Lake Serre-Ponçon, known as the ‘Sea in the Mountains,’ was formed in 1961, when the Durance River was dammed to help prevent flooding in nearby communities. It’s considered one of the largest manmade lakes in Europe and is a major source of hydroelectric power, irrigation, and tourism. The historic Chapel of St. Michel, established in 1020 and rebuilt in the 17th century, survived the flooding of the valley—but it became an island destination in the process.
Chapel of St. Michel on Lake Serre-Ponçon, Hautes-Alpes, France
Today in History
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Casting a vote for women s history
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A tree amid the Tetons
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Make your way up a picturesque passageway of Chefchaouen
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It’s NASA’s 60th birthday
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Celebrating whales—and a whale of a tale
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Dark skies over New Mexico
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It’s Giving Tuesday
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Celebrating Minnesota’s statehood
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Merry Christmas!
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Birds of the Drömling
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A medieval Moorish gem
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From pirate port to nature preserve
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75 years of the United Nations
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A star blows a bubble
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On the Route of the Waterfalls
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Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
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Edinburgh festivals
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National Llama Day
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World Photography Day
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Aýna, Albacete, Spain
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Poinsettia Day
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Celebrating the Day of the Dead
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Bald cypress trees in Georgia
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Black bear cub emerging into spring
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Winterpret on ice
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Hawai i Volcanoes National Park at 106
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Baddest of the badlands
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Celebrating the UN’s International Day of Families
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Native American Heritage Month
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Looking back at Yellowstone, 30 years after the fires