The Vallée de Joux ; An Autumn Walk Around Lac Brenet

In the Vallée de Joux, a lovely autumn walk follows the rhythm of falling leaves.

The Vallée de Joux

An Autumn Walk

Discovering the Vallée de Joux in its autumn colours: a long-held wish. The photos circulating on social media make you dream of these blazing colours. Autumn remains a season apart, already celebrated in the article on the autumn parks of Lausanne (in French). So one Sunday, it is off to the Vallée de Joux. From Lausanne, it can be reached by train or by car. The drive takes about an hour. The road is simple and the panorama soon unfolds.

Lac Brenet

The Vallée de Joux

Once the car is parked, the panorama opens up. The valley is home to two magnificent lakes. The first, Lac de Joux, is the largest body of water in the Jura massif. A full loop takes about six and a half hours of walking, on a fairly flat route. The second, Lac Brenet, is much smaller. Its loop is easily done in a good hour. For an autumn walk without any thrills, Lac Brenet is ideal. Between forests and pastures, the valley offers an unspoilt setting, typical of the Vaud Jura.

The Cradle of Watchmaking

The Vallée de Joux is not just about its landscapes. It is also the cradle of Swiss fine watchmaking. From the 18th century, farmers made watch parts there during the long winters. Several great manufactures were born there and still work there today. This know-how has also been on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage since 2020. The Espace Horloger in Le Sentier tells this fascinating story.

Vallée de Joux ; Good to Know

The valley can be reached by train from Vallorbe, or by car from Lausanne. The loop around Lac Brenet suits all walkers, even with children. In winter, when it is cold enough, Lac de Joux freezes and becomes a huge natural ice rink. The landscape then changes completely. For another easy mountain walk, the Diablerets (in French) hike offers a lovely snowy setting.

The Vallée de Joux and Its Shades of Orange

The two lakes almost touch, and Lac Brenet is easy to spot. From the first steps, a setting of orange, yellow and green unfolds. The sun shines and the waters of the lake are perfectly calm. The Vallée de Joux reveals all its autumn beauty here. Once the loop is done, a gourmet break is a must at the Hôtel de la Truite, in Le Pont. Its terrace faces Lac de Joux. The menu showcases seasonal cooking and fish from the lake. A few sweet treats complete this perfect autumn Sunday.

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The Vallée de Joux