Undervelier: Grotto, gorges and trails

Undervelier offers several reasons to visit: the pilgrimage history of Grotto Sainte-Colombe, archaeological finds, the landscape along the Sorne and designated hiking opportunities. A picnic at Lac Vert is also among the activities described.

Location on the Sorne and between the Jura gorges

Undervelier lies at 536 m above sea level in a widened valley on both sides of the Sorne, between two Jura gorges. The village is twelve kilometres southwest of Delémont as the crow flies. The Sorne is a left-bank tributary of the Birs and has carved out two gorges through the Jura ranges: the Gorges du Pichoux lie south of Undervelier, and the lower Sorne gorge lies north of the village.

Undervelier is on the regional road from Bassecourt via Bellelay to Tavannes. A bus route from Bassecourt to Soulce connects the village to public transport; if you are planning to travel by bus, check the timetable for your travel day. Grotto Sainte-Colombe lies downstream from the village, beside the road towards Glovelier.

Pilgrimage, archaeological finds and cultural venues

Grotto Sainte-Colombe is a Christian pilgrimage site documented as early as the 13th century. Every year on 15 August, pilgrims come to pray before the statue of the Virgin Mary. Archaeological finds also give the site a long historical perspective, including pottery sherds from the Bronze Age, the Gallo-Roman period and the Middle Ages.

The Église d’Undervelier is dedicated to Saint Erard. The exhibition of Bronze Art SA is located at Blanches-Fontaines 1, 2863 Undervelier, Switzerland. Espace d’art du Pichoux opened in the former Blanches-Fontaines factory.

Gorges du Pichoux: landscape and nature

The area around Undervelier lies in the heart of the Gorges du Pichoux. The gorges are listed in the Swiss inventory of landscapes, sites and natural monuments. They contain springs of particularly remarkable quality. The rare mayfly species is called Baetis nubecularis: it was discovered in the Gorges du Pichoux in 2002 and is found only in cold, oxygen-rich waters of the Jura Arc.

Deep in the Gorges du Pichoux, Lac Vert is a suitable picnic spot amid the natural surroundings. Conditions on site can vary seasonally.

Hiking and time outdoors

The Balade Ether is an easy family hike: it is four kilometres long and takes about one hour. The route starts and ends in Undervelier. Check current route conditions before setting out; the stated duration is an approximate guide.

The Ether hike in Undervelier is one of four energy trails in the municipality of Haute-Sorne, developed by geobiologist Joëlle Chautems. Good hiking shoes are required.

Discover more destinations: Soyhières, Bourrignon, Vermes, Courfaivre, Delémont, Glovelier, Courroux, Rebeuvelier.

Back to the main travel overview: Delémont.