Soubey
Origin of the name Soubey
First mentioned in 1340 in the form « Subeis », then in 1369 as « Subiez ». The etymology remains unexplained.[1]
Founding of Soubey
The founder of Soubey is not known. The hamlets of Chercenay, Froidevaux and Lobschez are older than the village, and Chercenay had the first chapel. Soubey only replaced them as the centre in the 17th century. The place belonged to the courtine of the chapter of Saint-Ursanne, in the Prince-Bishopric of Basel, and was at first part of the parish of Chercenay. The municipality comprises the village, the hamlets of Clairbief, Chercenay, Froidevaux and Le Chaufour on the left bank of the Doubs, and those of Lobschez and Les Moulins on the right bank.[1]
History of Soubey
1139. Mention of the chapel of Chercenay.[1]
Before 1200. The hamlets of Chercenay, Froidevaux and Lobschez are attested.[1]
1340. First mention of Soubey, in the form « Subeis ».[1]
1369. Mention in the form « Subiez ».[1]
15th century. Mills and sawmills operate in Soubey, until the 20th century.[1]
17th century. Soubey replaces the hamlets as the centre. A glassworks operates at Lobschez.[1]
1632. Consecration of the parish church of Saint-Valbert.[1]
1793-1813. Soubey belongs to the French departments of Mont-Terrible and then Haut-Rhin.[1]
1815-1978. Soubey belongs to the canton of Bern.[1]
1864. Road link to the Franches-Montagnes plateau.[1]
1894. The bridge is replaced by an iron structure.[1]
1960. Trout farming begins.[1]
1961-1962. Renovation of the church, with stained glass by Coghuf.[1][2]
Population of Soubey
Sources and references: [1]
| 1818 | 345 |
| 1850 | 391 |
| 1900 | 352 |
| 1950 | 219 |
| 1980 | 157 |
| 2000 | 136 |
| 2010 | 147 |
| 2025 | 123 |
Historic sites in Soubey
Church of Saint-Valbert. Parish church consecrated in 1632 and renovated in 1961-1962 with stained glass by Coghuf. A cultural property of regional importance. Its stone roof was restored in 1981. It is said to be the only church in Switzerland north of the Alps with a stone roof.[1][2][3]
Village farmhouses. Farmhouses with gabled façades dating from the 17th to the 19th century.[1]
Bridge over the Doubs. Bridge replaced in 1894 by an iron structure.[1]
Hamlet of Chercenay. Former parish centre, whose chapel is mentioned as early as 1139.[1]
Remains in Soubey
Lobschez glassworks. Glassworks active in the 17th century in the hamlet of Lobschez.[1]
Mills and sawmills. Several mills and sawmills operated in Soubey from the 15th to the 20th century.[1]
Sources
- Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Soubey » (François Kohler), version du 13.07.2020 (lu dans la version allemande)
- Denis Moine, Chronologie jurassienne, « Soubey »
- Office fédéral de la protection de la population (OFPP), Inventaire PBC, liste cantonale du canton du Jura (état au 1.1.2026)
- Statistique Jura, tableau JU-T.01.01.03, population résidante permanente au 31 décembre 2025
- geo.admin.ch (swisstopo), recherche de lieux « Soubey »
Localities of the municipality with a page
Other villages near Soubey
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