In and around Lake Gruyere, Switzerland (failed golf resort) Part 1

I've been cycling for about an hour and can see today's destination in the distance: Lake Gruyere.  

Back in 1948 a dam was built (Rossens Dam) on the Sarine River and Lake Gruyere was formed. It's about a 30 mile bike ride around the lake.

Right next door to the previous photo I'm looking at this dairy farmhouse complex with a self-service shop on the right. They live upstairs and below is where the magic happens. Someone is in there producing who knows what (cheese, milk, ice cream). The cows are in the field on the left (out of the picture).  

I check out the offerings in the self-service store. Lots of cheese, milk, yogurt and even ice cream. A passing jogger says they make the best cheese for fondue. 

Whoa, this sign looks really familiar. 

I've seen this sign before. About 10 years ago an ad similar to this ran periodically in the Financial Times newspaper. Besides an 18 hole golf course, spa and multiple restaurants a Hyatt-branded hotel with something like 80 rooms was to be built. Better check the place out. 

Coming down the entrance drive it looks like the place has been abandoned. Peeking in windows I see the place empty of all furnishings. Hmm, I decided to check out the backside

Wow, great view of the lake from the backside of the building.

The place looks like it has been left to rot. On the left was evidently the main dining room and is barren of all furnishings. 

Diners would enjoy great views. What the heck happened? 

I do some online sleuthing and from what I can gather the resort is owned by a Chinese businessman and it's up for sale. The Hyatt hotel didn't pan out and guess it was later changed to building apartments and selling them--which never came to fruition.

The fairway greens seem to have been freshly cut and putting greens in reasonable shape--in the distance you can see several sand traps. What gives? More sleuthing reveals the answer. The Chinese businessman evidently defaulted on a loan from a local bank. The bank is paying for minimal grounds upkeep to make it look more pleasing to potential buyers rather than letting it fall into disrepair.

This is the church you saw in an earlier photo. The golf course is on the other side of the road to the right.  These are the tee areas for the driving range.

Not too keen about this driving range. When I go to a driving range I like to whack the ball and watch it continue rolling. Here, it's a steep uphill and might just roll back. 

Saw these woodcarvings outside a home.  I wonder if they bought them or if they were carved by the owner

Was a chainsaw used or was it all chipped away with wood carving tools.  

Passing through the village of Corbieres (population 900) I spot this medieval structure. Better take a closer look.

It's a large complex and I'm thinking it's a monastery.

Nope, it's Corbieres Castle also known as Baillival Castle. Back in medieval times a bailiff (similar to a sheriff) was a position of immense power and usually resided in fancy digs.  

Chexbres, Switzerland

 Multiple times a week I cycle about a dozen miles from Lausanne (where I live) to the village of Chexbres (population 2,000). Why? Besides being a scenic ride through wine vineyards it's also home to a favorite patisserie shop. 

It's mid-April and I'm pretty sure Spring is here--though this being Switzerland we could get snow next week.  Anyway, it's amazing how overnight these flowers in the picture just all of a sudden pop open---it's like they're saying "BOOM we're ready".

These flowers (bushes?) come in three colors---purple, yellow and white. 

This area of steep terraced vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva runs for about 15 miles. The monks planted and harvested wine here more than 1,00 years ago. In fact, this area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

That's France on the other side of Lake Geneva. Way in the distance there's a narrow valley that'll take you to Italy. 

More yellow.

Here's white.

Hmm, this is in Chexbres and evidently they think winter isn't over as the fountain hasn't been turned on. 

Snapped this looking through someone's yard.

Return in a month and I bet the vines on the terrace will be open. 

View of lake.

Tulips.

That'll be in full bloom soon. 

Morges, Switzerland (tulips galore)

Morges (population 17,000) hugs the shoreline of Lake Geneva and I'm here to checkout their 56th annual Festival of Tulips. 

It's the tail-end of the two week extravaganza of colors but the tulips are still putting on quite the display. 

Ten days ago I was cycling in snow and now, it will be in the high 60's. However, tomorrow it'll be back in the 40's with rain. Typical Swiss April weather.   

The water fountains on the main shopping street in Morges (pedestrian-only) have been turned into elaborate Easter/tulip displays.  

How big is this tulip festival? Tour buses bring in visitors.

The festival is usually held around Easter time. Which explains the rabbits and easter eggs in the displays. 

Even the grounds of the 13th century Morges Castle get into the act.

Tulips in front of Morges Castle.

Lots of color.

Another fountain with a big wabitt in the corner.

Colorful swans. 

Another fountain.

Nice color combination.

More tulips on the promenade.

This is a roundabout in a nearby village.

Closer inspection--looks like a Smurf on a surfboard. 

Rue, Switzerland (tombstones, Rue Castle and, sculptures)

I'm in the canton of Fribourg (southern part of Switzerland). Cantons are similar to states in the USA. 

The region is awash in dairy farms. Two of Switzerland's most famous names in chocolate (Villars and Cailler) have factories in the area. Lots of cheese is made here including Le Gruyere and Vacheron Fribourgeois which can be bought in USA. 

I was cycling the backroads and was about to descend into a valley when I spotted a castle in the distance. You know what that means---better go check it out. 

Getting to the castle means passing through the village of Ursy (population 3,200). Those of you follow my blog know I like checking out cemeteries. 

Don't know the story behind this guy's passing but, at 26 years old he was way too young. Note the soccer ball and shoes.  Juan Pablo Medina Luna must have been an avid soccer player. In the photo on the tombstone he's wearing a Ursy soccer club shirt. 

I can't figure out if Albert was a fireman, miner or something else. The helmet looks similar to the one he's wearing in the photo on the tombstone. 

I'm assuming Thierry loved guitars. Was he in a band? 

I'm on the main street in Rue (population 1,500) and can see the castle right above.

I find this information plaque on Rue's main street and am puzzled. It's my understanding you have to have a population of 5,000 or in some countries 10,000 inhabitants to call yourself a town. 

With a population of 1,500 Rue doesn't fit the bill. It's obviously a marketing gimmick. I googled it and found numerous places in Europe calling themselves the smallest town in Europe. 

This is the road to Rue Castle. 

Rue Castle dates back to 1150, 

Here's the entrance door. Alas, my visit into the castle doesn't happen as it's a private dwelling. 

Here's the view from outside the castle entrance. 

The castle occupies the prestigious high spot with the church below. Yep, I did check out the cemetery.

View from church.

Below the castle and the church I come across this sculpture garden. 

Lots of color.

More sculptures.

This home stands next to the sculpture gardens and they're the owners.