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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Spring comes to the Diablo foothills
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A long winter’s nap, perhaps?
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A ‘city’ within Valencia
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Let the harvest begin
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World Book Day
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Keyholes to the kingdom
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Jan van Eyckplein in Bruges, Belgium
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Remembering Krakatoa
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Castle Square, Old Town, Warsaw, Poland
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Notes from an underground lake
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A notorious advocate for women
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It s a ruff life
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Flamenco dancers
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Tokyo welcomes a futuristic new art museum
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Why does this panda cub look so happy?
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Zelenci Nature Reserve, Slovenia
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World Chocolate Day
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Red fox in the Netherlands
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National Roller Coaster Day
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San Francisco Bay salt flats
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It s Bermuda s big day
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A splash by the sea
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Celebrating National Park Week, April 21-29
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A grotesque scene
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Up on the glacier
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Three cheers for polar bears!
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Mapping courage in the Seventh Ward
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A march toward a dream
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Whale hello there!
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Mountain mists over Bavaria