Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Lac de Saint-Cassien is an artificial dam built between 1962 and 1965 in the south-eastern part of Var, in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Launched in 1966, it was built after the tragic breakup of the Malpasset dam in 1959 to secure water supplies to the southeastern Var cities and the Alpes-Maritimes. Powered mainly by a channel drifting the Siagne and incidentally by the White Riou, it replaces the insufficient hold of Malpasset, dried in summer.

The dam, of embankment type, peaks at 158.50 m (NGF) and retains 60 million m3 of water on 430 hectares, becoming the largest body of water in the Esterel. He partially drowned the Roman aqueduct from Mons to Fréjus, already modified in 1894 by a cement pipe. In 2006, the drought lowered its level to 139.92 m, a record low. The lake is today a major tourist site, with amenities such as beaches, restaurants and non-motorized water activities (except electric).

In 1988, the Fondurane Ornithological Reserve (43 ha), managed by CEEP, was established on its west shore to protect local wildlife, including migratory birds and aquatic species such as American crayfish or carp. The lake is also home to the training centre of the Ligue Côte d'Azur d'aviron, with infrastructure dedicated to high level rowing and leisure activities. Fishing is regulated, while hunting and underwater diving are prohibited.

The lake crosses communes such as Montauroux, Callian, Tanneron and Les Adrets-de-l'Estérel, and is cut by the Pont du Pré-Claou (RD 37) and a 400,000 volt THT line. Its water, cloudy and oxygen-poor beyond 10 meters, is home to a flora dominated by myriophyls and a variety of fish fauna (brochets, sanders, silts). The site also preserves remains of the Roman aqueduct, partially immersed for seven kilometres.

Toponymically, the lake derives its name from Saint Cassien, local patron, and its sparsely inhabited area has seen its cadastral areas renamed to avoid duplicates (like Biançon). Today, it combines utility (water resource) and tourist attraction, while preserving a fragile ecosystem marked by invasive species such as sun perch or catfish.

External links