Welcome to la Bessonne
The story of the Grain de Blé Foundation began in 1937, when Jean André, a Swiss businessman committed to the Christian faith, organised a first camp for young people in the Swiss pre-Alps.
In 1942, in the midst of the World War, he rented the former Maillefer hotel in Ballaigues, which later became Jura-Rosaly and hosted a first camp for young Christian girls.
When the Second World War ended, it left behind many destitute children. Seeing this, Jean André decides to invite children from Germany. To carry out his project, he bought two houses: Jura-Rosaly (1948) and La Bessonnaz (1952), both located in the Vallorbe region: this is how he helped hundreds of children scarred by the conflict. During these camps, children received essential care that helped them recover from the war trauma they had suffered. It is also where seeds of hope and love were sown in their hearts. Over time, the project of this man of faith has developed and children from Austria, France, England, Italy, Poland, Greece and Lebanon have been able to participate in camps.
La Bessonne offers an ideal place to stay, surrounded by forests and pastures with a splendid view of the Swiss plateau and the Alps. With Jura-Rosaly, it is an essential tool in the ministry of evangelisation led by the Grain de Blé Foundation. Since 1952, thousands of children, adolescents and adults have been able to experience moments of sharing and discovery of the Word of God there. Completely renovated, La Bessonne reopened in 2022 and can now accommodate up to 108 people at a time.
The main goal of the foundation is to support children of all nationalities, religious affiliations and social classes, but more particularly disadvantaged children through activities and projects that fit into a general context of sharing the values and the message of the Christian faith.
As written on the wall of this house, the Lord promises: “My love will not depart from you” (The Bible, Isaiah 54 v. 10) May this verse accompany all those who visit this place.
