Completion of the chalet 1826 (≈ 1826)
End of work initiated by Dalloz.
1891-1894
Major restructuring
Major restructuring 1891-1894 (≈ 1893)
Works led by Louis Rousseau.
1966
Final closure
Final closure 1966 (≈ 1966)
Discontinuation of wheat activity.
2007
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 2007 (≈ 2007)
Front and roof protection.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Fronts and roofs (AH 85): inscription by decree of 19 September 2007
Key figures
Claude-Marie Dalloz - Architect
Designer of the cottage in 1826.
Louis Rousseau - Architect
Author of the restructuring (1891-1894).
Origin and history
The Moirans-en-Montagne cheese cottage was built at the beginning of the 19th century, when legislation allowed the grouping of producers for the collective production of cheese. The municipality then commissioned a double building, designed by architect Claude-Marie Dalloz, to house two local cheese companies. The building, completed in 1826, is distinguished by a neo-classical portico porch, reflecting a desire to combine industrial functionality and architectural aesthetics.
In 1891-1894, architect Louis Rousseau carried out a major restructuring of the chalet, probably modifying its interior layout or its technical equipment to adapt to the changes in the cheese methods. The activity lasted until 1966, the date of the final closure of the cheese factory, marking the end of an era for this emblematic place of Jurassian economic and social life.
Ranked a Historic Monument in 2007 for its facades and roof, the chalet today bears witness to the rural and artisanal history of the region. Its heritage inscription underlines the importance of cheese cooperatives in local development, as well as the scarcity of neo-classical industrial buildings dedicated to this activity. The site, located at the 1st ascent of the Château, remains a symbol of Jurassian cheesemaking know-how, although its current use is not specified in the available sources.
