The Durance Canal is a group of canals, dams and power stations, from Serre-Ponçon to the Berre pond. Since the developments of 1960, the Durance has participated in the development of agriculture, the economy and tourism in a vast territory.
Description
The Durance Canal crosses the territory of the Haute-Provence Geopark and leaves the mark of man in a valley which, since time immemorial, has been a transport route between the Alps and Provence.
In the Middle Ages, the Durance was the "third scourge of Provence," after the Parliament and the Mistral! Since the developments carried out since the 1960s, it has calmed down and contributes to the development of agriculture, the economy, and tourism across a vast territory. Its waters, combined with those of the Verdon, supply drinking water to the main cities of Provence, including Marseille and Aix, and contribute significantly to national hydroelectric production.
The Durance Canal is a series of canals, dams, and power stations, from Serre-Ponçon—Europe's largest artificial lake—to the Étang de Berre. It includes the Curbans Canal, the Sisteron Canal, and the Oraison Canal. A special feature is the "Galerie des Mées" (Mées Gallery) which was dug to cross the village, through the mountain while skirting Les Pénitents, for nearly 3 km.
Rates / opening
Prices
Free access.