It is accessible 24/7, but it might be kind of spooky in the dark! The lift even has an observation window where you can see the fish going through. Vacation in the heart of the famous seaside resort of Biarritz. In the visitor center, you can learn about the migrating fish, as well as the history of the dam and powerplant, and how it works. Dive into the French Basque experience before a cruise on the Garonne and Gironde Rivers. This is a “fish lift” that captures the fish in a tank and then rises to discharge them on the other side of the dam! Fish lifts and ladders at dams are essential to ensure the survival of many species. Several models of the site show you the evolution of hydroelectric facility construction techniques.Īt the Tuilières dam, near Bergerac, you can witness a unique experiment to help migrating fish, such sturgeon and salmon, make their way upstream to reproduce. In addition to showing you how the hydropower system works, a replica of a “dam builders shack” shows you the daily life and working conditions of early dam builders.

This dam also has a very original architecture and impressive dimensions: 290 meters long and 90 meters tall! In its visitor center, you have a great view of its hydroelectric machine room and how it works, and you can learn about energy conservation and environmental protection measures as well.įurther downstream, at the border between the Corrèze and the Cantal, the Barrage de l’Aigle (The Eagle dam) is also known as “the barrage of the resistance.” Its construction from 1935 to 1945, during World War II, was deliberately delayed by the Cantal armed Resistance to avoid providing the Nazis with additional energy.

Its lake is also one of the largest in France. Nine of these dams have visitor centers where you can learn about their roles in the production of electricity and their impact on the natural environment, as well as their history and how they work.Īt 120 m high, the Bort les Orgues dam in the Corrèze is the largest in the Dordogne Valley and the fourth largest in France.

Dordogne river france map