André Blondel CNR Hydroelectric Power Plant

The imposing Art Deco facade is listed as a Historic Monument. This is CNR's most productive site - including its wind farm and two photovoltaic plants, it generates enough to supply 815,000 households with energy for a whole year.

A visit to Bollène immerses you in the extraordinary history of this power plant. You get a sense of its gargantuan size and the highly technical facilities, as well as the skills required to maintain energy production while ensuring the safety of local residents in relation to the hydraulic systems.

Visitors gain an understanding of how electricity is produced and get right up close to the wind turbines and the photovoltaic power plant. The tour includes an outdoor circuit with a unique view of the diversion channel, the wind farm, the photovoltaic plant and a walk to the edge of the lock with its monumental curved gates. The indoor part of the tour tells the story of the CNR and the site, with photos, videos, touch tables and animated models. A scientific learning gallery then explains how electricity is generated, whether from wind, hydro or photovoltaic resources. The tour ends with a bird's eye view over the amazing turbine hall, the living heart of the power plant, and a visit to the former control room, unchanged since the days it was operational. Don't miss this fascinating experience!

Highlight: exceptional close-up access to edge of the lock.

See less