RivieraLife.tv Community

Featured Video - Malpasset Dam Disaster 50 Years On

What remains today of the Malpasset Dam

Jean Laugier - Les Adrets councillor in 1959

Unveiling the new monument to the Malpasset disaster in Frejus

RivieraLife.tv reporter David Rowe

A new monument was unveiled in Frejus 02 Dec 09, the 50th anniversary of the Malpasset dam disaster. The monument which stands by the Roman arena in Frejus, commemorates the 423 who died on that tragic night in 1959. With the dam full following a month of torrential rain, it burst releasing 52 million tonnes of water (50m high) down the Reyran valley towards Frejus, sweeping away buildings, cars and people. Official investigations have failed to reach a conclusion about why the dam failed. The re-siting of the project from its original plans, financial skimping, insufficient foundations and blasting for the new A8 motorway being built nearby are some of the reasons that have been put forward. RivieraLife.tv's David Rowe reports on the commemorations and speculates about some of the reasons for this tragic disaster.

The Malpasset Dam Disaster - could the Var suffer again? Riviera Reporter Nov 09 "De tous les ouvrages construits par la main humaine, les barrages sont les plus meurtriers." (“Of all the works of mankind, dams are the most murderous”) These were the words expressed in 1952 by André Coyne, the engineer appointed to construct the dam at Malpasset. How right he was! The disaster which occurred here on December 2, 1959 – i.e. almost 50 years ago – was the worst catastrophe ever to occur in France during the last half century. A few months following the disaster I visited Fréjus and witnessed myself the havoc which it caused. Above all there is the question whether such a disaster could ever occur again either in our region or elsewhere. In this respect it should be noted that many dams also in our region are significantly older than this dam at Malpasset. Martin Ricketts.

British Pathé Archive - 1959 "Frejus Aftermath"

French Dam Breaks 1959 News

More Riviera Life TV

Flash flood in Draguignan - Pic: Sebastien Nogier / Reuters

Flash Flood Catastrophe in the Var

On Wednesday 16th June 2010, the region around Draguignan in the Var was submerged by a 2 metre wave of flood water following record rainfall of 14 inches of rain in a just a few hours. At least 25 were killed in this natural tragedy and many homes and businesses destoyed. We have collected global news reports and videos about the disaster, and RivieraLife.tv correspondent David Rowe has compiled a video of the aftermath.

Remembrance Day British Cemetery Bordighera

November 11th 2008 was the 90th anniversary of the end of World War 1, Since then millions more soldiers have scarificed their lives in conflicts around the world. This video report records the 90th anniversary ceremony at the Bordighera British Cemetery on the Italian Riviera. The Rev. Douglas Bean, Chaplain of St. John's Anglican Church in Menton conducted the ceremony.

Military parade in Cavalaire-sur-Mer celebrating 65 years of liberation

65th Anniversary of Operation Dragoon

The 65th anniversary of the liberation of the South of France from Nazi occupation by allied forces was celebrated August 09 in Cavalaire-sur-Mer. The 'Glorious G.I.s' from the U.S. were aided by Canadian, British and French Resistance forces. Originally called Operation Anvil, the landings were re-named Operation Dragoon. RivieraLife.tv's David Rowe reports on this lesser known but significant episode of World War II.

Petra Hall, Riviera Times & Riviera Cote d'Azur Zeitung

Behind the scenes at the Riviera Times & Zeitung

The English language monthly newspaper Riviera Times & its German language sister paper Riviera Cote d'Azur Zeitung are an essential part of expatriate life. Both titles recently launched new web-sites. Now you can access regularly updated news and information inbetween their monthly appearance on the news-stands. This video takes you behind the scenes where we meet the principle players behind these two titles.