The rocky crag above the Birse shapes Soyhières’ history as much as its landscape: it was here that the Counts of Soyhières had the Château de Soyhières built in the 11th century. At the same time, hiking trails pass streams, rivers, ponds and viewpoints. You can therefore focus your stay on heritage, a particular route or both, depending on the discoveries that interest you.
Hiking trails between the Birse, the valley and viewpoints
The municipality has numerous hiking trails, but their described destinations offer different points of interest. The marked Sentier Auguste Quiquerez runs from Delémont to Soyhières and is about ten kilometres long. On the return journey, you can discover the Vorbourg Chapel and the Béridier viewpoint. The De Réselle en Réselle hike, by contrast, follows a stream through the Combe de Mettembert and runs above the Étang de la Réselle.
The Sentier didactique also leads to the Étang de la Réselle: it follows the banks of the Birse, is accessible to everyone and shares information about local wildlife and plant life, as well as fish and their habitats. Another option is the De la Birse au Roc de Courroux hike, which starts in Soyhières. It passes a series of rocky peaks culminating at the 802-metre-high Roc de Courroux. The return route follows the Birse back to Soyhières, with Vorbourg above you to the left. Check the trail conditions before setting off on this route.
Château, church and Maison Chappuis
The Château de Soyhières combines its commanding position above the Birse with tangible insights into the village’s architectural history. It includes a keep, a large hall and a viewpoint on the terrace or esplanade. Guided tours can be arranged for groups on request; dates are also available on request. Check the visiting arrangements before your arrival.
The Maison Chappuis offers a different perspective: the building is an example of rural Baroque architecture, is part of Jura’s historic heritage and is the birthplace of Mother Marie de Sales Chappuis. Guided tours explore aspects of Jura’s past and present. Visits lasting 45 to 90 minutes can be arranged for groups of up to 20 people—a useful time frame if you are planning a group visit.
The Église Saint-Étienne was built between 1936 and 1938 to plans by architect Gustav Doppler. It houses a crucifix by François-Joseph Mertenat dating from 1720, as well as Stations of the Cross figures from 1733, probably created by Conrad Berlinguer. The Crypte du Père Blanchard contains the tomb of Jean-Pierre Blanchard, the parish priest of Soyhières, who died on 22 November 1824. The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Lourdes is also worth a closer look for its art: it is adorned with six stained-glass windows by André Bréchet.
Discover local crafts and offerings
At the Moulin à huile de Soyhières, visitors can watch the production process and learn about traditional techniques; guided tours are also available. As visiting arrangements may change, it is advisable to check them before you arrive. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy tastings and other events at Domaine Blattner in Soyhières. Soyhières also has climbing routes. These activities offer additional ways to shape your visit around your interests, without having to squeeze everything into a single day’s itinerary.
Plan your journey and accommodation
Soyhières can be reached by bus from Delémont. If you plan to use this connection for your journey, check the timetable for your travel date. When choosing a holiday rental, you can then decide whether to devote most of your time to hiking trails, historic buildings or other local attractions.
Discover more destinations: Delémont, Saulcy, Courfaivre, Undervelier, Rebeuvelier, Vermes, Glovelier, Courroux.
Back to the main travel overview: Delémont.
