Summer Trail 4 – Pas de Cherferie, starting from the Cochet parking lot

This trail is popular for its sunny location and gentle slopes, which are ideal for farming. As you climb toward La Loy, take in the scenery: the old fields stretch out horizontally.

From the Cochet parking lot, head uphill toward the hotel the "M", then take the trail to Notre Dame de la Vie. After about 50 meters of flat terrain, turn right onto the trail that climbs between two stone walls. Pass the trail leading down to La Loy on your left (a round trip allows you to visit the village) and walk past the pink house and then along the stream. You’ll reach the trail just above the “snowmaking facility.” Follow this trail uphill for about 50 m. At the bend, turn left onto the trail that winds upward through the alpine pastures. Near the Clous Merchés chalet, head right (note the beautifully engraved stone “Jay Joseph 1876,” half-buried in the ground) and cross two scree slopes in succession. Stay on this ascending trail, which, after running alongside a dirt road, veers left and then crosses a trail and the Belleville balcony trail. Junction with Route 17b. About 80 m further up, the trail crosses, runs alongside, and then joins a dirt road. Follow this road uphill for about 700 m.
After a flat stretch and just before a left-hand turn, leave the trail and take the path to the right that runs alongside a low stone wall, cutting across a bend in the trail. After the small lake of Praz Pétaux, the path winds upward and joins the dirt trail. Follow it uphill for about 50 meters, then take the zigzagging path to the right. You’ll rejoin the trail shortly after. Follow it to the Pas de Cherferie.
From the pass, descend very slightly toward the Belleville Valley and immediately take the left path that descends gently along the valley slope. You’ll pass above Jérusalem, then descend more steeply. At La Riondaz, cross the ski trail, then rejoin the dirt path at a bend.
Descend one switchback on this path and, before the stream, take the trail to the left. This section of the route is often damaged by passing herds. Stay alert and carefully follow the main trail, which veers left then descends straight toward the valley, passing to the right of Lac du Plane before rejoining the Belleville balcony trail. Further down, the trail continues as a dirt path that winds downhill.
At La Roche, head down to the right after crossing the stream and stay on this rocky path that leads back to Saint-Marcel. Cross the road to reach the parking lot more easily via the village’s narrow streets (fountain).

This trail is marked with yellow signs.