Descent from Tougnète to Le Molard in summer using the ski lifts

Tougnète is an easy peak to reach in summer via the ski lifts and allows you to admire magnificent panoramic views with ease. The superb meadows come into view on the descent. There are no difficulties; just take the time to admire the scenery.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.03 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 0 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,985 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 7,887 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 5,902 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the Cochet car park at the entrance to Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. Take Rue du Cochet to reach the gondola lift quickly. This stops at Le Molard (1,800 m). The ascent continues via the chairlift, which takes you up to the summit known as Tougnète (2,437 m).

(S) On arrival at the chairlift station, head down to the left, heading north, along the tarmac track. Watch out for the many mountain bikes hurtling down the slope at high speed: be sure to observe the pedestrian restrictions.

(1) Take the path on the left to cut across a bend in the track before rejoining it further on at a bend.

(2) Continue straight down the stony track. You’ll come to the first yellow sign marking the cycle and pedestrian route.

(3) The pedestrian sign directs you to climb the small rocky hill. Please note: there is a pedestrian path on the right; the one on the left is for cyclists. Follow the path downwards, which joins the stony track further on.

(4) Continue down the slope to the right along this track until you reach the Pas de Cherferie.

(5) Take the track on the left to continue descending. Further on, a sign directs you to cut across the bend via a grassy path.

(6) Don’t miss the signpost directing you to turn left onto a grassy path shared with cyclists. Pass by a small lake and continue down to a chalet.

(7) Take the stony path leading downhill opposite. Follow the yellow signposting until you reach a level track at a junction.

(8) Follow it to the left as far as Le Molard (S). From there, simply take the cable car down to return to the car park.

Waypoints

  1. S : mi 0 - alt. 7,887 ft - Tougnète summit
  2. 1 : mi 0.16 - alt. 7,802 ft - Path on the left
  3. 2 : mi 0.27 - alt. 7,700 ft - Start of a stony path
  4. 3 : mi 0.4 - alt. 7,618 ft - Climb up a rocky outcrop
  5. 4 : mi 0.78 - alt. 7,428 ft - Return via a stony path
  6. 5 : mi 1.52 - alt. 6,978 ft - Pas de la Cherferie
  7. 6 : mi 1.73 - alt. 6,811 ft - Grassy path on the left
  8. 7 : mi 2.21 - alt. 6,365 ft - Chalet
  9. 8 : mi 2.67 - alt. 6,043 ft - Flat track, to the left
  10. E : mi 3.03 - alt. 5,902 ft - Le Molard

Notes

In summer, hikers’ passes are on sale: €65.50 for 7 consecutive days or €10.30 per ascent in 2026.

An area is signposted as passing through areas where flocks are guarded by dogs. The ski lift staff told me that they were not near the trails and that, in any case, there were shepherds present. I did not, in fact, encounter any guard dogs and, given the frequent passage of cyclists, the presence of a flock would be dangerous.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.