Col du Marchairuz - Saint Cergue

Introduction: Most of this hike follows the Jura Höhenweg trail. On maps, particularly OpenStreetMap (World), it is marked as the Chemin des Crêtes du Jura. At each major junction, you will find signposts with the number 5 on a green background. View this image

(S) From the Hotel du Marchairuz, find the Chemin des Crêtes du Jura heading south-west and continue for about 500m.

(1) Turn right and descend fairly quickly for about 100 metres. Turn left at a 90° angle. Follow trail No. 5 through the Marchairuz woods to Crêt de la Neuve (1,493 metres), the highest point of the day.

(2) From the summit, marked by an orientation table in a small stone enclosure and a hillock topped by a cross, take a break to enjoy the panoramic view. Begin the descent, still on the Crêtes du Jura trail, and join a small road at Perroude du Vaud.

(3) On the left, head south to follow this small road and the signs for "Jura Höhenweg".

(4) Leave the small road and turn right onto a good path (Crêtes du Jura). You will come to another road.

(5) Continue straight ahead in a south-south-westerly direction. The descent becomes steeper and crosses a road.

(6) Cross the road and continue south until you reach another crossroads.

(7) Continue straight ahead to stay on the Jura Höhenweg No. 5, now heading south-west, and reach the ruins of the Oujon Convent.

(8) Pass the ruins and rejoin the Crêtes du Jura trail, which climbs back into the woods before crossing a road at the edge of the forest.

(9) Continue straight ahead (south-west) and head for a new crossroads.

(10) Turn 90° to the right, heading due west. Follow the Crêtes du Jura path until you reach the entrance to Saint-Cergue.

(11) Take the Basse Ruche road on the left and head towards Saint-Cergue station (E).

• Accommodation available in Saint-Cergue (several hotels).
• Public transport: CFF SBB trains

• Marchiruz Pass.
• Crêt de la Neuve.
• Saint-Cergue.