Roches: Hotels between history and landscape

Roches is shaped by archaeological remains, historic routes and the landscape of the Gorges de Moutier. The themes are easy to distinguish during your stay: traces of earlier production, the history of the routes and the distinctive landscape along the Birse.

Archaeological traces in Roches and Combe Chopin

The remains of the iron furnace at Roches date from around 1200 AD. They are protected by a glazed shelter and are open to the public. Other archaeological evidence in Roches includes three excavated lime kilns, representative of facilities from the modern era. Archaeologists also found several charcoal kilns in Combe Chopin, from different periods. Their diameters range from 10 to 14 metres. The iron furnace, lime kilns and charcoal kilns therefore differ both in function and in date.

The Roches–Combe Chopin archaeological trail presents the pre-industrial history of the Jura. The finds between Roches and Combe Chopin also provide the basis for an educational discovery trail for the public. Those interested in history will encounter not just individual structures, but different traces of earlier production and ways of interpreting them.

Historic routes and industry along the Birse

The nationally significant historic route IVS JU 1.0.3 covers the section from the Moulin des Roches to La Roche St-Jean (BE). At the beginning of the section, near the Moulin des Roches, a carved limestone bearing the inscription “XVI Lieues” indicates the distance from Bern. In the Chaives Roches section, an opening in the rock contains a wrought-iron cross on a white limestone pedestal. These details provide concrete historical points of reference along the route.

The Forge de Roches stands on the Birse in a wooded gorge between Delémont and Moutier. Its two wheels were once powered by the force of the Birse. Historically, the operational buildings were reached via a narrow wooden bridge. If you plan to visit the forge, check current access arrangements in advance.

Gorges de Moutier and activities in the surrounding area

The Gorges de Moutier form a narrow, winding and unspoilt passage between Moutier and Roches. They are part of the nationally significant IFP 1021 landscape area, which also includes the municipality of Roches. The landscape is shaped by a series of limestone ridges on both sides of the Birse. The ridges are often topped with pine trees, and wooded, scree-filled gorges separate them.

The Tour du Raimeux cycling route starts in Moutier, first passes through the Gorges de Moutier towards Roches, then continues to Rebeuvelier. It is 26 kilometres long, with 644 metres of ascent and 644 metres of descent. Hikers, climbers and paragliders are also active in the nearby Raimeux area. The stretches around Roches are among the best sections of the Birse for dry-fly fishing. Check the applicable regulations before you go fishing.

Farm visits and rural architecture

In Roches, Ferme de la Combe is located on Montagne de Moutier, with views of the Weissenstein. For guests visiting the farm, Isabelle Habegger cooks with food from her own farm and from the Bernese Jura.

Trondai is a former farmhouse dating from 1696 and is considered typical of the region. It preserves authentic interior features, including a vaulted kitchen. Its Jura-style construction is evident in the raised masonry living quarters, the mixed-use outbuilding made of wood and stone, and the double-pitched roof. Its architecture thus brings together several clearly recognisable building features, without implying that Trondai is currently available as accommodation.

Discover more destinations: Saicourt, Perrefitte, Valbirse.

For the main travel overview: Moutier.