The Malpasset Dam: at the heart of a memorable tragedy

On December 2, 1959, at past 21 p.m., the tranquility of the night was brutally shattered. The Malpasset dam, a symbol of engineering, had just given way. In an instant, a monstrous wave nearly 50 meters high raged over Fréjus, taking with it hope and life. The toll was tragic: 423 lives were extinguished, and no Fréjus family remained unscathed. This catastrophe, one of the most devastating in French history, reminds us of the fragility of our existence.

Today, the ruins of the dam lie in the valley, silent witnesses to this tragedy. They provide a framework for understanding this drama, asking essential questions: Why did the dam collapse? Could this catastrophe have been avoided? How could such a calamity have occurred?

Remembering: the Malpasset Memorial

The need to commemorate the 423 missing people quickly became apparent.

In 1963, a first work, “The Recumbent Figure”, was erected, which would become an integral part of a larger memorial.

In 2009, on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary, a monument was installed near the Roman amphitheater, where the city was deeply affected by the destructive wave.

This memorial, designed by Michel Mourier, is composed of steles bearing the names of the victims. In the center, columns rise, with this famous phrase from General De Gaulle: " May Fréjus be reborn! ».

Every December 2nd, we come together to commemorate this tragic event and pay tribute to those who lost their lives.

Practical information

From September to December and from April to June.
Meet on Friday 9:30 a.m. – Departure from the Tourist Office.
Vehicle required
For groups, a guided tour is available tailored to your needs, on the date and at the time of your choice. Information from the Tourist Office.

Prices for “The Malpasset Dam: at the heart of a disaster”

Categories	Admission fees
Full price	€8
Reduced rate (12-17 years old)	€5
Less than 12 years	Free

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We tell you more with: “To us Fréjus, the Malpasset dam”

Jérémy Haverbeque tour guide Fréjus Tourist Office

Why choose The Malpasset Dam: at the heart of a disaster? Advice from Jérémy Haverbeque, tour guide at the Fréjus Tourist Office

For Jérémy, our tour guide, this visit is the ideal opportunity to discover Fréjus from a new angle:

Because walking between these gigantic blocks is an impressive experience in itself.
And to understand the tragedy that shook France, by listening to the fascinating story of this place that has become symbolic

For the story

“May Fréjus be reborn!”

On December 17, 1959, the President of the Republic, Charles de Gaulle, visited Fréjus, not only to see the damage, but also to express the hope for a better future: "May Fréjus be reborn!" he wrote in the town's guestbook.

Since that day, the city has recovered and been able to rebuild its future, without ever forgetting this tragic page of its history.