"Banneret Wisard" farmhouse

The Maison du Banneret Wisard in Grandval, built in 1535, is one of the oldest houses in Switzerland and is protected as a national heritage site. A true architectural treasure of the Grand Chasseral region, it stands out for its authenticity and immersive atmosphere, offering a captivating journey into the past.

This exceptional site also houses one of the last functioning smoke-vault kitchens, where traditional meat smoking is still practiced and bread, pizzas, and tarts are baked in a wood-fired oven. Open to the public for self-guided or guided tours, the Maison du Banneret Wisard also serves as a venue for events. Whether for afterworks, company outings, birthdays, weddings, aperitifs, flea markets, or conferences, it provides a unique historical setting to make every occasion unforgettable.

The Banneret Wisard, military and political leader of Grandval, lived in the house that bears his name. Under the authority of the Prince-Bishops of Basel (999–1797), he enforced their laws, defended the territory, and acted as an intermediary with the local population. However, the weakening of episcopal power—due to alliances with Bern (combourgeoisies) and religious tensions after the Reformation of 1530—complicated his role. The arrival of French troops in 1797 and the implementation of the Napoleonic Code abolished the feudal structures. In 1815, the Jura region was placed under new sovereignty, marking the end of the banneret's function.