Lord Colliers Active Retirement Life

Aigle to Saint-Maurice: Climbing into Alps

Another stunning morning—this time framed by the rising Alps. I still have to pinch myself. Do I really get to do this?

Just beyond Aigle, the fairytale Château d’Aigle emerges among lush vineyards, glowing in the morning light. From there, the trail climbs steeply through shaded woods—a mile of switchbacks that burned the legs and kicked off the day with purpose.

For the first time, I met fellow pilgrims—two hikers from Canada who started in Canterbury and are heading to the Great Saint Bernard Pass. Full of spirit, they reminded me how the Camino builds community. Even the signage feels more consistent now as the Alps draw closer.

The trail today was tough—hot (95°F/35°C), exposed, and relentlessly uphill. Leaving the lake behind, I climbed into higher ground, reminded that the days ahead will bring thousands more feet of elevation gain. I’ll need earlier starts to beat the sun.

The Chablais Alps: Between Aigle and Saint-Maurice. This stretch, part of the Chablais Alps, may not have the highest peaks but offers rugged drama—limestone ridgelines, hidden meadows, and glacier-carved valleys. Peaks like Le Grammont and Les Dents du Midi tower above the Rhône Valley (see pics).

Arriving in Saint-Maurice: History in Stone. More than a stop, Saint-Maurice is steeped in legend. Guarding a narrow pass along the Rhône for over 1,500 years, the town is named after Saint Maurice, leader of the Theban Legion—martyred here in 285 AD for his faith. In 515 AD, the Abbaye de Saint-Maurice was founded, making it one of the oldest continually inhabited monasteries in the West. Pilgrims have been coming ever since.

Closing Thoughts: Today pushed me—heat, elevation, and effort—but rewarded me with sweeping views, warm encounters, and a deeper sense of history. Finished the day with a great meal in down town and a glass of wine! I’ll take it a bit easier tomorrow; storms may be rolling in.