What to see in France

Usine marémotrice - Rance

 

The tidal power plant (usine marémotrice) of Rance uses the power of the tides to produce electricity. Make the most of your camping holiday in Ille-et-Vilaine to visit it and find out all about this renewable electricity production site.

Discover the Usine marémotrice de la Rance during your camping holiday

Located in the commune of La Richardais, between Dinard and St-Malo, in Ille-et-Vilaine, it was inaugurated by General De Gaulle in 1966. It is the only factory of its kind to operate on an industrial scale.

To get to the heart of tidal energy, the tour of the plant explains how the dam works and how it produces renewable, inexhaustible energy that is not subject to the vagaries of the weather. It is explained very clearly that electricity is produced at ebb tide but also at flood tide and why. The tour is accessible and fun, with travelogues, videos and models providing information on EDF's activities. The highlight of the visit (reservation required) is the descent to the engine room (under the dam), which is so large (300 metres on each side) that the technicians cycle through it. This unique show attracts more than 200,000 visitors every year. Don't hesitate to take a guided tour (free of charge, but reservation required).

Where to stay?

Discover the La Richardais campsites to visit the Usine marémotrice de la Rance during your camping holiday in Brittany.

Practical information:

Open to the general public all year round, Tuesday to Saturday, except July/August, Monday to Friday. Closed on public holidays.

Opening hours: variable according to the season, either only from 11 am to 12 pm or from 11 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm.

Free admission.

Contact details:

EDF Discovery Area – Usine marémotrice de la Rance

35780 La Richardais

Tel. +33 (0)2 99 16 37 14

Website: edf.fr/usine-maremotrice-rance

 

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