Le Locle: An Enthusiastic Audience to Revisit the Life of Jean‑Claude Durig and the Navigation on the Lake of Les Brenets

A Life Devoted to the Lake and Its Boats

Local historian David Favre, a specialist in the heritage of the Doubs region, retraced “the story of a life entirely dedicated to the lake, its boats, and the region.” He recalled that Jean‑Claude Durig, born in La Chaux‑de‑Fonds, developed an early passion for mechanics, navigation, and boatbuilding. This passion led him to construct several of the vessels that shaped the history of the lake, while directing the NLB for many years.

David Favre’s Voice: A Blend of Tribute and Testimony

Speaking with emotion, David Favre stated:

“To speak of Jean‑Claude Durig is to speak of a man who never counted his hours, a man who built with his own hands the boats that made generations dream. It is also to speak of a region that owes him a great deal.”

He highlighted the technical challenges, harsh winters, and years of hard work, as well as the pride of seeing the boats glide along the waters of the Doubs, carrying tourists, families, and nature lovers.

Recent Challenges: Drought, Covid, and Closed Borders

The historian also addressed the difficulties faced by the NLB in recent years:

• the drought and the drying up of the Doubs,
• the immobilization of the boats due to low water levels,
• the Covid period, marked by border closures and the absence of visitors.

According to him, these episodes highlighted both the fragility of the site and the resilience of the company.

A Large and Moved Audience

The audience, composed of residents of Le Locle, Les Brenets, and enthusiasts of local history, warmly applauded Jean‑Claude Durig, who was visibly touched by the tribute. The presence of the Durig family.

Le Locle – Yunus ERDOGDU