In Glovelier, river landscapes, hiking trails and a rich history come together. Along the Tabeillon, meadows, ponds, gorges and forests alternate in the Combe Tabeillon. There are also trails with different route types, the Chapel of Bonabé and archaeological traces from Roman times. For planning, it is especially helpful to distinguish between a short circular hike and longer point-to-point routes.

Hiking in the Combe Tabeillon

A hike through the Combe Tabeillon begins at Glovelier railway station and leads through the village to the entrance to the combe. The combe is not accessible by car. Along the river, the landscape changes, with ponds following meadows, then gorges and stretches of forest. This makes it possible to discover the area not just from a single viewpoint, but through the succession of its different natural environments.

The “Au fil du Tabeillon” route follows the course of the Tabeillon between Glovelier and Le Prépetitjean. Between Côte du Droit and Envers de Bollement, it enters a gorge with an old mill and an old waterwheel, then reaches the Bollement pond. The “Le Pré-Petitjean–Glovelier” route also follows the Le Tabeillon stream and ends in Glovelier. Before arriving, it passes the CJ stop La Combe Tabeillon. The two routes therefore each have their own course and direction of travel.

The Chemins de fer du Jura train also helps you get your bearings in this valley: the red train runs from Glovelier railway station through the Combe Tabeillon towards Saignelégier. For specific plans for this train journey, it is advisable to check the timetable.

Circular walks and longer trails

The “Balade à Glovelier” circular hike takes 1 hour and 35 minutes and includes 235 metres of elevation gain and loss. Along the way, it passes a small oratory and an orchard. In comparison, the 22-kilometre hike from Saignelégier to Glovelier takes 5 hours and 40 minutes. It is a one-way route that descends gently along the Jura railway line, making it a considerably longer outing than the circular walk.

The “En passant par la Caquerelle” route begins at Glovelier railway station, leads through the Combe du Bé and continues across the pasture to the Corniche du Jura near Bosnier. Another hiking route starts at the Glovelier-église bus stop and climbs northwest along the Combe du Bé. It reaches the Droit pasture, which offers views across the entire Delémont valley. When choosing, pay attention to the respective starting points and destinations: the descriptions refer to different routes, not one continuous trail.

The “Chemin de la Courtine” trail, No. 459, begins with a climb through the wild Combe Tabeillon gorge. It then passes through hamlets and villages, by ponds and wooded pastures, before reaching Bellelay. Its described route therefore extends beyond a single circular walk in Glovelier.

Chapel, church and Roman traces

The Chapelle de Bonabé de Glovelier was built in 1874 during the Kulturkampf and blessed in 1876. It is a sanctuary dedicated to Notre-Dame de Lourdes. During the religious unrest of the time, the chapel served as a place of refuge for members of the community. Its year of construction, blessing and historical role mark different milestones in its history.

Five Roman bronze coins were discovered at Bone en Bez in 1942. The Roman road there includes a stone bed and a side ditch. At the described location, it is between 3.70 and 4 metres wide; after separating from the modern road, its course continues as a forest path. The Église de Glovelier is a parish church with regular Masses; times may vary.

Visiting the garden and practical planning

Jardin Dricino includes areas with flowers and aromatic plants. Visitors can explore the grounds barefoot if they wish; guided tours are available on request. Arrange any guided tour before your visit. This allows you to include the garden as a separate activity without confusing it with the hiking trails or historical sites.

Consider which type of route suits your stay, and check the timetable in advance if you plan to take the train through the combe. This leaves room to combine hiking, history and possible visits to Jardin Dricino in a way that suits you.

Discover more destinations: Courroux, Rebeuvelier, Undervelier, Soyhières, Saulcy, Bourrignon, Courfaivre, Delémont.

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