Apart from a steep stretch followed by a somewhat slippery descent through the woods near Montchal, the route becomes very easy-going as it reaches the paths and broad woodland tracks around Sury, on flat terrain. Along the way, a beautiful panorama opens up over the Forez plain, where the tranquil waters of the ponds shimmer in the sunlight. These artificial ponds were dug in the 17th century on marshy, uncultivated land, giving rise to a local fish-farming industry.