The day they flooded Tignes and created the dam

Nestled high in the French Alps, Tignes is now synonymous with skiing and world-class alpine sports, but beneath this winter wonderland lies a story of displacement and sacrifice. The construction of the Tignes Dam, or *Barrage de Tignes*, marked a turning point in the region’s history, both in terms of engineering prowess and the impact it had on the people who once called the original village of Tignes their home.

After World War II, France faced a massive task of reconstruction and rebuilding its economy. To support this, the French government looked to increase its production of hydroelectric power, which was seen as a clean and efficient source of energy. The Rhône River, which flowed through the Alps, offered significant potential, and plans for a series of dams, including one at Tignes, were put in place.

The dam was designed to harness the power of the Isère River, a tributary of the Rhône, and create the Lac du Chevril reservoir. Construction of the dam began in 1948, and when completed in 1952, it stood at an impressive 180 meters tall, making it one of the largest in Europe at the time. The dam was not just a symbol of post-war recovery; it became a significant source of electricity for the region and the country at large.

While the dam’s construction was an engineering marvel, it came at a cost. The village of Tignes, which had existed for centuries, was located in the valley that would soon be flooded to create the dam’s reservoir. For the 400 or so villagers who lived there, it meant that their homes, farmlands, and the history of their ancestors would be lost beneath the waters.

The decision to submerge Tignes was met with resistance. The villagers fought hard to save their homes, appealing to the government, and even organizing protests. However, the needs of a growing nation’s energy supply outweighed the preservation of the small alpine village.

In 1952, the evacuation order was given, and the inhabitants of Tignes were forced to leave. Many were relocated to a new village, built nearby, known today as Tignes-les-Boisses. Despite the protests and the emotional toll, the authorities pressed forward. The church, the school, and homes were demolished, and by April of 1952, the valley was flooded.

One of the most poignant moments in this chapter of history was the final farewell to the village. Before the floodwaters began to rise, the church bells of Tignes rang out one last time. This event became a symbol of the villagers’ sorrow and loss. It was a poignant reminder that beneath the artificial lake lay the bones of a community that had existed for generations.

The bell-ringing ceremony drew national attention, with journalists and politicians gathering to witness the final moments of the old Tignes. For many, it was a tragic illustration of progress taking precedence over the past.

Though the physical village of Tignes was lost, the people who had once lived there were determined to keep their community alive. Many relocated to the newly constructed village, while others moved further afield. Over time, Tignes transformed into one of the world’s most famous ski resorts, attracting millions of visitors each year. The new Tignes, made up of several smaller hamlets including Tignes-le-Lac and Val Claret, became a hub for winter sports and alpine tourism.

For the former residents of the original village, there remained a sense of loss, but also pride in the fact that their home had contributed to France’s recovery and modernization.

Today, the Lac du Chevril, formed by the Tignes Dam, is a serene and stunning alpine lake, with the dam standing tall as a reminder of the past. Every few years, during times of low water levels, remnants of the old village re-emerge from beneath the water, a ghostly reminder of what once was.

In recent decades, memorials and commemorations have been held to honor the former residents and to ensure that the story of Tignes is not forgotten. What was once a remote alpine village is now part of a global destination, but the memory of its history continues to resonate.

The creation of the Tignes Dam is a story of both triumph and tragedy. On one hand, it symbolizes France’s post-war revival and its commitment to modern energy solutions. On the other, it represents the sacrifices made by a small village and its people. As tourists carve down the slopes of Tignes, few may realize that they are skiing above the submerged history of an alpine village, but the story of Tignes endures, beneath the water and in the memories of those who lived through its transformation.