Well normally it's a lake or, rather, a reservoir which was created in 1928 by building a barrage across the head of the valley through which the river Blavet runs to create a reservoir with a surface area of 304 hectares (750 acres approx) containing 51 million cubic metres of water. It supplies the water needs of 40% of the population of the département of Morbihan and the generating station in the barrage produces 15 Megawatts of electricity daily, sufficient to supply the needs of a town of 15,000 inhabitants.
Part of the River Blavet is canalised and forms part of the Nantes- Brest canal - there were 18 locks in the valley, now normally all submerged. There was also a thriving slate mine and the house you see in the picture belonged to John and Suzanne Thomas, the mine's owners; the ground floor is now buried under silt and sediment.
The reservoir was emptied in April for the first time in 30 years to allow some important safety work on the barrage. The buildings and the trees you see here have been submerged for 83 years. Due to improved technology, the reservoir will not need to be drained again for another 100 years so this is a chance in a lifetime to walk through this valley. I spent 6 hours today on a private guided tour with my photography club and it was a wonderful experience. During the 6 months the reservoir will be empty, it is expected that 4 million people will visit!
What a great opportunity! It must be amazing on person. I love the leading lines and all the different textures and different layers of soil. Looks great on black. Look forward to more pictures.
Fascinating to read about this area. What a terrific place for photography - unique time for all of us to be able to see it through your images. This one has such pleasing lines/curves and textures.
FAV .... all of the above comments are true and could not add to them... Wishing you happy photos during the 6 mos. and thank you for letting us experience this vicariously with you.
@snaphappi The track follows the line of the original canal towpath Maggie, so it has good foundations. As a matter of interest, this reservoir from the first lock - still in use by the way - to the barrage has a length of approximately 14 kilometres.
