Rue: History, Castle and Walking Tours

If you are considering Rue as a destination for a hotel stay, you will encounter medieval history, striking buildings and several walking tours with different focuses. Château de Rue stands on a hill and offers panoramic views over the Glâne region. Other highlights include Église Saint-Nicolas, art venues and an interactive tour that uses sound and light. The following features can help you decide whether to focus your stay on architectural history, walking routes or cultural traditions.

Castle and town history

Rue’s medieval castle was first mentioned in writing in 1152. The town was founded around 1264 by Peter II of Savoy and was the first main town of the Glâne district. Rue was built at the foot of a rocky outcrop on which the castle stands; the castle was once the seat of the local lords. Château de Rue consists of three buildings combined into a fortress. Its position on the hill pairs this compact structure with views over the Glâne. A more unusual historical detail has also been recorded: in 1898, Château de Rue served as the launch point for a glider flight.

Church, chapel and manor houses

In Église Saint-Nicolas, the rose window that illuminates the gallery stands out. Chapelle Saint-Nicolas dates from 1333. In Église Saint-Nicolas, the rose window that illuminates the gallery stands out. Chapelle Saint-Nicolas dates from 1333. Maison de Prez is the largest manor house in the canton of Fribourg. These buildings represent different aspects of the town’s history: a specific architectural detail at the church draws attention to its interior, while the chapel’s date and the classification of the manor houses add to the picture of the town’s historical development.

Walking tours with different focuses

Circuit Secret is an interactive walking tour through Rue that uses sound and light. It lets you explore five notable locations, including Château de Rue. The tour covers a span of history from Roman times to the Napoleonic armies, and also features Ferdinand Ferber and Rue’s last witch. If you are interested in Église Saint-Nicolas, two types of guided tour are offered around the church.

Balade historique offers a different perspective: it is a marked route through the medieval town’s historic lanes. The historical walk “Balade à Rue Extra-muros” goes around Rue and can be reached by public transport; the nearest bus stop is Rue ville. Check connections before you set off. The “Historical Walking Tours” brochure is available from the Romont and its Region Tourist Office, Rue municipality and some restaurants in the region.

Art and living traditions

Galerie de Rue is both an exhibition space and the workplace of artist Jacques Basler. At Chapellenie, you can view works by Marcel Dorthe in the garden, provided the owner allows access. The owner, Marcel Dorthe, offers free guided tours of Chapellenie on request. The two options differ in this respect: the gallery combines exhibitions with an artist’s studio, while a visit to Chapellenie depends on permission or a requested guided tour.

Shortly before Easter, Rue holds a traditional ritual in which children walk through the streets with tapolets. Tapolets are instruments with wooden hammers operated by a hand crank. The explanation of the instrument brings the custom to life: its characteristic sound is made by the moving hammers. If you are interested in local traditions, this example combines a recurring festive custom with a distinctive musical instrument.

Routes and directions

Rue lies on the route from Lake Geneva to Moudon and Avenches, and is also a junction on the way to Romont. The first stage of the Route du Coeur runs from Lausanne via Rue to Romont and passes through the Lavaux vineyards. Since route details should be checked before departure, it is worth reviewing the latest route information.

Chutes de Chavannettes can also be reached from the town of Rue on foot or by bicycle. Vehicle access is prohibited; as this restriction may change, check before setting out. The details on walking tours, routes and art venues give you concrete pointers to the topics you might want to explore during your stay in Rue.

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