Courroux between river landscapes and cultural traces

Courroux is a Swiss municipality in the Canton of Jura and the Delémont district, on the edge of Val Terbi. Three themes help orient visitors: the terrain between the village and the higher elevations, several waterways, and cultural traces from different periods. You can shape your stay around whichever interests you most: landscapes, nature watching or history.

Terrain and rivers

The municipality stretches from the village, at 418 metres, to Montagne de Courroux, at 899 metres north of the village. To the south, Courroux extends to the foothills of Raimeux, including Sous Rosé at 743 metres. From Roc de Courroux, you can see across the nearby Birse valley as far as Alsace. These elevations describe different parts of the municipality: the village and Montagne de Courroux to the north, and the foothills of Raimeux to the south.

The waterways also provide clear orientation. The Scheulte flows through Courroux and joins the Birse northeast of the village. The Sorne joins the Birse near the Colliard nature reserve. These are two distinct geographical features: the Scheulte’s course through the municipality and its confluence northeast of the village, and the confluence of the Sorne and Birse near Colliard.

Colliard Nature Reserve and routes

Colliard Nature Reserve is a starting point for walks and bike rides along the Birse towards Soyhières. It is also a particularly popular place for birdwatching. For planning your day, these are two different ways to enjoy the same area: birdwatching and getting out along the river. Trail conditions can vary seasonally, so check them before setting off for a walk or bike ride.

The La Maicheratte hiking route starts at the bus stop in Courroux, passes the church and then heads towards Colliard. La Maicheratte is a hiking route; Colliard Nature Reserve is a starting point for walks and bike rides along the Birse. If you plan to reach the starting point by bus, check the timetable in advance, as bus services can change.

Archaeological and architectural traces

Roc de Courroux combines views across the Birse valley to Alsace with a link to the past: the site was inhabited during the Late Bronze Age, between 1200 and 800 BC. Roc de Courroux is therefore a prominent landmark for both the landscape and the municipality’s early history.

A necropolis dating from the Early Middle Ages, between 610 and 670 AD, is located at Place des Mouleurs in Courroux. A Gallo-Roman villa has also been identified in the area around Place des Mouleurs. The archaeological finds thus span the period from Gallo-Roman times to the Early Middle Ages.

Courcelon is a locality within Courroux; its chapel was built in 1838. This adds a building from a different historical context to the archaeological sites. On the way to Courroux, an opening in the rock reveals a former iron mine, adding a trace of past mining to the area’s history.

For planning your trip, the themes are easy to distinguish: the elevations and rivers provide a sense of place; Colliard combines nature watching with walks and bike rides; and Roc de Courroux, Place des Mouleurs and Courcelon represent different historical points of interest. This will help you decide which aspect of Courroux you would most like to explore during your stay.

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

Go to the main travel overview: Delémont.