The rhythm of the tides at Rance tidal power station
To the rhythm of the tides at
the tidal power plant of La Richardais
Dive into the heart of innovative engineering at the Rance tidal power station of La Richardais, where the power of the tides in Brittany is harnessed and transformed into renewable energy. From the moment you arrive, you will be captivated by the scale of this pioneering facility, which stands as a monument to human ingenuity in the face of the natural force of the sea. As you progress through your visit, you will discover how this plant uses rising and falling tides to generate electricity, a technical achievement explained in an accessible and engaging way. Each informational panel and every step of the visit enriches your understanding of tidal power, a compelling example of sustainable energy in action.
Electricity from the power of the tides
The residents along the banks of the Rance have long utilized the force of the tides. Some old tidal mills are still visible, even though they are no longer in operation. Some have been renovated, such as the Moulin du Prat, which is open to the public. The tidal power plant of the Rance operates based on the model of these tidal mills, with the project originating in the late 19th century. Today, it produces the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of the Rennes metropolitan area each day.
Entry point of the Rance Estuary
The must-sees of La Richardais.
The sea is on one side of the dam, and the Rance on the other… Both viewpoints are exceptional! On the sea side, the villas of Dinard at Pointe de la Vicomté are visible to the west. Meanwhile, to the east, you can see Saint-Malo and its Solidor Tower in the Saint-Servan district. Take the pedestrian passage to connect the two towns along the customs path.
Did You Know? 20,000 boats pass through the lock each year.
On the Rance side, Pointe de Cancaval is outlined on the left bank, with the shipyards of Minihic-sur-Rance behind it. On the right bank, you can glimpse the fishing port of Saint-Suliac and its pretty stone houses. As you travel up the estuary, you will arrive at the port of the medieval town of Dinan.
A unique structure in France to visit
Built in the 1960s, the tidal power plant of the Rance was the first of its kind in the world. Additionally, the Espace Odyssélec offers a fun discovery trail. With a view of the machine room and guided tours to understand how the plant works. The visits are free.
Practical information!
EDF has had to adapt its visitor reception conditions following the heightened Vigipirate Plan due to terrorism threats. Therefore, all guided tours and activities require reservations. It is no longer possible to access the EDF Odyssélec Space freely. We thank you for your understanding.
Public Visits: Tours at 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.
Check the calendar for activities
