The Val d'Orbey is part of the Welche Country (or Welsche). It is traditionally of Romane language and culture, unlike German-speaking Alsace. It is home to two lakes, both installed in glacial basins. Black lake is small (34 acres / 14 ha) and surrounded by mountains covered with fir trees. White lake is much larger (71 acres / 29 ha) and bordered by granite mountains. The quartz crystals of the rock shine in the sun, hence the name biantsch mâ, white sea, in the local dialect.