Les Enfers
Origin of the name Les Enfers
An old form, « Au cruz des Enfers », appears in 1330. The name is said to describe a place on the edge of a precipice, from the Latin « infernu », « what lies below, low place », an explanation that is uncertain. Two popular traditions give it other origins (see Legends).[1]
Founding of Les Enfers
Les Enfers belonged to the lordship of the Franches-Montagnes. The community has existed at least since 1428, when its mayor signed a charter of the prince-bishop. It has always remained attached to the parish of Montfaucon. The municipality includes the hamlet of Cerniévillers, a municipality in the French period before it was incorporated, as well as the Le Patalour estate.[1][2]
History of Les Enfers
1428. The mayor of Les Enfers, Jehannenat Symonin, signs the charter by which the prince-bishop grants the communities of the area the right of angal for improving the roads.[1]
1793-1813. Les Enfers belongs to the French departments of Mont-Terrible, then Haut-Rhin. Cerniévillers then forms a municipality.[1]
1815-1978. The village is part of the canton of Bern.[1]
1817. Cerniévillers is incorporated into the municipality of Les Enfers.[1]
1962. End of the separate section of Cerniévillers for the use of pastures and forests.[1]
1979. Les Enfers becomes part of the new canton of Jura.
Population of Les Enfers
Sources and references: [1]
| 1818 | 290 |
| 1850 | 203 |
| 1870 | 287 |
| 1900 | 194 |
| 1930 | 164 |
| 1950 | 196 |
| 2000 | 130 |
| 2010 | 164 |
| 2025 | 145 |
Historic sites in Les Enfers
Cerniévillers. Hamlet perched on the Doubs slope, a municipality in the French period, incorporated into Les Enfers in 1817. Until 1962 it formed a separate section for the use of pastures and forests.[1]
Les Enfers peat bog. A peat bog was worked here in the 20th century (in full operation in 1943, with work resumed by decision in 1966). From 2008 it was regenerated with a view to listing as a nature reserve.[2]
Legends of Les Enfers
The burning peat bog. According to a legend, land clearing in the 14th century set fire to a peat bog. It is said to have burned for several weeks, or even several years, and given the village its name. None of this is certain.
L'Envers de Montfaucon. According to another tradition, the name comes from a copyist's error: « L'Envers de Montfaucon » is said to have become « Les Enfers ».
Sources
- Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Les Enfers » (Claude Rebetez)
- Denis Moine, Chronologie jurassienne, « Enfers, Les »
- Statistique Jura, tableau JU-T.01.01.03, population résidante permanente au 31 décembre 2025
- geo.admin.ch (swisstopo), recherche de lieux « Les Enfers »
Localities of the municipality with a page
Other villages near Les Enfers
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