Visit to the Cusset hydroelectric power station – Heritage Days 2026

Discover a 19th-century industrial masterpiece

On the occasion of the European Heritage Days 2026, there Cusset hydroelectric power station opens its doors for exceptional visits. Commissioned in 1899 after 5 years of extensive construction over 19 km, this factory was at its inauguration the most powerful in Europe, with a supply canal that is also the longest on the continent. It marks a decisive turning point in the history of electricity production in France, foreshadowing the hydroelectric developments of the Rhône.

The visit will immerse you in the history of this technical and industrial feat, designed to meet the needs of the time: the modernization of the silk industry, the advent of urban lighting, and the development of the tramway. You will discover the historical installations and understand how this project helped shape the region's energy landscape.

A unique opportunity to discover an exceptional industrial heritage, a testament to the engineering and innovation of the turn of the 20th century.

Practical information for visits to the Cusset hydroelectric power station

Dates: Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026
Schedules :
– Saturday, September 19: 10am-11am, 11am-12:30pm, 2pm-3pm, 3pm-4pm, 4pm-5:30pm
– Sunday, September 20: 10am-11am, 11am-12:30pm, 2pm-3pm, 3pm-4pm, 4pm-5:30pm

Place : Cusset Hydroelectric Power Station, 85 Rue de Pierrefrite, 69100 Villeurbanne
Price: Free - Reservation required (via the Heritage Days website)

Public transport:
– Metro A: Station Cusset (then about a 10-minute walk)
– Bus C3, C26: Stops nearby

Audience : Suitable for all audiences.

Don't miss this immersive experience at the heart of an exceptional industrial site, which has marked the history of electricity in France and Europe!