Day 36 Ouhans to Pontarlier – 6th July

Distance: 15.5 km – Elevation +360 m -140 m

Weather: Sunny. Temperature: High 27 degrees

I slept well and after a good breakfast which we enjoyed in the company of Mr and Mars Salomon we set out just after 9.00 am – a later start than usual as we had only around 15 kilometres to walk to our intended destination of Pontarlier. It was still damp with a little rain as we climbed out of Ouhans past the Chapelle Notre-Dame Des Anges (Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels) situated high on a hill overlooking the town. The Chapel had been built in the latter part of the 19th century by the local population in gratitude to the Virgin for her preservation of the village. Apart from the climb out of Ouhans, it was relatively easy walking and it wasn’t long before we reached Vuillecin just 5 kilometres from Pontarlier.

The rain had stopped and we took the opportunity to stop for lunch, sitting on a wall outside the Marie and opposite the town church. The Marie was closing for lunch and we were greeted by the Mayor when he left.

The remaining walk into Pontarlier was easy walking and we arrived at the main gate of the town, Porte Saint-Pierre, where Jean-Pierre was eager for me to take a photo of him standing by the gate. Pontarlier situated by the river Doubs is a delightful small town and on arrival, we went straight to the tourist office for help to locate accommodation for our last night in France. Fortunately, they told us a hostel, the Auberge de Jeunesse, was located just a short distance from the Tourist Office. So that is where we stayed.

After refreshing ourselves we explored the town including Saint-Bénigne Church and its wonderful Black Madonna – Our Lady of the Hermits. In the evening we enjoyed a delicious pizza for supper in a highly recommended local restaurant.