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Update by the author on 17/12/2025: adjustment of the trail on the western side of the plateau along the edge of the cliffs. The altitude reported was overestimated (by about 200 metres).
The starting point is located in the heart of the town of Tenay, near the bridge crossed by the main street (Rue Centrale near no. 20) and as shown on the map (small car park available).
(S/E) Walk up Rue Centrale and then go straight ahead just before the bridge to take Rue du Carré l'Abbé.
(1) Just before the end of the street, take a path on the right (following the direction of Château Narteau). The path climbs moderately at first, then has a few steep sections (follow the red markings). You will come to a fork.
(2) Turn left. Quite quickly, turn right at thesecond fork marking the entrance to the plateau
(3) Continue straight ahead for a few metres to reach a viewpoint, where you will find an orientation table and a picnic table.
Retrace your steps a little to return to the previous fork and take the path on the right towards Pré Labulie (according to the sign).
The path (marked in yellow and red) runs along the edge of the plateau, bordering several precipices (with views of the Albarine Gorges), then crosses a few meadows.
After a few minutes' walk, you will come to thefirst fork: continue straight ahead.
(4) About 50 metres further on, at the second fork, turn left towards "Sur Roche" (yellow markings).
The path continues to run close to ravines with a steeper gradient. After a short while, the path joins a forest track: follow it to the left, following the yellow markings. A little further on, it suddenly veers to the right
(5). Pass close to a relay antenna and the small summit of La Joux (elevation 1,038 metres). There are a few limited views of the other side. Continue along a good carriage road with a slight downward slope to reach a road.
(6) Turn right and, less than 150 metres further on, turn left onto a path (shortly after passing under a high-voltage power line).
The path goes to the left to join the road further on: cross the road to reach the path opposite. This quickly turns to the right to reach the small village of Saint-Sulpice le Vieux (a wash house is visible beforehand).
Take the street on the left, then turn right.
(7) This is Rue de l'Abbaye in the heart of the village: an old bread oven is visible just ahead. Continue up the street and then turn right. Leave the village and walk along a small road with a slight uphill slope for about 400 metres to reach a three-way junction.
(8) Turn left onto a carriage road towards "Sur le Crêt" (you will see a large erratic boulder dating from the Quaternary period (see the plaque). Continue for about 400 metres until you reach a hairpin bend.
(9) Turn right. The path crosses a large meadow, which you should follow along its upper edge at the edge of the woods. A little further on, you will find a path on the right that runs along the ridge or not far from it.
Further on, you will reach a carriage road coming from the right: go straight ahead to the right towards La Charbonnière. After a few minutes' walk, you will reach the highest point of the hike: La Charbonnière (1,065 metres above sea level).
(10) Near a small relay antenna, you will find an orientation table and a picnic table. The location is not spectacular but is quite pleasant.
To the right of the picnic table, you will see a path leading down into the meadow: it is not very visible at first (no markings), but it becomes much clearer further on, in the undergrowth (with a slightly steep but very short section).
Cross the path, heading towards Hostiaz (Chemin de l'Abbaye). In the undergrowth, the path seems to hesitate between going up and down (the markings are not very visible). It is best to stay on the most visible route.
(11) At a fork, turn right towards Hostiaz. Shortly afterwards, the path (blue markings) descends, crossing several meadows in the final section, and leads to the church of Hostiaz and its cemetery.
(12) Turn left to cross the village via its main street, passing in front of the town hall. Leave the village via the main road (which is not very busy).
(13) Shortly after passing a house, take a path on the right leading downhill. After a few small bends and passing a water treatment plant, you will reach the edge of the plateau: the trail runs along cliffs overlooking the valley, while remaining in the undergrowth (the markings are yellow).
The route curves slightly to the right (Couloir du Nivar) and crosses several meadows: continue straight ahead towards a power line pole.
(14) This spot is one of the arrival points of a Via Ferrata. The terrain in the surrounding area is much more open, allowing you to enjoy views of the valley, including the town of Tenay. The Via Ferrata passes just below, so watch out for rocks! Continue along the trail in the opposite direction to the outward journey, staying close to the cliff to reach the viewpoint you saw on the way out.
(3) Then take the path on the left towards Tenay, which is the common section, and continue to the junction with the path you took on the way up (on the right).
(2) Go straight ahead to take a path that descends at a fairly steady pace but without any major excesses via a few hairpin bends (marked in red).
(15) Near the end, pay attention to take a path on the right (the markings are there but not very visible).
The trail ends at Rue Centrale in the town of Tenay. Almost opposite, you will see the car park corresponding to the starting point (S/E).
Visorando Member
Moderate 
Association / Club / Walk leader
Easy 
