Lac du Chevril Tignes
1 / 10

Lac du Chevril Tignes

4.7
·106 reviews·Tignes, France

Lac du Chevril in Tignes: a vast alpine lake with a dramatic dam, revealing a submerged village when water levels drop.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late Autumn/Early Spring

Village reappears

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Lac du Chevril Tignes

Lac du Chevril Tignes

Best Time

Late Autumn/Early Spring

Village reappears

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Lac du Chevril in Tignes: a vast alpine lake with a dramatic dam, revealing a submerged village when water levels drop.

4.7
(106 reviews)

"A truly unique experience, witnessing the 'ghost village' emerge from the depths of the lake."

Vertical photo
TIP

⏳ Check Lake Levels

The visibility of the old village depends on water levels. Check local reports before your visit!

🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Exploring the exposed village or dam area requires good footwear.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Exposed Village of Old Tignes

The Exposed Village of Old Tignes

Lac du Chevril

When the lake drains, the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the submerged village of Tignes reappear, offering a rare glimpse into the past.

The Majestic Tignes Dam

The Majestic Tignes Dam

Lac du Chevril

An impressive feat of engineering, the dam offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding French Alps.

Cascades du Lac du Chevril

Cascades du Lac du Chevril

Near the lake

Witness powerful waterfalls cascading into the lake, creating a spectacular natural display, especially after rain.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything: Witness the Lake's Transformation

The Lac du Chevril's appearance dramatically changes. When the water levels are low, the remnants of the old Tignes village emerge, offering a unique historical glimpse. Plan your visit around these periods for a truly special experience.

Embrace the Elements: Prepare for Alpine Conditions

Tignes is an alpine destination, so weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers, waterproofs, and sturdy footwear, especially if you plan on hiking or exploring the dam. Check forecasts before you go.

Best Times

When
Late Autumn/Early Spring
Why
Village reappears
Crowd
Low
When
Summer Mornings
Why
Clear skies, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Our top picks for Tignes 👀 Comment what resort you want to see next 🏔️ #tignes #skiseason #winter #frenchalps #season2425
@nucotravel
10.4K likes • 294.6K views

⏳ Check Lake Levels

The visibility of the old village depends on water levels. Check local reports before your visit! Instagram

🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Exploring the exposed village or dam area requires good footwear. Reddit

Ce pont est normalement sous les eaux 🤯 En effet, l'histoire du village englouti sous le lac du Chevril en Savoie est assez fascinante et émouvante. Le village en question est Tignes, qui a été submergé dans les années 1950 lors de la construction du barrage de Tignes. Cette décision a été prise pour répondre aux besoins croissants en électricité de la France de l'après-guerre. Le vieux village ...
savoietourisme
0 likes • 12.3K views
UNE INCROYABLE CASCADE ! Particulièrement puissante cette cascade du déversoir de la Revirette qui se jette dans le lac du Chevril à Tignes (Haute Tarentaise-Savoie-France)... Un très grand merci à Yves Nadaud et à la très belle page Parc national de la Vanoise pour cette vidéo. N'hésitez pas à la visiter ! #cascade #montagne #impressionnante
laplaceduvillagetv
62 likes • 1.1K views

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera for stunning mountain vistas and unique village ruins. Instagram

🚗 Scenic Road Trip

The road between Tignes and Val d'Isère offers beautiful viewpoints of the lake. Reddit

Lac du Chevril 🆚 Lac de Tignes Lequel préférez-vous ? 😍
alpapart_residences
41 likes • 2.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

⏳ Check Lake Levels

The visibility of the old village depends on water levels. Check local reports before your visit! Instagram

🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Exploring the exposed village or dam area requires good footwear. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera for stunning mountain vistas and unique village ruins. Instagram

🚗 Scenic Road Trip

The road between Tignes and Val d'Isère offers beautiful viewpoints of the lake. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hike to the Dam

Walkable from Tignes 1800 (Les Biosses) for close-up dam views. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(106 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the stunning views of the lake and the impressive Tignes Dam. The unique opportunity to see the remnants of the submerged village when water levels are low is a major draw, offering a fascinating glimpse into history. Some find the surrounding mountain scenery particularly beautiful and relaxing.

"Very nice view from the Dam"

Jānis “Vincenzo”

"Drove past the lake on the way up to the Tignes Resort as well as when heading towards Val d'Isere. It's a fairly large lake with nice views of the mountain range. There are scenic stopping points on the road between Tignes and Val d'Isere.
The gondola from the Tignes Breveries also has quite nice views of the lake and dam. It looked like it was walkable to the dam from the Tignes 1800 area (Les Biosses).
There is also a dam on the Tignes side of the lake, which you drive over to get to the resort."

Benedict Uy

"Amazing view on damn"

Domagoj Mauzner

What People Like

Spectacular lake views
Impressive dam
Unique village ruins

What People Dislike

Limited amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lac du Chevril is easily accessible by car from Tignes. The road between Tignes and Val d'Isère runs alongside the lake, offering scenic stopping points. You can also access parts of the lake and dam from the Tignes 1800 area (Les Biosses). Reddit

While direct public transport to the lake itself might be limited, local buses serving Tignes and Val d'Isère will get you close. From there, you can walk or cycle to the lake. TikTok

Yes, driving is a convenient way to reach Lac du Chevril. The road offers beautiful views and there are designated scenic stopping points. Reddit

Exploring by car allows you to stop at various viewpoints. For a more immersive experience, consider hiking or biking along the lake's perimeter. Instagram

