Schwarz see, Villars(artist Saype) and the Gruyerzersee and Hauterive with Marlis

Back in Tafers again with my wonderful friends Marlis and Urs who I have known now for more than thirty years, and whose children I have seen grow up. I am truly spoilt there as Marlis and Urs not only organise a phenomenal range of visits to new and also old favourite places, like The Schwarzsee,

But also cook the most delicious meals, either favourites, or new recipes as we had tonight with aubergines wrapped in bacon on orange and Campari risotto. Yum!

The second day was a very long and action packed day, with some of the most breathtaking scenery and art imaginable. Urs drove into the mountains of Villars, near Lac Leman ( marvellous scenery everywhere). Then we took the telecabin to Roc d’Orsay.

Here was the first of the two masterpieces by the now famous contemporary artist Guige Saype, who creates unbelievably beautiful ultra-realistic, biodegradable paintings in nature, on grass, sand, and snow.

This is his fifth summer in Villars , always painting in a different location, with the land art visible about a month, depending on weather and grass growth. He uses chalk and charcoal to create these marvellous images.

Before getting on the train to go to his second work, we had a pleasant stroll to Lac de Bretagne with its pretty chalets  

And expansive views over the ski fields of winter and pastures of summer. The clinking of the bells was so soothing and sooooo Swiss.

It must be a fabulous place to ski, with so many slopes for many different levels of skiing.

Wow, and the golf course is incredible too.

It must be unbelievably tricky to play here.

And here we had a great view from the tee of the second artwork, finished yesterday.

How amazing is that! It is so huge and yet so perfect. To get an idea of size, there are two people above it to the right of the trees.

Nature’s beauty is just as breathtaking.

After a fabulous day, we had a short breather before heading to friends of Marlis and Urs for a delicious dinner in a beautiful home overlooking the Murtensee. Urs must have been exhausted after a lot of driving, often on narrow, winding roads. I guess the Swiss are used to it.

Breakfast in the garden at Tafers. A marvellous place overlooking the fields. It wasn’t always peaceful, though, with workmen starting their drilling before 8 and the occasional army planes flying overhead! 

The last day was packed with interesting and lovely moments. I had never been to the Greyerzersee so off we went on an easy stroll round part of this fairly large lake. Gorgeous, of course.

Turning a corner, we came across this fisherman perched on the hill. What a fantastic piece of art. 

Then we passed Switzerland’s largest silver willow forest, which was very pretty, before reaching Broc Caillier factory and shop.

And I didn’t buy any!

The day was far from over. There was another treat in store, a visit to the Hauterive monastery, where 12 monks still live and between prayer, tend to the farm.

Just below, the beautiful river Sarine meanders around forest and cliffs.

Those cliffs soaring above us,. Very impressive.

It was such a gorgeous place to be on a very hot afternoon.

To pass the time between praying and working on the farm, the Brothers have carved dozens of super expressive faces on to the fence posts.

The original monastery was built in 1138 and added to in the 13 th century, being finally renovated in the 18 th century. Sadly, we couldn’t visit, only the chapel.

Thanks so much Marlis and Urs for four amazing days.