Saicourt: Abbey Heritage, Culture and Nature

Saicourt brings together the heritage of the former Bellelay Abbey, cultural attractions and nature. Its sights reveal different facets of the destination: historic architecture, the history of Tête de Moine and a nature trail focused on dragonflies. If you are looking for a hotel in Saicourt, these themes can help you decide what you would like to focus on during your stay.

Bellelay Abbey: history and architecture

The former Premonstratensian Abbey of Bellelay is located in Bellelay, within the municipality of Saicourt, and was active from the 12th to the 18th century. The former abbey church serves as a cultural venue and hosts exhibitions of contemporary art in summer. It is also the westernmost example of a church built according to the Vorarlberg scheme. The former abbey estate forms an architectural and landscaped ensemble dating from the 18th century, considered unique in the territory of the former Prince-Bishopric of Basel. The former abbey farm dates from 1766 to 1768 and is considered an important testament to the rural history of the former Baroque abbey. The Hôtel de l’Ours was built in 1698 as a former inn serving Bellelay Abbey.

Cultural visits and the Scierie Paroz

Guided tours of the abbey explore the site’s architecture and the origins of Tête de Moine. On a guided tour of the abbey church, you can climb one of the bell towers and enjoy views over the Petit-Val. Concerts titled «Concerts au balcon» are held in the abbey church, featuring organists from the region, France and elsewhere.

The Scierie Paroz also connects history with a practical craft: the current building dates from 1785; it was restored and put back into operation in 2014. The facility is one of the last functioning sawmills powered by water. Individual visits and guided tours for individuals or small groups are available by appointment. Check seasonal accessibility before travelling.

Tête de Moine and the Fête des cerises

The former abbey farm is considered the birthplace of Tête de Moine AOP. The interactive Maison de la Tête de Moine museum provides information about Tête de Moine and how it is made. Cheese tasting is possible at the end of the visit. You can encounter the subject both in the history of the former farm and at the museum.

The 2026 edition of the Fête des cerises programme includes a craft and regional produce market with around 60 exhibitors, the sale of cherries, musical entertainment and various activities for children.

Nature at Étang de la Noz and on the Libell’lay trail

The Libell’lay nature trail in Bellelay is 4.8 kilometres long and has 12 stations that share information about dragonflies. Designed as a nature detective trail, it features an activity and a puzzle at most stations. The route passes between ponds, a river and marshes that provide dragonfly habitats. Unlike visits focused on the abbey’s heritage, this trail centres on dragonflies and their habitats, as well as activities along the way.

Another named landscape feature is Étang de la Noz. The 1.5-hectare pond is in Saicourt, about one kilometre west of the hamlet of Bellelay.

Discover more destinations: Valbirse, Roches, Perrefitte.

Go to the main travel overview: Moutier.