The Malpasset Dam: history and memory of a tragedy in Fréjus
On December 2, 1959, in the middle of the night, a gigantic wave 40 meters high swept over the Reyran Valley, smashing the Malpasset dam and devastating everything in its path up to the city of Fréjus. This dam, designed in the hope of contributing to the prosperity of the department, was at the origin of one of the worst civil tragedies of the XNUMXth century. The Malpasset site, nestled in the heart of the Reyran Valley, remains today a frozen witness to this disaster, the structure of the dam still being visible, although ruined.
The design of the dam is a crucial project for the future of Fréjus
At the end of the Second World War, the Var General Council faced many challenges, including that of hydraulic equipment. The southern region, in full tourist and agricultural boom, particularly in Fréjus, famous for its fruits and early vegetables, was particularly in demand. On August 3, 1950, the Ministry of Agriculture approved the construction of a dam on the Reyran, in the Malpasset area. The name “Malpasset” refers to a place that was difficult to access, where travelers were often attacked by bandits. The term “Reyran”, deriving from “Raio” (torrent) and “Ran” (abundance), refers to the valley, which is dry most of the year but subject to violent flooding during periods of heavy rain.
The idea was to control the Reyran, to provide a water reserve for the growing populations, irrigate the land, support the development of tourism and protect the Esterel forests from fires. The dam would be built by the General Council of Var, with the support of Professor Corroy, a geologist, who approved the site.
How can I visit this place?
The dam site is freely accessible, located in the heart of nature. A marked trail with explanatory panels allows you to discover the history of the place at your own pace. A guided tour is also offered on Friday mornings by the Tourist Office for a more in-depth immersion and detailed information on the tragedy and its issues. Do not hesitate to go to the “Guided tours” section to discover it.
Are there any restrictions on access to the site?
The Malpasset dam site is generally accessible all year round. However, there may be temporary access restrictions during bad weather conditions, such as flood risks. It is advisable to check before going there, particularly during periods of severe weather:
Municipal Forest Fire Committee on 06 22 74 53 48.
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