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
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Welcome to the Year of the Pig
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It s Teacher Appreciation Week
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Celebrating a Paris landmark
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Travel Sunday: On the Ganges in Varanasi, India
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New Year’s Day in the land of the rising sun
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Protecting wildlife today and tomorrow
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The frog prince?
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National Park Week: Yosemite National Park, California
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Happy trees = Clean air
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The snows of Fuji
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Upstate autumn
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Celebrating whales—and a whale of a tale
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Long-eared owl in the Czech Republic
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These laurels are hardy
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Saksun, Faroe Islands, Denmark
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Here’s why landmarks are going dark
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Red fox
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An island for the birds
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World Turtle Day
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Groundhog Day
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Commemorating the life of a famous railroad conductor
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Bay Marker Lookout, Sydney Olympic Park, Australia
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A whale of a hug
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Whale hello there!
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Oh, the places you’ll go
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Porcupine
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A place called ‘Peace’ in India
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Patriot Day
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Sky island views
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A Festivus for the rest of us