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 Its exact height is 936.25m, according to the triangulation signal on the western side of the Gourze Tower. The origins of this odd 900m3 block are at the very least vague: it's said that Queen Berthe had it built in the 9th century to protect Le Lavaux from Saracen invasions. Other sources refer to the action of the Lausanne bishops in the 11th century.
Be that as it may, there are many theories regarding the history of this Tower: burnt, demolished, renovated, enfeoffed, and sold. It was only in 1910 that the Tower finally found its peace again, when it was bought and managed ever since by the State of Vaud. A flight of stairs has been added to the Tower, and visitors can access the top with ease and enjoy the grandiose panorama of Lake Léman. It would be most enjoyable to spend a quiet, tasty moment at the small inn beside the Tower. Their hearty cuisine offers delicious fondues and world-class meringues. It is compulsory that afterwards you take a short digestive walk!
Café-Restaurant de la Tour de Gourze, Au sommet, 1097 Riex. Ph. + 41 (0)21 781 14 74. Closed on Sunday from 9pm, and Monday.
Photo: MCG
Site dedicated to the Gourze Tower: http://www.tourdegourze.c.la
Suggested walks:
The Gourze Tower « on foot » - From Lausanne take the regional train Lausanne-Puidoux-Chexbres. Very beautiful view of Le Lavaux hills. From Puidoux-Chexbres, a pretty route between Lake Léman, forests and meadows.
Lake Bret - A stretch of water that serves as reservoir for the City of Lausanne. An otherwise very pastoral area situated below the Gourze Tower and that provides a good excuse for a very beautiful walk.
For history lovers - Charles Rochat, late general practitioner from Cully, devoted 15 years of his life researching the history of the Gourze Tower. He translated his passion into a small, touching, 60-page text that the Riex Commune offers for the modest price of 5 francs.
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