Lord Colliers Active Retirement Life

Mamirolle to Mouthier-Haute-Pierre: A Day to Remember

Breakfast on the terrace this morning was perfect—fresh bread, warm croissants, flaky pastries, and an assortment of jams. A peaceful, delicious start.

I began the hike through a dense, almost enchanted forest that hugged the ridgelines just outside Mamirolle. The trail felt like something out of The Hobbit—you could almost imagine creatures rustling through the underbrush, just out of sight. At one point, I heard howling echoing across the valley from a distant peak. Dogs maybe? Wolves? Who knows. I’m just glad we didn’t run into whatever it was!

One of the most memorable moments came when I passed through a long, eerie tunnel. I’m not sure which mountain it cut through, but it felt like ghosts were swirling around in the dark—spooky, atmospheric, and unforgettable.

The trail is definitely getting tougher. By the end of the climb, every muscle in my legs was burning, and I was completely spent. But mentally? I felt more alive than I have in a long time. There’s something deeply satisfying about pushing yourself and being rewarded with sweeping views, deep peace, and the steady rhythm of the trail.

Later, I walked through Ornans, a postcard-perfect town stretched along the Loue River. Stone houses line the water, their reflections mirrored on the surface, and narrow lanes lead past cafés, flower boxes, and little art galleries. It’s quiet, beautiful, and full of character—definitely one of the most charming places I’ve seen.

Today’s hike felt like a turning point. In life, we all face decisions—some small, some monumental—that shape who we are. This journey, and today in particular, reminded me that we can’t let life pass us by. We have to get up, move, and take it all in.

I arrived in Mouthier-Haute-Pierre around 5 p.m. This tiny village in the Doubs region of eastern France—part of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté—is tucked into the Loue Valley, surrounded by limestone cliffs and forest. It’s known for its dramatic natural beauty: waterfalls, caves, sheer rock faces. The village dates back to medieval times and once thrived on monastic winemaking and artisan crafts.

Today, it draws hikers, nature lovers, and history buffs. There’s a Romanesque church, ruins of old fortifications, and it’s close to the Source of the Loue—a striking karst spring that inspired Gustave Courbet’s paintings.

One of the locals invited me to see their art collection, which was fun—though honestly, the building was more impressive than the art. I’ve posted a few pics.

Then, just as I was enjoying a cold beer, Mirage fighter jets soared overhead, doing barrel rolls and loops. Totally unexpected, surreal—and honestly, kind of amazing.

This has been one of the best hikes I’ve done in years. It had everything: climbs, descents, streams, rivers, marshlands, forests. Twenty-two miles of variety, beauty, and challenge. And I wouldn’t trade a minute of it. Simply a great, tough, unforgettable day.