"We've got a lovely canton / calves, cows, sheep / chamois, pike, swans / lakes, orchards, forests / even a glacier in Les Diablerets / tobacco, wheat, vines / but one jealous Genevan / said to me with a sneer / - Let us ask you a question / Where are your rivers, frankly? / He simply forgot / the Venoge!" - La Venoge, Jean Villard-Gilles
Rivers are often sources of inspiration for artists. The Venoge stands out among these rivers of charm and beauty. This Swiss river, located in the Vaud region, is much more than just a waterway. It is the heart of a picturesque landscape and a habitat rich in biodiversity.
It rises above the village of L'Isle, at an altitude of over 700 metres. From there, it winds its way through the canton of Vaud, through deep valleys, lush green meadows and majestic forests, before emptying into Lake Geneva at Saint-Sulpice.
The Venoge is an ecosystem rich in biodiversity. The clear waters of the river are home to a variety of fish species, including the brown trout, the common grayling and the common chub. The aquatic vegetation provides a suitable habitat for the reproduction of these fish, as well as other species such as aquatic insects, crayfish and frogs. The Venoge is also a breeding ground for waterbirds such as the Grey Heron and the European Kingfisher, which find its tranquil banks a shelter in which to nest and raise their young.
What makes the Venoge so special is its poetic character. Its banks are lined with willows that reflect in the water, and its crystal-clear waters glide gently over its bed of stones, creating a soothing melody that charms those who contemplate it. The quality of the water has improved considerably since the 1990s. However, it is important to keep a close watch, as there are many pressures in its catchment area (agriculture, industry and housing).
©️ Philippe Dupraz / Wikimedia Commons
