Above Lac de Montsalvens, on a sunny terrace in the Gruyère region, lies Crésuz. The Old Rectory, historic route connections and hiking landscapes overlooking Lake Gruyère give the village a range of cultural and scenic features.
Elevation and Rural Character
The village centre lies at about 1,072 metres above sea level; the municipality extends from 852 to 1,427 metres. Meadows, alpine pastures and forests shape the surrounding area, along with panoramic views of Lake Gruyère. Crésuz has a distinctly rural character and a compact settlement pattern. The village stands on a natural plateau along the former route from Châtel-sur-Montsalvens. This route led through the Javro gorge to Charmey or via Les Planches to Cerniat.
Traces of Village History and Sacred Architecture
Crésuz was first mentioned in 1238 under the name Crisue. A fire destroyed much of the village in 1667; the church was rebuilt in 1670. The Old Rectory, built in 1547, is one of the oldest dated houses in the canton of Fribourg. It was the only building in Crésuz to survive the fire. From 1798 to 1917, it was used as a school.
The church also offers several insights into the village’s architectural and decorative history. It features high-quality Baroque furnishings; its organs were installed in 1919 by Zurich organ builder Theodor Kuhn. The church also served as a model for the chapel in Châtel-sur-Montsalvens. The Ruffieux farmstead is distinguished by an arched main façade with a curved gable and a hipped roof with a break in its slope. The lower section of the roof is less steep than the upper section.
The Oratoire Saint-Blaise stands along the former route from Châtel-sur-Montsalvens to Crésuz. Today, it is a simple prayer oratory; Mass is no longer celebrated there. Inside is an oak triptych depicting the Virgin and Child, flanked by Saint Blaise and Saint Genevieve. It was created by Carlo Grisoni and donated by Claude Glasson in 1945.
Cultural Routes and Hiking
The Sentier des patrimoines de la Jogne is 22 kilometres long and follows already-marked hiking trails. Along the route, 45 panels explain significant features of the architectural heritage; twelve living traditions are also presented at characteristic sites. The route is suitable for experienced hikers as well as families. It can be divided into stages of three hours of actual walking time each, starting from Jaun, Charmey or Broc-Fabrique. The stated walking time for each stage is useful when planning your day.
Another route connection is the Crésuz–Gruyères stage of the Vias du Fromage. It starts in the village centre. As far as Châtel-sur-Montsalvens, the route follows a path listed in the Inventory of Historic Traffic Routes in Switzerland. The route connections differ: this one starts in the village centre, while the stages of the Sentier des patrimoines, each involving three hours of actual walking time, start from Jaun, Charmey or Broc-Fabrique.
Getting Around and Practical Information
PostBus routes connect Crésuz with the surrounding municipalities. The nearest railway station is in Broc-Fabrique, with trains from there to Bulle and Fribourg. The Broc–Charmey section of the Sentier des patrimoines de la Jogne is accessible by public transport. The nearest stops for this section are listed as Broc, Chocolaterie, and Charmey, télécabine. Check the timetable when planning your journey, as services may change.
The playground in the village centre is next to the church and a ten-minute walk from the Crésuz, Village bus stop. The playground includes a boules court; a wildlife park with deer is also nearby. As information about facilities and access may change, it is advisable to check the current situation before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Gruyères Fr, Vuadens, Le Pâquier, Pont-La-Ville Fr, Jaun, Bulle, Châtel-Sur-Montsalvens, Broc Fr
For the main travel overview: Gruyère.
