Les Charbonnières

From Sembrancher train station (720m), pass through the village and admire the ancient fountains whose waters are naturally fluorinated and unique in the Alpine arc. As you leave the village, cross the cantonal road and continue alongside some fields to complete a small loop which will bring you back to the farm at the start of the Route de Chamoille. Take the dirt trail which climbs up behind the farm, then cross the tarmacked road to continue climbing the forest trail. After a hairpin bend, rejoin the tarmacked road leading you to the charming village of Chamoille (896m). From there, you will start your first descent through the Coteaux forest. At Le Catogne restaurant, take the underpass to begin a 5km climb. During the climb, a yellow sign indicates La Garde on the right and Orsières to the left, follow the signs for Orsières. Higher up, you will rejoin the tarmacked road which will lead you to Soulalex village (1,029m). Continue climbing through the pine forest of Catogne to reach the trail’s highest point, Charbonnières (1,050m). Follow the road down in the direction of La Garde village (900m). Enjoy the pleasure of an easy descent through the St-Jean valley to return to the trail’s starting point.