The best MTB trails around Authume

The Rhine-Rhône Canal runs directly alongside high cliffs here and opens into a narrow lock channel through a very narrow rock archway. A truly spectacular section of our cycling route!

The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame in Dole is a Gothic and Renaissance gem. It dominates the old town with its majestic bell tower, remarkable stained glass windows, and rich historical and religious heritage.

Cyclo first plateau Dole

cyclo first plateau Dole

In Hans-Peter Kerkeling's book "Ich bin dann mal weg" (I'm Off Then), in which he describes his thoughts and experiences on the Way of St. James through northern Spain, which he walked in June/July 2001, the popular entertainer draws his own personal conclusion before returning from Santiago de Compostela. I would like to offer this final thought, likely matured over weeks on the Camino Frances, to the viewer of this small sacred monument in the form of a wayside cross: "God is the one individual who opens himself infinitely to liberate all. (...) The Creator throws us into the air, only to surprisingly catch us again at the end. It's like the exuberant game that parents play with their children. And the message is: Have faith in the one who throws you, because he loves you and, quite unexpectedly, will also be the catcher. And when I look back, God constantly threw me into the air and caught me again along the way. We met every day." (Hape Kerkeling in “I’m off then. My journey on the Way of St. James”)

Even though this small sacred monument is not located on the famous Way of St. James through northern Spain, in view of the wayside cross standing here, some thoughts by Hape (Hans-Peter) Kerkeling might be helpful as inspiration. The entertainer, who is particularly famous in Germany, walked the Camino Frances in 2001 and kept a diary, which was published under the title "Ich bin dann mal weg" (I'm off then). In it, he describes his personal encounter with God along the way as follows: "Yesterday, something inside me struck a huge gong. And the sound will reverberate. Sooner or later, this path shakes everyone to their very foundations. I know the sound will slowly fade, but if I listen carefully, I'll be able to hear this reverberation for a very long time to come."

From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding fields and forests. A great place to take a break and refuel!

The Notre-Dame de Mont-Roland sanctuary, located on the heights of Dole, is an ancient pilgrimage site dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Founded in the 17th century, it includes a chapel, a calvary, and a Stations of the Cross, all surrounded by forest. The site also offers a sweeping panorama of the Doubs Valley and the Jura Mountains.