Combes

Origin of the name Combes

Name origin: the origin of the name Combes is not explained by the sources consulted.

Founding of Combes

Combes is a hamlet on the hillside above the small town of Le Landeron, today in the municipality of Le Landeron. No founder is known. The community of Combes formed in the 16th century and belonged to the castellany of Le Landeron. In 1875 it was incorporated into the municipality of Landeron-Combes while remaining a burgher community, and in 1888 it was united with Le Landeron. The economy rested on wine-growing and farming; the hamlet has kept its rural character.

History of Combes

16th century. The community of Combes forms, part of the castellany of Le Landeron.

1681. Foundation of the Sainte-Anne chapel at Combes.

1694. Consecration of the Sainte-Anne chapel, served by the Capuchins of Le Landeron.

1875. Combes is incorporated into the municipality of Landeron-Combes, each locality nevertheless remaining a burgher community.

1877-1878. Fires in 1877 and 1878 reduce the size of the hamlet.

1888. Combes is united with Le Landeron, as the Neuchâtel municipal law abolishes this type of organisation.

Late 19th century. Protestants, attached to the Reformed parish of Le Landeron, become the majority at Combes.

1992. The Capuchins of Le Landeron stop serving the Sainte-Anne chapel.

Population of Combes

Population of Combes

1798	61 inhabitants
1850	60 inhabitants
1888	42 inhabitants

Historic sites in Combes

Sainte-Anne chapel. Chapel founded in 1681 and consecrated in 1694, served by the Capuchins of Le Landeron until 1992.

Rural hamlet. Wine-growing and farming hamlet that has kept its rural character; some textile craft existed here in the 19th century.

Sources

• Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Combes » (Olivier Girardbille)
• Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Landeron, Le (commune) » (Germain Hausmann)
• État de Neuchâtel, arrêté du 4 février 2026 homologuant le recensement cantonal de la population au 31 décembre 2025
• geo.admin.ch, service de recherche de lieux (swisstopo)

Other villages near Combes

• Le Landeron (NE)
• Cressier (NE)
• Enges (NE)
• Lignières (NE)
• Cornaux (NE)