The Hang Clearing

The Bruche river originates at an altitude of 690 meters, at the foot of Climont, a mountain with a striking profile reaching 966 meters. Its course first crosses a vast sunny depression, the Hang clearing, where glassmaking families settled as early as 1723. These artisans took advantage of the nearby wood and water to develop their craft. Around 1770-1790, the glassworks gradually left the area to settle around Baccarat, leaving behind some remnants such as burnt stones and glass shards as evidence of their presence. Despite their departure, the Hang continued to thrive thanks to the arrival of many Mennonite farmers from Switzerland. These new inhabitants found an ideal setting for their pastoral and mystical lifestyle. For nearly a century and a half, from the 18th century until the first half of the 19th century, the Mennonites distinguished themselves as remarkable breeders, at the forefront of agricultural progress. Even today, several Mennonite families still live in the valley, thus continuing part of this local history.