Celles expropriated for a dam project

Celles, a small hamlet in the Hérault department of southern France, was expropriated in 1959 as part of a large dam project aimed at controlling the Salagou River. The dam was built between 1964 and 1969 to create an artificial lake that would provide irrigation for nearby farmland.

Dam created an artificial lake

The dam was designed to form an artificial lake, which would help secure water for the surrounding agricultural areas. The project was a major infrastructure effort at the time, reflecting the needs of rural development in the region.

Village expected to be submerged

Celles, situated between 143 and 144 meters in elevation, was expected to be submerged as part of the dam project. The village was among the areas targeted for relocation, as the lake was anticipated to cover this region.

Lake level left village above water

However, in 1996, the official exploitation level of the lake was set at 139 meters, which meant that Celles remained above the water level. This discrepancy led to the village being emptied of its 80 inhabitants, who were ordered to leave even though their homes were not actually submerged.

Efforts to revive the village

Joëlle Goudal, who took over the management of Celles in 1995, has been working to revive the village. She proposed an eco-village project to accommodate about twenty families, aiming to bring new life to the abandoned hamlet.

Village remains a ghost town

Despite these efforts, the village remains a ghost town, with some residents trying to restore buildings and hold occasional events. The story of Celles highlights the complex impact of administrative decisions on communities and the irony of a village sacrificed for a dam that ultimately did not submerge it.