Le Poste des Mines

The place

Large two-storey stone building built in the 18th century. It served as a gendarmerie post to combat illegal logging in the 19th century. The upper floor consists of a private, closed section and a large empty space. The ground floor has a large dining room with three tables. Three cupboards hold glasses, cups, plates, and cutlery as well as several pots — not counting whatever visitors decide to leave for their successors... Solar-powered lamps. Sink supplied by a rainwater tank (not drinkable). Note: the toilets do not work in winter. "Sturdy building in the middle of a clearing, once home to the gendarmes tasked with watching the border, as at the Chalet Capt. It also housed the woodcutter Conus for many years, who only left it when the depth of snow no longer allowed him to carry out his hard trade. He would then retreat to Le Solliat. Today, the lower part remains open while the upper floor is rented to a group of private individuals. Also worth mentioning is the Chemin des Gendarmes running along the border, the last remaining trace of their presence in these forests in the 19th century. It's worth clarifying the origin of the name 'Mines'. It refers to the mining of iron ore in this area, and in the Vallée de Joux from around 1600 to 1800. La Corne au Fer also derives its name from this activity. Is the same true for the Combe des Mines? Certainly." Excerpt from René Weibel's book "Sur le chemin des refuges forestiers", 2008 ed., p. 49. If forestry staff do not need it, the commune is very happy to make it available to walkers, provided they respect the following conditions: - length of stay limited to one day - except in case of distress, overnight stays are forbidden - if necessary, use must be shared with other people - reservations are not possible - fires may only be lit in the stove, with all the usual precautions; the wood used must be supplemented with fallen wood found in the surrounding forest - when you leave this shelter, leave it clean and take your rubbish and empty bottles with you The Municipality or the State's woodcutters reserve the right to enforce these regulations and take appropriate measures if necessary, to prevent any misuse. From Le Solliat, follow La Capitaine then the Chemin des Mines. Swiss coordinates: 505400 / 165 350 Commune du Chenit