N°07 From the Land to the Artist

Description

Pictogramme Randonée
Focus on the Jorat and its typical rural landscapes, between fields, country roads, villages and forests. This 12-kilometre walk takes us successively in the footsteps of the poet Gustave Roud, whose Carrouge farm is located at the beginning of the itinerary, and of the writer Jacques Chessex, who was well known under the name of Ropraz.
This charming hike begins in the village of Carrouge. It is said that the Jorat is a land of inspiration. This becomes quite apparent at the first stop on the farm of the poet Gustave Roud. A resident of the Jorat and author of a "Petit traité de la marche en plaine" (A short treatise on walking on the plains), he knew his region perfectly well and loved to roam and photograph it.

Our path continues in the direction of Ropraz, crossing in turn a forest and a small river called the Bressonne. A picnic area caters to those who wish to rest before arriving at the Château de Ropraz dating from 1689. Further on, in the village of Ropraz, we walk along the cemetery where the famous Prix Goncourt writer Jacques Chessex (“L’Ogre”), is buried. The author of "Vampire de Ropraz" lived in the village for 35 years and was very attached to the region. Our hike gently continues, taking us to the educational farm of Mélèze, where a variety of animals are raised and group visits organised.

Point of interest

 

1.  Maison de Gustave Roud

Gustave Roud (1897-1976), one of Switzerland's leading French-speaking authors, is best known for his poetic prose. In 1908, Gustave Roud moved with his family to the farm of his maternal grandfather where he lived until his death. He travelled the region on foot and wrote numerous poems highlighting the landscapes and the world of the Jorat.

2.  Lieu-dit La Croix

A place offering a magnificent view of the Plateau with the mountains as a backdrop (a panorama table offering the names of the peaks on the distant horizon).

3.  Château de Ropraz

The castle, built around 1689 by Abraham Clavel "Lord of Ropraz", has been home to many owners. Amongst them the painter Erich Wassmer who endowed the facades with particular decorations which have been recently renovated.

4.  Fondation l'Estrée

Founded in 1989 by Alain Gilliéron, the Fondation L'Estrée has been presenting exhibitions and sales of contemporary artists, as well as concerts, theatre plays and literary cafés for over 30 years. Alain Gilliéron worked as a model for the painter Erich Wassmer.
  • Distance : 12Km
  • Length : 3h10
  • Start : Carrouge, house of Gustave Roud
  • End : Carrouge, house of Gustave Roud
  • Difficulty :
  • Height difference : +289m
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