Location:
Saicourt is a small village situated in the Orval or Trame Valley, near Tavannes, about 20 kms from Bienne, in the Bernese Jura, canton of Bern.

The municipal commune of Saicourt is comprised of five small villages: Saicourt, Le Fuet, Bellelay, La Bottiere and Montbautier.

History:
The origins of the village are lost in the mists of time - the names of “court” and of ”cor” have Burgundian origins.The first writings to mention of the village date from only 1277. In this era, the village was known by the name of Zacurt.

A noble family, de Zacurt or de Saicourt, certainly had a castle they spoke of Châtillon, to which the inhabitants of the village gave the name of “Le Craux”. This family has long since disappeared.

After the Reformation, the parish of Tavannes, near to the village, adopted the new religion. A little later, the commune received a large number of Huguenot refugees, who had been living in France. The families of Paroz, Sautebin and Feusier, all arrived in the village in this era.

Following an invation from the French at the end of the 18th century, Saicourt left the Prince-Bishopric of Basle and was annexed to the Canton of Bern in 1815.

On the 14th September 1790, the village was partially destroyed by a flood of the Trame River ( a disastrous event !)

Jean-Henri Jacquerez, whose house is still visible today, was a notary and a writer. He has left his “Mémoires” which represent the mores of the 18^th century and gives us a view of interesting aspects of many localities in the Jura. You can find his grave next to the church in the village of Chaindon.

What to see? What to do?
There are many things to see and many more things to do ......
Certainly, the village and its surroundings are a small paradise in the arms of nature.

The majority of the houses of the village date from the 18th century - and most are constructed in wood, with some granaries and lofts dating from the 17th century. A sawmill, also from the 18th century, with ancient wheels, still functions.

A sculpture studio will always open its doors to interested visitors. It is situated in the old school, near the Post Office.

Also very popular throughout the Jura: tours by horse-drawn caravans. You will find caravans with horses and you can travel for one or more days, around the country roads of the area. Contact Wyss Family or Madame Isabelle Rey at the Restaurant des Trois-Suisses.

For the horseriders, Monsieur Ernest Gerber rents horses at a very reasonable rate. This is always an enjoyable way to discover the region.

In the Commune: La Rouge-Eau (the Red Water) - a natural reserve (a peatbog), the mountain of Montbautier, with a superb view over the Tavannes Valley.
The abbey of Bellelay also hosts an exhibition of contemporary paintings and sculpture every year.

Where to stay? Where to eat ?
It is a little difficult to stay in the village as there is no hotel. Wyss Family rent room for reasonable price. Sometimes it is possible to stay with a local family. The same is possible for groups, staying at a farm (in the hay) - and gives a little rustic air to a holiday or a weekend.

Contact Monsieur Ulrich Roetlisberger, mayor, at the Bureau de Poste (the Post Office).

Other possibilities:
Hotel Terminus at Tavannes (8 km) or the Hotel de l’Ours at Bellelay (8 km).

To enjoy the local cuisine - country fare and farmhouse meals (complete with homemade produce) can always be arranged..

The restaurant Les Trois Suisses, offers a simple menu, with the specialities of the region at a moderate price. Enjoy the cheese fondue, leg ham on the bone and   “rösti” - hash-brown potatoes crisped in a skillet and flavoured with bacon, herbs or cheese -

Other possibilities:
Restaurant La Paille d’Or at Reconvilier. The price is very reasonable (the plate of the day for 11 SF) and wonderful specialities.
Restaurant du Cerf at Loveresse . Country specialities and horse steak (de cheval) for 12 SF.
Restaurant de l’Ours at Bellelay. Well known for their fabulous trout....

Services:
Bureau de Poste (Post Office) in the village square.
Bus service - this line travels from Bellelay - Le Fuet - Saicourt - Saules - Reconvilier station and Tavannes.
Police: Canton police of Berne have a station at Reconvilier.
Authorities:
Bureau Communal au Fuet. (the office of Le Fuet) - M. Ulrich Roetlisberger, mayor (Bureau de poste)
Commune bourgeoise de Saicourt, M. Philippe Paroz, president, Bellelay.
Religious services:
Protestant Church at Chaindon, service on Sunday mornings. Sunday school, one day each month.
Schools: Primary schools are at Saicourt, Le Fuet, and Bellelay.
Secondary School are at Bellelay.
Associations:
-Société des Sports (the Sports Association )
-Société de Tir ( Shooters Association)
-Société de Culture et Loisirs ( Society of Culture and Leisure)
-Commité des anciens éleves (Committee of Past Pupils of Saicourt)
Events:
The Fair of Saicourt - organised in principle every two years. Reunion of former pupils of the village.
Internet Access:
The nearest to the village is at the Cyber Cafe Le Cheval-Blanc at Bevilard (8 km)
Some distances:
Bienne (Biel) 15 minutes
Moutier 15 minutes
Berne (Bern) 40 minutes
Basle Airport (Basel) 1 hour
Zurich Airport 1 hour 30 minutes
Geneva Airport 2 hours