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Just 1.5 hours from Lyon, this impressive giant dam is under high surveillance day and night

undefined undefined 26 mars 2026 undefined 17h00

The Editor

The Vouglans dam, perched in the Jura, is no ordinary structure: 130 meters high, 35 kilometers of artificial lake, and 600 million cubic meters of water held back. This engineering marvel will be featured in a documentary airing this Friday at 9:10 PM on NOVO19. While its size is impressive, the dam also wows with its vital role in ensuring the safety of cities like Lyon. Balancing hydropower and potential risks, the documentary dives deep into a fascinating yet concerning structure.

A colossal dam under close surveillance

Vouglans is a lake that could metaphorically swallow Lyon, alongside an infrastructure that requires constant monitoring. Every meter of this gigantic wall is scrutinized day and night, thanks to cutting-edge technology. The safety of millions of people relies on its strength, especially since the Bugey nuclear power plant is located less than a hundred kilometers away. While the dam is considered safe, the shadows of Fukushima remind us that unpredictability exists, and preparing for the unthinkable is essential.

The documentary does not play on empty spectacle; it relies on rigor and expertise. Physicists, geologists, and engineers are all part of the journey.structure and hydraulics come to life, providing a credible immersion into the workings and risks associated with the structure. No artificial thrills or AI-generated scenes: it’s real engineering that captivates, while remaining accessible to non-specialist viewers.

Between fascination and concern

Vouglans is as fascinating as it is worrisome. Its grandeur and power serve as a concrete reminder of what humanity can build, but also of the fragility of our systems in the face of nature. The documentary successfully manages to inform without sensationalism, while providing everyone with a perspective on the magnitude of the issues at stake.


Source: Screen+