Sentier du Rocharay

This hike begins at the parking lot near the campsite. Follow the purple markers.

(1) Take the road toward the Forêt domaniale du Rocharay. The road turns into a drivable path.

(2) At the yellow sign "Source de l’écuelle alt. 740," take the path to the left, still heading toward the Forêt domaniale. A short detour will lead to the Source de l’écuelle, shaped by the coal workers who once worked nearby. Along the way, note standing dead trees with holes, signs of woodpeckers, as well as numerous rocky cliffs. Continue descending through this forested setting, as the path narrows.

(3) At the intersection, take the path that branches to the right, then immediately to the left. A steady climb brings you to the forest track “chemin du Pourcy.” Once at the turning platform, take the path on the right. After a steep climb through the woods, a wide path opens up; take it to the left.

(4) At the intersection with a post numbered 12, you can make a short (10-min) round trip to the Brosses viewpoint, from which you can see the Grande Sure (1,920 m) and the Vercors massif.

(5) Back at the post, take the descending path to the right. This beautiful descent is lined with limestone rock. (Be cautious in rainy or damp weather, as the rock can be very slippery.) Along the way, observe the Pourcy fountain, a natural spring.

(6) After this steady descent, leave the main path to take a small trail ascending to the left. In this rocky landscape, notice how water has carved unique shapes and holes in the limestone, and see the Grotte des réfractaires, a small, cool spot with historical significance. Rejoin a wide path leading toward the Pont de Pierre Chave.

(7) A roughly 10-min round trip allows you to admire this structure. Back at the sign, continue straight through the hamlet of Saint Roch. (Note: This part follows a road.)

(8) After the Saint-Roch Chapel, take the trail to the left into the forest. (Here, the markers are green instead of purple.) After a short climb and descent, at the basin intersection, take the path to the left. Upon reaching the road, turn right to return to the parking lot.