At Rue des Sabotiers in Courfaivre lies a site classified as an early medieval necropolis. Excavations uncovered 18 burials there; seven graves contained grave goods. The Courtes MĂ©chielles site lies between Courfaivre and Bassecourt and offers a different historical perspective.
Archaeology and Architectural History
Traces of Roman buildings have been identified at the ruins of Courtes MĂ©chielles. Pottery and a bronze coin of Antoninus were used to date the site. About 40 burials were discovered beneath the ruins. Most date from the Merovingian period in the 7th century; some graves may be older. The sites therefore differ in their interpretation: the early medieval necropolis is the main feature at Rue des Sabotiers, while Courtes MĂ©chielles combines traces of Roman buildings with burials, some of which may be older.
Saint-Germain Church adds architectural and art history to the archaeological heritage. It was built at the beginning of the 18th century and renovated and extended in 1953–54 by Jeanne Bueche, an architect from Delémont. The church has stained-glass windows by Fernand Léger. The original construction and the later renovation and extension mark distinct phases; the windows add a separate artistic accent.
Between the Sorne Lowlands and the Jura Ridge
Courfaivre lies at 460 metres above sea level, south of the Sorne and in the western part of the Delémont Basin, a broad valley in the folded Jura. The former municipal area included intensively farmed parts of the plain, the wide Sorne lowlands and the isolated hill of Sur Chaux, which rises to 589 metres. It also includes the Jura ridge at Le Mont, at 1,026 metres. Its steep northern slope is densely forested and includes the Forêt de l'Aimery. From the lowlands to the ridge, the landscape spans the full range of the former municipal area.
Cycling Tours and Places to Relax
For cycling, the 28-kilometre “Autour de Delémont” route passes through Coutételle, Courfaivre, Develier and Delémont. The signposted cycle paths run through Courfaivre and continue as far as Glovelier. As signage and routes may change, check the current waymarking before setting off.
There are four pétanque courts southwest of the Centre de culture et de sport. They are free to use by the public and each measures 3 × 14 metres. Check on site whether they are currently accessible.
Place des Platanes is on the banks of the Sorne, between the river and a meadow, beneath plane trees. It has two large tables, benches for 25 people, a fire pit with a grill and parking. No reservation is required. There is no water, toilet or firewood. Another picnic area, Pique-niques du Tilleuls, lies at the edge of the forest and offers a view of the village and valley. The Refuge de Chambion has a covered area for approximately 40 people. Check the current facilities at the picnic spots before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Glovelier, Vermes, Courroux, Saulcy, Delémont, Rebeuvelier, Soyhières, Undervelier
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