Parking is available at designated viewpoints and near access points to the dam and lake. It's advisable to arrive early during peak season. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, visiting Lac du Chevril and viewing the dam from the outside is free of charge. Access to the old village ruins is also free when the water levels are low. Instagram

Lac du Chevril is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, the visibility of the submerged village is dependent on water levels. Instagram

There is no entrance fee to view the Tignes Dam from the exterior. You can drive or walk across parts of it. Reddit

The old village of Tignes is only visible when the water levels of Lac du Chevril are significantly lowered, typically in late autumn or early spring for maintenance. Instagram

While official guided tours might be limited, local information centers in Tignes may offer insights or suggest self-guided exploration routes. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy scenic drives, photography, hiking around the lake, and exploring the exposed ruins of the old Tignes village when water levels are low. Instagram+1

The dam is a large structure. While you can drive over parts of it, exercise caution and be aware of traffic. Stick to designated paths when exploring. Reddit

You might spot local wildlife such as chamois, especially during quieter times of the day. Instagram

Absolutely! The road between Tignes and Val d'Isère offers numerous scenic stopping points. The dam itself also provides dramatic photo opportunities. InstagramReddit

Dress in layers as alpine weather can change quickly. Waterproofs and sturdy walking shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to explore the dam or the exposed village. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities directly at Lac du Chevril itself. You'll find a range of restaurants and cafes in the nearby resorts of Tignes and Val d'Isère. TikTok

Yes, picnicking is a great option! Pack your own food and enjoy the stunning scenery. Remember to take all your trash with you. Reddit

Tignes offers a variety of dining options, from casual creperies to fine dining restaurants, catering to different tastes and budgets. TikTok

It's best to stock up on food and drinks in Tignes or Val d'Isère before heading to the lake, as amenities are scarce in the immediate vicinity of the dam. Reddit

In the Savoie region, look for local cheeses like Beaufort and Reblochon, as well as hearty Savoyard dishes like fondue and raclette. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The dam itself offers dramatic perspectives. The road between Tignes and Val d'Isère has numerous pull-offs with stunning lake and mountain views. When the village is exposed, it's a unique photographic subject. InstagramReddit

Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. Always check local rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone in the area. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes and the dam. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Instagram

The most unique opportunity is photographing the exposed ruins of the old Tignes village when the lake is drained. The powerful waterfalls are also a dramatic subject. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lac du Chevril offers a unique educational experience for families. When the water levels are low, children can be fascinated by the 'ghost village' of old Tignes, sparking their imagination about history and change. Instagram The sheer scale of the dam is also impressive for younger visitors. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear for exploring uneven terrain. Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers & Scenic Drivers

The drive along Lac du Chevril, particularly the route between Tignes and Val d'Isère, is a highlight for road trippers. Numerous scenic pull-offs allow you to stop, admire the lake, and capture stunning photographs of the dam and surrounding mountains. Reddit It's an ideal route for a leisurely drive, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts

For hikers, the area around Lac du Chevril provides beautiful trails with varying difficulty levels. You can embark on hikes that offer panoramic views of the lake and the Tarentaise Valley. Instagram The chance to see the exposed village or spot local wildlife adds an extra layer of adventure to any trek. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Submerged History: Old Tignes Village

The Lac du Chevril is not just a body of water; it's a historical archive. In the 1950s, the village of Tignes was intentionally submerged to create a reservoir for the Tignes Dam, a crucial source of hydroelectric power for the region. This drastic measure displaced the entire community, forever changing the landscape and its history. Instagram

When the lake's water levels are significantly lowered, typically for dam maintenance or during dry periods, the haunting remnants of the old village emerge from the depths. Visitors can then walk among the ghostly structures, seeing the foundations of homes, churches, and streets that once formed a vibrant community. This rare phenomenon offers a poignant and unique perspective on the impact of infrastructure development on local life. Instagram

Experiencing the exposed village is a powerful reminder of the past. It's a chance to connect with the history of Tignes in a way that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant. Always check local conditions for when the village might be visible, as it's not a constant feature. Instagram

Engineering Marvel: The Tignes Dam

The Tignes Dam, a massive concrete arch dam, is a significant engineering achievement. Standing at 181 meters high, it was once the tallest arch dam in France. Its construction was essential for harnessing the power of the Isère river and providing electricity to a growing region. Instagram

The dam's scale is impressive, and driving or walking across it offers commanding views of the vast Lac du Chevril and the surrounding alpine peaks. It serves as a vital piece of infrastructure, yet also creates a dramatic man-made feature within the natural beauty of the French Alps. Reddit

Visitors can appreciate the dam's engineering prowess from various vantage points. The road connecting Tignes and Val d'Isère crosses over the dam, providing easy access and spectacular photo opportunities. Instagram

Nature's Spectacle: Waterfalls and Wildlife

Beyond the dam and the submerged village, Lac du Chevril is surrounded by the raw beauty of the French Alps. During wetter periods, particularly after snowmelt or rainfall, impressive waterfalls cascade down the rocky slopes into the lake. These natural spectacles add another layer of dynamism to the landscape. Instagram+1

The area is also a habitat for local wildlife. Keep an eye out for chamois, ibex, and various bird species that inhabit the alpine environment. Early mornings or late afternoons are often the best times for wildlife spotting, offering a chance to see these animals in their natural setting. Instagram

For those who enjoy the outdoors, the region offers opportunities for hiking and simply immersing oneself in the stunning natural scenery. The combination of dramatic water features and potential wildlife encounters makes Lac du Chevril a rewarding destination for nature lovers. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2