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The Chambonchard Dam is a good example of failed major project. It was programmed at a time when, culturally, this type of work corresponded to a particular vision of regional planning. The project's announcement did not cause much opposition; it was not anyhow supported by a clear and pressing need. Justifications multiplied, sometimes contradicting one another. When the project was relaunched by action of a structured and determined organization, the economic situation was no longer the same and the perception of society about this type of installation was changing: this project was then strongly opposed by ecologists. After nearly coming to life, the project was abandoned; in the public opinion and public policies it probably marks a new reading of the environment.