A charming medieval village in western Switzerland, it is deeply linked to the history of the powerful family of the Lords of Grandson, who dominated the region between the 10th and 14th centuries.

The village originally developed around the castle, an imposing fortress that is now one of the largest in Switzerland. With its rectangular shape and rounded towers defending it, the castle tells a story of strength and endurance. After the fire of 1466, which destroyed much of the village, Grandson returned to the centre of history in 1476, with the famous Battle of Grandson. In this decisive event, the Confederates defeated Charles the Bold in nearby Concise, securing the village a place of honour in Swiss memory. Subsequently, Grandson came under the control of Bern and Fribourg for three centuries. During this time, its evangelical church, once part of a Benedictine priory, continued to be an important landmark. The present building, dating from the 12th century, is a fascinating example of Romanesque architecture inspired by Auvergne styles. Its cruciform ground plan, elegant half-vaulted aisles and the round arches of the nave offer an impressive testimony to the past. Next to the church is the town hall, built in 1779, with a façade adorned by a tympanum bearing the town’s coat of arms. Not far away, along the road to Fiez, one can admire an ancient menhir, a further reminder of the deep roots of this land. Today, walking around Grandson means immersing oneself in an atmosphere that weaves together stories of knights, battles and centuries-old traditions, in a place that has managed to preserve its authentic charm.