Le Vanil des Cours

The village of Cerniat is located near Charmey. There are two small car parks by the roadside near the church at a place called "Le Clos de la Cure".

(S/E) Follow the road, keeping the church on your right. Yellow markings until point (4).

(1) Walk past the grocery shop and continue along the road. There is little traffic and the scenery is pleasant along the Route de la Valsainte. At a crossroads, turn left onto the Route de la Vieille Scie.

(2) Leave the road at a bend and follow the path on the left.

(3) As you enter the woods, ignore the path on the left and take the one on the right which climbs into the woods.

(4) At the Guille farm, follow the path to the left. The markings change to white-red-white (mountain trail).

(5) At the signpost, leave the path and follow the route that veers off to the left. Further on, the slope becomes steep and the steps begin.

(6) On a short, level stretch, there is a view of three peaks: Balmhorn, Albristhorn and Rinderhorn.

(7) Continue along the path to begin the descent.

(8) At the signpost, head down into the meadow, keeping to the left of the fence. Pass to the right of the farm and follow the path down towards Cerniat. At the road, continue straight ahead.

(S/E) Car park

Small grocery shop and parking available at point (1)

The upper section is a mountain trail: steep slope, many steps, tree roots on the ground. You must wear suitable footwear and have sure-footedness. This hike is best undertaken when the ground is dry, and in the direction described.

Descent after (8), starting from the farm at an altitude of 1,368 m: whilst the slope is steep, follow a wide path that is fully concrete at the start, then there are just two concrete strips (you can walk more or less alongside them)

In Charmey and the surrounding area:

The thermal baths in Charmey

Lake Montsalvens

The Jogne Gorges starting from Broc. Walking route except in winter

A little further afield:

Gruyères, with its castle and medieval village

Le Moléson, the region’s must-see peak. Accessible on foot or by funicular and cable car.