The town of Rue, smallest town in Europe, invites you to explore its medieval streets, monuments, lush nature, its past and its present.
Welcome to Rue, a charming town in the canton de Fribourg, between the Alps and Jura. Strategically located between Romont, Oron and Moudon, Rue is in the district of Glâne, the country of glass and stained glass.
A rich and fascinating history
The town of Rue was founded in the 13th century, while the first record of a castle dates from the 12th century. The prosperous walled town once had up to a dozen annual fairs a year and had five bars, numerous shops, a casino and even a hospital. Until 1848, Rue was the administrative centre of its own district. You can explore its fascinating past with the history walk, the “Circuit Secret Rue”, or a guided tour.
A town of art and culture
Rue is a town of artists, vibrant and colourful. It has two art galleries and hosts Art Forum, a biennale for Glâne’s artists.
Beautiful countryside
The countryside around Rue features fields extending as far as the eye can see, cattle, rivers, with mountains in the background – a lush green landscape, typically Swiss, to be explored on foot or by mountain bike or e-bike.
The Chavannettes Waterfalls are among its hidden treasures. A cool oasis, only 20 minutes’ walk from the town, they are the ideal spot for a summer day out with the family.