Circuit n° 8 : Granges

A hike along the edge of the Artense plateau, discovering the hydroelectricity of the Dordogne basin.

In 1970, Electricité de France began hydroelectrically harnessing the rivers of the Artense to provide the Bort-les-Orgues dam with additional water resources. Several dams and water intakes were created and interconnected by underground pipes. All this water will increase the electrical power of the Bort-les-Orgues dam. This hike takes you from the Artense plateau to the foot of the Bort-les-Orgues dam, where a forced-water pipe arrives. This pipe, which can be seen in Granges, is also known as the "Siphon de Granges". Once the water from the Artense plateau has been collected at the Auzerette hydroelectric plant, it is conveyed through an underground pipe that exits here to supply the Bort-les-Orgues plant.

Departure point: kiosk in the Gane gardens. Go as far as the traffic circle and take the 1st right, then take the small alley on the left between low walls.
At the end of the lane, turn right towards the nursery school.