Barrage du Chastang et Espace EDF Odyssélec

The Chastang Dam: A Remarkable Industrial Site!

Near Argentat-sur-Dordogne, set out to explore the Chastang hydroelectric power station, one of the most powerful in the Dordogne Valley.

Discover the role of the Chastang Dam, its features, and the importance of hydroelectricity by visiting the inside of the dam and its ODYSSELEC space, open to the public.

This industrial gem, commissioned in 1951 after four years of construction, stands 79 meters high and 300 meters long at its crest, requiring 350,000 cubic meters of concrete for its construction. With a 31-kilometer-long reservoir (holding the equivalent of 75,000 Olympic swimming pools) and its three 50-ton "Francis" type turbines, the dam's annual production is equivalent to the residential consumption of 186,000 inhabitants. Additionally, a viewpoint offers a stunning panorama of this engineering marvel, surrounded by greenery.

There are several ways to explore this site:

• A paid guided tour of the power plant (reservation required, ages 8 and up): a guide will take you deep into the heart of this exceptional structure, explaining the workings of hydroelectricity.
• A visit to the Odyssélec space (as a complement to the guided tour), the former concierge house at the base of the dam, is a fun and educational area that will help you understand the workings of a dam and the various environmental, economic, political, and social issues tied to hydroelectricity.

Let yourself be tempted by this striking industrial site in our beloved Dordogne Valley.

Note: The tour includes stairs and sections in direct sunlight. It is not suitable for the elderly or those with reduced mobility.