the story of the daily lives and commitment of the men who have marked the site's history. Models also illustrate the ingenuity of the dam's design.
A visit to the dam factory is available at an additional cost.
If you'd like to find out more about the production and operation of hydroelectricity, contact Tourisme Haute-Corrèze 05 19 60 00 30 or visit their website Tourisme Haute-Corrèze for a guided tour of the Aigle dam factory (ticket required).
The Barrage de l'Aigle - Barrage de la Résistance
The Aigle Dam - the Resistance Dam
The Aigle dam, a reminder of the past, is also known as the "Resistance Dam". It has branded a page of history! During its construction in the Second World War, it was home to escaped prisoners, patriots, STO draft dodgers and Spanish and Italian anti-fascist activists. In 1942, in liaison with London, the dam took part in a clandestine network whose aim was to gather volunteers to fight the enemy. A commemorative stele commemorates this episode, paying tribute to the polytechnicians who took part in the Resistance movement.
You can also enjoy the flora and fauna sheltered by the Dordogne on a 2-hour, 6km walk starting from Chalvignac. You'll discover the richness of the upper Dordogne valley, classified as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, with its birdlife and flora..
The owners of the Gîtes de France® accommodation you'll be staying in will be delighted to give you ideas for visits or must-see tourist sites close to the Aigle dam or a little further afield, such as the unmissable Puy Mary or a gabare trip to Spontour or the Viaduc des Rochers Noirs (recently restored) or follow the course of the Dordogne to the Château de Val..
To find out more about this monumental edifice, we invite you to contact Tourisme Haute-Corrèze on 05 19 60 00 30 or thePays de Mauriac tourist office on 04 71 68 19 87. Tickets can be purchased directly from Tourisme Haute-Corrèze.
The tour is open to adults and Kids aged 8 and over. For safety reasons, cameras and cell phones are not allowed on site. Flat, closed-toe shoes must be worn, and adults will be asked to show proof of age during the visit.
