Valley of La Brévine

4 February 2021

The Lake of Taillères (Lac des Taillères) is situated at an altitude of 1039 metres in the ‘Siberia of Switzerland’ in the Valley of La Brévine (canton of Neuchâtel). In winter, the lake and its surroundings are a snow and ice paradise, as the name ‘Siberia’ suggests.

The coldest temperature in the inhabited world of Switzerland was measured in La Brévine by the Federal Weather Service in 1987: -41.8 °C.

In summer, however, the valley is warmer than similar regions. It is a microclimate due to its altitude, location near mountains, vegetation, and soil conditions.

The landscape consists of forests, meadows, villages (La Brévine, La Chaux-du-Milieu), farms, and streams, including the Brevena, from which the valley and village derive their names. The art gallery Ferme du Grand-Chachot-de-Vent is also located in the valley.

A true paradise for nature and winter sports enthusiasts, with snow guaranteed, although this is no longer a certainty nowadays.