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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March of the flowers
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Summer winds down in the Southern Hemisphere
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Summer winds down in the Southern Hemisphere
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Finding a balance between wetlands and water treatment
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Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
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Terraced rice fields, Yuanyang County, China
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Roques de Benet, Els Ports Natural Park, Catalonia, Spain
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Plum blossoms in China
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Celebrating Helsinki’s birthday at the Kiasma Museum
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Love on ice
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Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
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Full moon
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Bask in the glow—It s World Turtle Day
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Grand finish of Le Tour
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A monastery in the mountain
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International Mountain Day
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Mexico celebrates its Independence Day
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Iceberg off the coast of Antarctica
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A river runs through it
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Dark Sky Week
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Overlooking the Douro
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Keep your hands inside the ride at all times…
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Big sky at Big Bend
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A duckling swimming in a water meadow, Suffolk, England
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Our Lady of the Rocks
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Who s there? The largest owl in the world
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Hello, spring!
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An octagonal architectural treasure
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Don’t get lost in there
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Leaves of Grass
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A water loch-ed castle
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Seville, Spain
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World Octopus Day
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Stepping into autumn
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A bison preserve
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Spring comes to the Palouse
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Endangered Species Day
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Find a Rainbow Day