Glovelier: Trails along the Tabeillon and historical traces

During a stay in Glovelier, hiking trails along the Tabeillon and historical sites shape the way you see the area. The routes vary in length and duration, ranging from a one-hour-and-35-minute circular hike to a 22-kilometre hike. There is also a chapel with a history dating back to the Kulturkampf, as well as archaeological evidence from Roman times.

Hiking in the Combe Tabeillon

A hike through the Combe Tabeillon begins at Glovelier railway station, passes through the village and continues to the entrance to the Combe. Meadows, ponds, gorges and forests alternate along the river. The Combe Tabeillon is not accessible by car. A train journey is another option to consider when planning your visit: the red train operated by Chemins de fer du Jura runs from Glovelier station through the Combe towards Saignelégier. If you plan to take this train, check the timetable in advance.

For a longer hike, the route from Saignelégier to Glovelier passes through the Combe Tabeillon. It is 22 kilometres long, takes five hours and 40 minutes, and follows a one-way route gently downhill along the Jura railway line. The circular “Balade à Glovelier” offers a different time commitment: it takes one hour and 35 minutes and includes 235 metres of ascent and descent. Along the way, it passes a small oratory and an orchard. The duration and elevation figures make the difference between the two hikes clear, without assuming a walking time for other routes.

Other route names lead to different trail descriptions. “Le Pré-Petitjean–Glovelier” follows the Le Tabeillon stream and ends in Glovelier; before reaching the village, the route passes the CJ stop at La Combe Tabeillon. “Au fil du Tabeillon” follows the course of the stream between Glovelier and Le Prépetitjean. Between Côte du Droit and Envers de Bollement, the trail enters a gorge with an old mill and an old waterwheel, then reaches the Bollement pond. This trail description offers a way to discover the landscape not only through its waterways but also through individual historical structures along the route.

The “En passant par la Caquerelle” route starts at Glovelier railway station, passes through the Combe du Bé and crosses a 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. The “Chemin de la Courtine” No. 459 begins with a climb through the wild Combe Tabeillon gorge, then continues via hamlets, villages, ponds and wooded pastures to Bellelay.

Chapel and Roman traces

The Chapelle de Bonabé de Glovelier is a sanctuary dedicated to Notre-Dame de Lourdes. It was built in 1874 during the Kulturkampf and blessed in 1876. During the religious unrest of that time, it served as a sanctuary where members of the community could gather. Its construction, blessing and historical role therefore form a clear chronological sequence. The Église de Glovelier also plays a part in the village’s religious life: it is a parish church where Mass is held regularly; service times may vary.

Archaeological traces can be found at Bone en Bez in Glovelier. Five Roman bronze coins were discovered there in 1942. Surveys also identified the stone bed and side ditch of a Roman road. At this point, the road was between 3.70 and 4 metres wide; after separating from the modern road, it continues as a forest track. These measurements and construction features provide a tangible link between the Roman past and the area.

A garden as another place to visit

Jardin Dricino includes areas with flowers and aromatic plants. If you wish, you can explore the grounds barefoot. Guided visits are available on request; arrange a tour before your visit if you would like one. The garden complements the hiking routes and historical sites with a different experience during your stay in Glovelier.

Discover more destinations: Courroux, Undervelier, Saulcy, Soyhières, Delsberg, Rebeuvelier, Courfaivre, Vermes

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