Top Tips for Walking the Via Francigena

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Via Francigena

1,900km

of walking trails

98

days of walking

16

different stages

Choose Individual Sections

The first section of the Via Francigena consists of walking through the countryside and passing quiet villages. During this section, experience the quintessentially English southeast coast of England and the north western coast and charming countryside of France.
Heading south through the northern region of France, Pas-de-Calais, the second section of the Via Francigena is rich in history from both World War I and World War II. Take in the French countryside alongside the dense cultural history and traditional French farming villages.
Travelling from Arras to Laon, the third section of the Via Francigena will take you through the famous region of the Somme. Much of the tranquil countryside and woodland were devastated by the World Wars, so you will have many opportunities to visit war memorials and cemeteries along the trails.
With only five days of walking, the fourth section of Via Francigena takes you over rolling hills with stops at various villages throughout the Champagne region. At every stop, you will have the opportunity to try the local produce, and most importantly the uniquely regional drink, Champagne.
The fifth section of Via Francigena features the Cathedral in Reims, the Canals of Chalons and the Napoleon Museum in Brienne le Chateau. On this walk, you will take in the regional history and folklore, especially the rich Napoleonic history, alongside the fresh country French cuisine.
As you move closer to the border of Switzerland, this sixth section of the Via Francigena highlights the architectural side of the country. Early in the tour, there is a chance to visit the Clarivaux Abbey, where Victor Hugo was influenced and inspired to write his most famous piece of literature, Les Misérables.
Passing from France to Switzerland, this section of the Via Francigena will take you through Alpine influenced villages and towns, where you will also have the opportunity to sample local wines and food. Since this is a very scenic route, there are numerous with photographic opportunities for everyone.
Travelling exclusively through Switzerland and alongside the shore of Lake Geneva, the eighth portion of the Via Francigena includes hiking through Alpine terrain. Some of the hiking highlights include the Bernese Alps, the ascension of the Pennine Alps, with the final stop at the gateway to Italy Bourg-St-Pierre.
Using the famous St Bernard Pass, section nine of the Via Francigena leaves Switzerland and enters Italy. This trek traverses the Aosta Valley, which is well-known for its spectacular scenery, outstanding food, and over twenty wines. The tour ends in Vercelli, which is known as the European Rice Capital.
An easier, more relaxed walk, the tenth section of the Via Francigena visits the Church of San Croce in Mortara, which contains the footprint of Christ. The walk consists mostly of walking along roadsides, over bridges, railways and numerous dirt tracks around fields, through quiet towns.
For those seeking a more challenging trek through the Italian countryside, this stretch of the Via Francigena is the perfect fit. While enjoying the rolling hills, scenic woods, and weathered roads, you will be exposed to a rich cultural history as well as delicious local cuisine and wines.
Beginning in Aulla and finishing in Lucca, the twelfth section of Via Francigena features magnificent sights to see such as the Abbey of Saint Peter and the Church of Saint Michael, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Francis, towers and castles, and an interesting archaeological site at Luni.
Stretching from Lucca to Siena, this portion of the Via Francigena takes you along roadsides, over various bridges, rolling hills, and numerous earth tracks. Throughout the entire walk, you will be surrounded by beautiful fields, lush woods and over streams in the stunning Italian countryside.
Beginning in the city of Siena, this section of Via Francigena visits the Castello Bibbiano in Buonconvento, the Palazzo Chigi in San Quirico d’Orcia and Torre Alfina in Acquapendente. Rolling hills and valleys offer numerous opportunities to capture the Italian countryside.
With five days and four nights to enjoy the Italian countryside, this tour allows you to experience traditional Italy. At every stop, you can enjoy the local wine, cuisine, and rich cultural practices. After touring the countryside, the tour ends in Viterbo, home of the Papal Palace.
Stretching from Canterbury, England to Rome, Italy this is easily the longest route we operate. The final section of the Via Francigena takes you from the charming city of Viterbo through the Italian countryside to Rome. Standing in the Vatican City is truly the pinnacle of this adventure.


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