Fribourg en diagonale, Stage 1/3

Passing through the medieval town of Gruyères with it cobblestone high street, the route descends to the river Saane. Following the bank of the river, you will soon arrive at Broc. At Broc, you will cross the wild river Saane on a bridge made of wood and stone. Surrounded by pre-Alpine landscapes, meadows and forested areas, this leg then ends shortly afterwards in Bulle.

From Gruyères railway station, the trail first passes through Pringy and climbs to the small town of Gruyères. Shortly before the first houses, the route reaches its highest point at around 810 metres. It then passes Château Saint-Germain, a cultural property of national significance, and the church of Saint-Théodule.

Beyond Gruyères, the hiking trail enters the forest. Further on, open meadows and pastures alternate with more stretches of woodland. Gentle hills characterise the middle section; following well-marked paths, the route gradually loses elevation and leads to Château d’En-Bas near Broc, a manor house in the Greyerz district.

Towards the end, the settlements become denser and the trail approaches Bulle. In the centre of the town, Château de Bulle stands directly on the route. The former seat of power provides a striking finale before the hike ends at the Bulle, Place du Taureau stop. A good two and a half hours should be allowed for the ten kilometres.