Etang de la Bressonne

Etang de la Bressonne is a small pond in Lausanne, canton of Vaud, beside the hamlet of Chalet-à-Gobet in the hills above the city. It sits at 849 m above sea level, covers 1.6 ha and reaches a maximum depth of 2.20 m. It makes an easy, quiet outing among meadows and woods, well away from the city centre.

What is this place?

The pond was created on former marshy pastures and is fed by three streams draining about 45 ha of land. In 1988 the site became a nature reserve and opened to visitors. The City of Lausanne owns the land and has drawn up a shoreline management plan that favours biodiversity.

What will you see?

A path of roughly one kilometre circles the water. Some trails have been closed to protect plants and animals, so stay on the marked route. A bird-watching screen stands by the shore, letting you observe waterfowl without disturbing them. Amphibians and dragonflies breed in the pond, including some threatened species, and spring and summer are the liveliest seasons.

How do you get there?

The nearest car park lies east of the pond, along Route des Paysans. From central Lausanne the drive takes a few minutes by car, and Chalet-à-Gobet is also a starting point for walks in the surrounding forests. Two spaces for visitors with disabilities are marked at the car park.

Is it accessible?

Yes. The pond was Lausanne's launch site for the Franco-Swiss "Nature pour tous" project, supported by the INTERREG 2010-2013 programme. As a result, a path suited to people with reduced mobility links the pond with Chalet-à-Gobet over 1,400 m.

When should you visit?

Late spring to early autumn is best, when amphibians, dragonflies and birds are active. Mornings are quieter and better for wildlife watching. In winter the area can be snowy and feels like a high-altitude village walk. Bring sturdy shoes, as shoreline paths can be damp.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in the pond? No. It is a nature reserve that protects amphibians, dragonflies and birds. It is meant for walking and observation.

How long does the loop take? The path around the water is about a kilometre, so an unhurried circuit takes a little over half an hour, including stops at the bird screen.

Is it suitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility? Yes. The 1,400 m route between the pond and Chalet-à-Gobet is adapted for reduced mobility, and two disabled parking spaces are provided.

Is it the same as Lac de Sauvabelin? No. Sauvabelin is a larger, separate lake in northern Lausanne. Bressonne is a smaller reserve pond in the hills near Chalet-à-Gobet.

Where do you park? In the car park east of the pond, along Route des Paysans.