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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A unique perspective from Italy’s ‘golden sands’
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Looking down on the Otter
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Kelp buddies
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New Year s Eve in Sydney, Australia
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The mountain of 30,000 sakura
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Helloooooo, Innsbruck
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Ronda, Spain
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Ukrainian Independence Day
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World Otter Day
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The Millennium at 20
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Jerte Valley in bloom
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Poinsettia Day
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Commemorating the life of a famous railroad conductor
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An avian predator built for the snow
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Celebrating World Wildlife Day
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Busy building wetlands
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India Republic Day
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Hallstatt, Austria
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A willowy welcome to spring
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Wild scene on the Merced River
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Raise your hand for Teacher Appreciation Day
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Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, Australia
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Remembering the Velvet Revolution
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Satellite image of sand and seaweed in the Bahamas
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Cape Town at dusk
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Tall, taller, tallest
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Trevi in bloom
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The old guard at Old San Juan
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A most sincere pumpkin patch
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It s a good day to be green