Lac Brenet, lake in Switzerland
Lac Brenet is a small reservoir in the Vallée de Joux in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, situated about 200 meters north of the larger Lac de Joux. The water body stretches roughly 1.5 kilometers long and up to 500 meters wide, surrounded by wooded hillsides.
The lake was created as a reservoir to manage water flow for the region and now serves a hydroelectric plant in Vallorbe. From 1879 to the early 1900s, ice harvesting was a major economic activity, with blocks of ice transported by railway to cities including Bern, Geneva, and Paris.
The lake's name reflects the French heritage of the Vallée de Joux region. Today, locals and visitors walk the shoreline paths to experience the quiet mountain setting and connect with the area's simple way of life.
The lake is easily reached from Le Pont and has a nearby parking area to start your visit. The paths around the water are straightforward and take about an hour to walk in their entirety, so sturdy footwear is a practical choice.
From 1879 to the early 1900s, the lake's ice was harvested and transported by horse-drawn carts and train to major cities. Informational panels along the shore tell the story of this forgotten ice industry and how local commerce once depended on this seasonal resource.
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