Man meets nature: the Barrage de Roselend

The Lac de Carouge campsite is the starting point for a wide range of activities. On this site, under the heading ‘nearby’, you’ll find everything you can do to make your holiday an unforgettable experience. We can imagine that, tempting as it may seem, you don’t want to spend every day at our campsite. Just a stone’s throw from your mobile home, tent or camper van, you can see that nature is a powerful and marvellous phenomenon, which follows its own path and which, over the centuries, has created the varied landscape that surrounds us.

Mont-Blanc, the Rhône and the mountain pastures form a magical whole. Man has tamed them, exploited them and adapted to them. A good example of this is the research and production of natural energy sources. And you can see it with your own eyes! Because it’s here, in the beautiful and multi-faceted department of Savoie, that you’ll find the impressive Roselend dam, the fourth-largest dam in France, just over an hour’s drive away.

A brief history

The dam was designed by the famous project developers Coyne et Bellier. Construction of this spectacular piece of functional architecture, characterised by its arched supports, began in 1955. The dam was created at the foot of the Cormet de Roselend pass, after which flooding began in 1960. A year later, electricity was generated and finally, in 1962, construction was completed. For almost 50 years, the dam has been supplying the surrounding region with green electricity. Water flows from Lac de Roselend through a 13-kilometre-long tunnel to the underground La Bâthie hydroelectric power station. Six turbines with generators of 91 MW each have been installed in this power station.

Historic heritage at the foot of Mont Blanc

The dam has a maximum height of 150 metres and a width of around 80 metres. The reservoir holds 187,000,000 cubic metres of water! Nestled between the Alps with its mountain pastures and a view of Mont Blanc, this miracle of human engineering naturally forms an idyllic picture: here, man and nature meet. It’s a historic heritage site right next door, so it’s a must-see from our campsite!

Everyone can do something around the lake

What’s more, there’s plenty to do around the lake. Lac de Roselend, for example, has become a popular fishing spot. The turquoise waters are home to salmon-like fish. Speaking of salmon: if you’re hungry or thirsty for a whole day on or around the water, there are plenty of restaurants around the lake. Almost all of them offer impressive views of the surrounding area. What’s more, there’s a lovely four-kilometre family walking trail around the lake. Parking nearby is no problem. Picnics are also permitted and even recommended.

Climbing by bike, or even without a bike

For those who want to be more active and adventurous around the dam and more, and a ride isn’t enough: you can hire a mountain bike here and conquer the Cornet de Roselend on the pedals. Many participants in the Tour de France have already preceded you, but this is not the most difficult route there is. You can also go horse riding, paragliding and mountaineering. The via ferrata is also very popular here.

Beaufort cheese

Last but not least, the village of Beaufort cannot be ignored. The dam is located in the municipality, in the middle of the famous cheese-making region of the same name. Make the most of your stay to discover the different cheeses of Savoie. Beaufort here, but also Tomme de Savoie and Abondance. Mont Blanc, a delicious piece of cheese, paragliding, a sample of human progress – there’s so much to see and do in a place that’s easily accessible from Lac de Carouge. Savoie proves time and again to be a versatile and special region. Would you like to find out more or make a reservation? Just drop us a line.