Château de Rue stands on a hill and offers panoramic views across the Glâne region. Rue was built at the foot of a rocky outcrop on which the castle stands—once the seat of the local lords. This connection between castle and town gives the place a distinct historical character, which you can explore on several walking routes.
Castle, town history and churches
Château de Rue consists of three buildings combined into a fortress. The medieval castle was first mentioned in writing in 1152. Rue itself, by contrast, was founded around 1264 by Peter II of Savoy and was the first capital of the Glâne district. The two dates therefore mark different milestones: the castle’s early mention and the town’s later founding. The castle also has an unusual connection to the history of flight: in 1898, it served as a take-off point for a glider flight.
A rose window illuminates the gallery in Église Saint-Nicolas. The Chapelle Saint-Nicolas is a different building; it dates from 1333. Visitors interested in the town’s architecture can explore these two distinct religious buildings without conflating their histories.
Walking routes with different themes
The Circuit Secret is an interactive walking tour through Rue that uses sound and light. Along the route, you can explore five notable places, including Château de Rue. Its themes include history from Roman times to the Napoleonic armies, Ferdinand Ferber and Rue’s last witch. Two types of guided tour are also offered around Église Saint-Nicolas.
The marked Balade historique takes a different approach, leading through the medieval town’s historic lanes. The Balade à Rue Extra-muros is another historical walk, this time around Rue. This route is accessible by public transport; the nearest bus stop is called Rue ville. As transport information may change, check connections before setting out.
Art and living traditions
Galerie de Rue serves as an exhibition and studio space for artist Jacques Basler. The garden of the Chapellenie offers a different way to experience art: works by Marcel Dorthe can be viewed there, provided the owner grants access. The owner, Marcel Dorthe, offers free guided tours of the Chapellenie on request. Be sure to arrange your visit in advance and obtain the necessary permission.
Shortly before Easter, Rue holds a traditional ritual in which children walk through the streets with Tapolets. These instruments are operated with a hand crank and have wooden hammers.
Routes and planning locally
There is one clear restriction for an outing to the Chutes de Chavannettes: vehicle access is prohibited. From Rue, the waterfalls can be reached on foot or by bicycle. Check local access conditions before setting out, especially when planning your routes.
Rue also lies on the route from Lake Geneva to Moudon and Avenches and is a junction on the way to Romont. The first stage of the Route du Coeur is a separate route: it runs from Lausanne via Rue to Romont and passes through the vineyards of Lavaux. Check route details before departure. This makes it easy to consider routes around Rue as a separate part of your planning, alongside the local history and cultural experiences explored on the walking tours.
Discover more destinations: Le Châtelard Fr, Villorsonnens, Romont Fr.
See the overview of destinations in the wider region: Glâne.
