Risoux Forest

Risoux Forest

The Risoux is the largest forest in Europe with its 2’200 continuous hectares. Lining the western edge of the Vallée de Joux for approximately 15km, the Risoud forms a natural border between France and Switzerland. Its vast surface area, its density and its geographical situation have been a natural source and setting for numerous myths and legends. Some of the amazing stories hold true: during the second World War, the trees in the Risoux were witness to and conspirators in acts of resistance. The border in the Risoux is a mere dry-stone wall in the heart of the forest making it permeable and difficult to control. A group of French and Swiss friends known as the Passeurs du Risoud were very active during World War II playing a key role in smuggling precious information to the British Embassy and to the Swiss intelligence agency. They also helped many fugitives to cross the border into Switzerland to escape war and the risk of deportation. The Risoux forest is mainly populated by spruce trees and is known for its resonance spruce trees of rare perfection with qualities that are sought out by luthiers (craftspersons who build and repair string instruments) all over the world. Professionals esteem that only one tree in ten thousand have the necessary quality to serve as tone-wood.