Mouthier-Haute-Pierre travel guide
Visit Mouthier-Haute-Pierre (Burgundy-Franche-Comté, France)
Book a visitThe small village of Mouthier-Haute Pierre, in the Doubs department of France not far from Lods and Ornans, is in a valley surrounded by steep forested hills and cliffs that reach almost 1000 metres altitude. The village is best known for its proximity to the source of the Loue River and the Gorges de Nouialles, but the village itself is very charming and also merits to be explored.
In the lower part of the valley you will see many of the cherry trees for which the village is well known, and from which a regional kirsch is produced.
Explore Mouthier-Haute-Pierre
Although there is not a Tourist Office in the village (the nearest is in Ornans) you will find all the information you need for exploring on a sign in front of the Mairie in Mouthier-Haute-Pierre. There are lots of marked trails and mountain bike routes through the surrounding countryside.
The village essentially divides into two parts: the upper part with the old village around the church, and the lower part with houses scenically spread along the banks of the Loue river and around the 16th century bridge across the Loue river.
Throughout the village you will enjoy wandering along the narrow streets admiring the ancient houses, much as they must have been when they were built from the 16th century onwards. You will also see interesting features such as numerous fountains, small statues in niches in the walls and decorative stonework on the houses.
Mouthier-Haute-Pierre is listed as one of the 'cités de caractère' of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region
Within the village there are two religious monuments that are the principal sites of historical interest: the Church of Saint-Pierre and the Priory of Mouthier-Haute-Pierre, dating from the 13th century and renovated in the 16th century. Although the ancient priory is unfortunately not open to the public you can see most of the outside from the street.
The Church of Saint-Pierre is next to the priory and dates from the 14th century and was substantially increased in size in the second half of the 16th century. This expansion includes the belltower that dominates the church and features various heads carved in stone. Inside the church is also intersting with several notable features including the altar, and various paintings and statues.
Continue towards the west of the village to see the statue of Saint Foy on a large stone pyramid.
Attractions nearby
The main attractions for visitors to Mouthier-Haute-Pierre are scenic highlights outside the village. The most visited of these is the source of the Loue river as it emerges from a large cave in a scenic setting at the bottom of a cliff. Follow the river to the small village of Ouhans then follow the signs. (The Loue River is actually a part of the Doubs river that separates from the main river further upstream and travels several kilometres underground.)
Between the source of the Loue river and Mouthier-Haute-Pierre you can explore the spectacular scenery of the Gorges de Nouailles, while another popular trip takes you to the top of the cliff called the Roche de Hautepierre for exceptional views across the region. The Roche de Hautepierre is also a base for rock-climbing and hang-gliding.
Many visitors to Mouthier-Haute-Pierre enjoy hiring a canoe to explore the river further, and also close by there is a cave that was apparently an important Bronze Age settlement at the 'Grotte des Faux-Monnayeurs', and yet another natural highlight here is the lovely Syratu waterfall as it cascades across rocks in the forest.
Photos 1 2 3 by JGS25 are copyright.
Explore elsewhere in the Loue River valley. You can find more travel ideas in the Doubs guide and the Franche-Comte guide.
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Map of Mouthier-Haute-Pierre and places nearby
Visit near Mouthier-Haute-Pierre with France This Way reviews
Lods
Lods is quite small but very pleasant to explore, in particular the village along the waterfalls on the Loue river
Lods guide
Ornans
The highlight of your visit to Ornans is the section along the Loue river, crossed by old stone bridges and with lovely houses on the riverside
Ornans guide
Pontarlier
Pontarlier is usually visited as part of a trip to enjoy the local scenery and outddor activities, and has several monuments of note
Pontarlier guide
Chateau de Cleron
The gardens of the Chateau de Cleron can be seen next to the Loue River in the village of Cleron in Doubs
Chateau de Cleron guide
Chateau de Joux
The Chateau de Joux is an imposing clifftop castle with a 1000 year history close to Pontarlier
Chateau de Joux guide
Besancon
The citadel, cathedral and some impressive 16th century townhouses are among the highlights to discover in Besancon
Besancon guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Doubs
Address: Mouthier-Haute-Pierre, Ornans, Besançon, Franche-Comte, 25920, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 47.0397, longitude 6.2767
Plan your visit to Mouthier-Haute-Pierre, Doubs
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Lods: most beautiful village (2 km)
- Gouffre de Poudrey: site of natural beauty (12 km)
- Défilé d'Entre-Roches: site of natural beauty (15 km)
- Pontarlier: recommended detour (16 km)
- Gorges de Remonot: site of natural beauty (20 km)
- Besancon citadelle (Vauban fortifications): heritage site (28 km)
- Citadelle de Besançon: zoo or wildlife park (28 km)
- Besancon: secteur sauvegarde (29 km)
- Astronomical clock of Besancon: national monument (30 km)
- Forêt de la Joux: site of natural beauty (31 km)
- Salins-les-Bains: town of art and history (32 km)
- Saut du Doubs: site of natural beauty (33 km)
The French version of this page is at Mouthier-Haute-Pierre (Francais)