Submerged village under Chevril dam

In 1952, the village of Tignes was submerged under 230 million cubic meters of water to create the Chevril dam, an 180-meter-high structure designed to generate electricity for post-war France.

Displacement of original residents

The residents of Tignes were relocated without negotiation and many felt the compensation was inadequate. They were moved higher into the mountains, where they established new settlements: Tignes les Boisses and Tignes le Lac.

New settlements and ski resort

The new locations, situated at high altitude near the Grande Motte glacier, eventually became an internationally renowned ski resort. The high elevation and proximity to the glacier allowed for year-round skiing, contributing to the area's popularity.

Loss of local history

The construction of the Chevril dam submerged a century of local history, including the village’s church, hamlets, fields, and ancestral customs. The artificial lake, Chevril lake, still fluctuates with the seasons, sometimes revealing ghostly remains of the old village.

Legacy of displacement

The residents experienced a sense of injustice and a rupture in their identity due to the forced relocation. However, they gradually rebuilt new hamlets in the mountains, which became popular ski destinations.

Silent reminder of the past

The old village remains at the bottom of the Chevril lake, serving as a silent reminder of the price paid for the area’s economic success. Each year, when the water level drops, some remains resurface, offering a tangible reminder of what was sacrificed.