The lake was created in 1961 by the construction of a 123-meter high earth-fill dam, the largest of its kind in Europe at the time.
To create the reservoir, the village of Savines was submerged, necessitating the construction of a new town, Savines-le-Lac, and an iconic long-span bridge.
The Chapel of Saint-Michel is the only remaining structure from the flooded village of Ubaye, which was demolished before the basin was filled.
The lake serves as a vital water reserve for the Provence region, supplying irrigation for agricultural land as far south as the Mediterranean coast.
The dam itself is an earth-fill structure containing 14 million cubic meters of material, designed to withstand significant seismic activity.
Lac de Serre-Ponçon is the largest artificial reservoir in France by surface area, covering approximately 2,800 hectares. Created by the damming of the Durance and Ubaye rivers, the lake serves as a critical hydroelectric power source and irrigation reservoir. It is situated within the Southern French Alps, characterized by distinct blue waters surrounded by high-altitude peaks. The site incorporates the Chapel of Saint-Michel, a historical relic that sits on an islet accessible via a causeway or boat depending on water levels. Summer water temperatures typically reach 23 degrees Celsius, making it a hub for swimming, windsurfing, and kayaking. Several managed beaches, such as Plage des Eaux Douces, provide infrastructure for visitors. The surrounding landscape features the geological phenomenon of 'Demoiselles Coiffées,' or fairy chimneys, formed by erosion.
The view from the Savines-le-Lac bridge looking toward the Saint-Michel Chapel and the surrounding peaks.
Rent a boat or a pedal boat to visit the Chapel of Saint-Michel, as the islet is the most iconic point on the lake.
Check local water level alerts before visiting in late autumn, as the reservoir capacity fluctuates significantly for hydroelectric maintenance.
Visit the 'Musée Muséoscope du Lac' to see historical footage of the construction and the villages that were submerged.
Do not attempt to swim in areas near the dam or hydroelectric intake valves due to strong currents and safety restrictions.
Water sports and swimming facilities are primarily operational from May through September; the reservoir level is at its highest in late spring.
Respect protected natural zones near the shorelines; follow marked swimming boundaries; dispose of all waste properly.
