Réserve naturelle nationale de la Grande Sassière
Explore the Natural Wonders of Réserve Naturelle Nationale de la Grande Sassière
Barrage de la Sassière: A High-Altitude Alpine Dam
Explore the high-altitude Barrage de la Sassière and its stunning lake, a gateway to hiking in the French Alps.
The Barrage de la Sassière, located near Tignes in the French Alps, is a rockfill dam that created the Lac de la Sassière. At an altitude of 2,460 meters, it offers stunning views and access to hiking trails in the Grande Sassière National Nature Reserve.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Barrage de la Sassière
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Tignes, 73320, FR
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Getting There
Car
From Tignes, follow the D902 towards Val d'Isère. After exiting the first tunnel, turn left towards 'le Franchet'. Drive through the hamlet of Villaret du Nial. After 1.25 km, at the fork for le Franchet, take the road that continues uphill to the parking du Saut. Parking is free. Note: This road is generally open from June to November.
Walking
From the parking du Saut, walk up the platforms to the barrier across the vehicle track. Follow the track towards the Barrage de la Sassière. The walk to the dam is a short, easy stroll. Footbridges are in place from late June to mid-September to assist with stream crossings.
Local tips
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Visit between late June and mid-September to ensure the footbridges are installed for easy access across streams.
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Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting; the area is home to chamois, ibex, and marmots.
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Pack layers, as the weather at 2,460 meters can change quickly, even in summer.
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Follow the marked trails within the Grande Sassière National Nature Reserve to protect the delicate alpine environment.
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Note that dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
Discover more about Barrage de la Sassière
The Barrage de la Sassière is a dam located in the Tarentaise Valley near Tignes, in the Savoie department of France. Situated at an altitude of 2,460 meters, the dam was built between 1955 and 1959, resulting in the creation of the Lac de la Sassière. The dam itself is a rockfill structure, 22.4 meters high and 315 meters long.
The Lac de la Sassière, the reservoir created by the dam, covers an area of 44 hectares and has a capacity of 10.5 million cubic meters. The lake serves as a water source for the Chevril and Saut power plants, forming part of a significant hydroelectric complex.
The location offers scenic views and serves as a starting point for various hikes in the Grande Sassière National Nature Reserve. Visitors can explore trails offering views of the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière and the surrounding alpine landscape. The area is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including chamois, ibex, and marmots.
The dam is accessible via a road leading to the parking du Saut, which is open from June to November. From the parking area, a wide path leads to the dam and lake.
A brief summary to Barrage de la Sassière
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