The hamlet of Lucelle belongs to the municipality of Pleigne and lies a few kilometres from Delémont in the Lucelle Valley. The abbey was of importance to the region until its influence came to an abrupt end during the French Revolution.

Lucelle’s significance in earlier centuries derived from the abbey which is said to have been founded by Saint Bernard, who also founded the abbey at Clairvaux. The first written mention of Lucelle can be found in the abbey foundation records dating from 1124. The abbey was directly subordinate to the emperor, and was pillaged and burned several times throughout the centuries. An earthquake in the 14th century also caused great damage.

Neither marauding troops nor natural disasters could diminish the abbey’s influence and its heyday did not come to an end until 1792 and the French Revolution. Today, the abbey buildings have been converted into a retirement home. The well-preserved gate and fountain belonging to the old abbey still stand, as well as the manor house of Abbot Delfil.

Tourism is of increasing importance to Lucelle. Its attractions are its landscape, which include a pretty lake nestling in a nature conservation area. Horse-drawn gypsy caravan holidays are very popular in this region. The valley floor at Lucelle is largely undeveloped and the river has unspoilt banks that are a joy to explore on hikes and walks through the area.

Highlights

• Remains of Lucelle Abbey (the buildings have been converted into a retirement home)
• Hike over the Jura ridges from Lucelle to Vue des Alpes with spectacular views of Lake Neuchâtel
• Horse-drawn gypsy caravan holidays
• Unspoilt banks of the Lucelle River