Pelvoux
Hydroelectric Museum, Les Claux
Within an area of 110 m², the hydroelectric plant in Le Claux (Pelvoux), explains the important story of the developer Gilbert PLANCHE, the history of the modernisation of the plant and the role of the plant in the surge of productivity for EDF (Electricité de France) and the Durance.
The discovery tour inside the plant will lead you to the control room, that overlooks the machine room.
Come and learn the intricacies of hydroelectricity thanks to varied and appealing media: films, audio recordings, 3D maps, workshops for children...
From 1932, the electricity produced by the plant in Les Claux, supplied the aluminium factory in l'Argentière that achieved record production!
Nowadays, the plant is an industrial site that is still in operation, a link in EDF's hydroelectric production system, but also a museum accessible to all.
A unique, instructive experience where modernity mingles with history. The current industrial production, the safeguard of architectural heritage along with the discovery of such a surprising industrial development in this mountain area, be it on a human or economical level. Follow in the footsteps of the local population, or Gilbert Planche, the engineer who designed the plant in Les Claux, just one of his accomplishments in the Pays des Écrins. Courageous, visionary and enterprising, he was one of the men who significantly changed the future of the area.
Come and learn the intricacies of hydroelectricity thanks to varied and appealing media: films, audio recordings, 3D maps, workshops for children...
From 1932, the electricity produced by the plant in Les Claux, supplied the aluminium factory in l'Argentière that achieved record production!
Nowadays, the plant is an industrial site that is still in operation, a link in EDF's hydroelectric production system, but also a museum accessible to all.
A unique, instructive experience where modernity mingles with history. The current industrial production, the safeguard of architectural heritage along with the discovery of such a surprising industrial development in this mountain area, be it on a human or economical level. Follow in the footsteps of the local population, or Gilbert Planche, the engineer who designed the plant in Les Claux, just one of his accomplishments in the Pays des Écrins. Courageous, visionary and enterprising, he was one of the men who significantly changed the future of the area.