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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Village reappears

Lac du Chevril Tignes
Best Time
Village reappears

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

⏳ 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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
Near the lake
Witness powerful waterfalls cascading into the lake, creating a spectacular natural display, especially after rain.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything: Witness the Lake's Transformation
Embrace the Elements: Prepare for Alpine Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ 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.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning mountain vistas and unique village ruins.
🚗 Scenic Road Trip
The road between Tignes and Val d'Isère offers beautiful viewpoints of the lake.
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!
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Exploring the exposed village or dam area requires good footwear.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning mountain vistas and unique village ruins.
🚗 Scenic Road Trip
The road between Tignes and Val d'Isère offers beautiful viewpoints of the lake.
🚶♀️ Hike to the Dam
Walkable from Tignes 1800 (Les Biosses) for close-up dam views.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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).
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.
Yes, driving is a convenient way to reach Lac du Chevril. The road offers beautiful views and there are designated scenic stopping points.
Exploring by car allows you to stop at various viewpoints. For a more immersive experience, consider hiking or biking along the lake's perimeter.
Parking is available at designated viewpoints and near access points to the dam and lake. It's advisable to arrive early during peak season.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
There is no entrance fee to view the Tignes Dam from the exterior. You can drive or walk across parts of it.
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.
While official guided tours might be limited, local information centers in Tignes may offer insights or suggest self-guided exploration routes.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
You might spot local wildlife such as chamois, especially during quieter times of the day.
Absolutely! The road between Tignes and Val d'Isère offers numerous scenic stopping points. The dam itself also provides dramatic photo opportunities.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Yes, picnicking is a great option! Pack your own food and enjoy the stunning scenery. Remember to take all your trash with you.
Tignes offers a variety of dining options, from casual creperies to fine dining restaurants, catering to different tastes and budgets.
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.
In the Savoie region, look for local cheeses like Beaufort and Reblochon, as well as hearty Savoyard dishes like fondue and raclette.
📸 📸 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.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Drone regulations can vary. Always check local rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes and the dam. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Scenic Drivers
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Submerged History: Old Tignes Village
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.
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.
Engineering Marvel: The Tignes Dam
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.
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.
Nature's Spectacle: Waterfalls and Wildlife
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.
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.






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