ル・ソーゼ・デュ・ラックの湖・トップ18

Beautiful place in winter

Magical place

The Chanteloube viaduct, located on the Serre-Ponçon lake, is an unusual place. Built for a railway line that was never completed, this partially submerged viaduct offers a fascinating spectacle, with its arches reflected in the turquoise waters of the lake.

Very nice to pass over this bridge but pay attention to the traffic.

The loop to the Joubelle cabin is very pleasant to do, from the lake parking lot.

The Chanteloube viaduct, located in the town of Chorges, emerges like a silent vestige of a bygone era. Started in the early 1900s, it was initially intended to connect Chorges to Barcelonnette by rail. The project was finally abandoned in the 1930s. Each year, in the spring, as the lake swells from melting snow and seasonal rains, the viaduct disappears beneath the waters. However, in winter, when the lake level drops, the viaduct emerges from its aquatic lethargy, revealing its majestic arches and solid pillars.

The desire to establish a dam to tame the tumultuous waters of the Durance dates back to the 19th century. The creation of the lake marked the beginning of significant economic and tourism growth for the region. The site has quickly become an essential tourism destination in the Southern Alps. This work therefore makes Serre-Ponçon one of the largest artificial lakes in France and one of the largest earthen dams in Europe.

arch bridge built over Lake Serre-Ponçon in Hautes-Alpes, France. It connects the shores of the lake and offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Its construction was completed in 1961, and it has become an iconic symbol of the region, both for its functionality and its architectural beauty.