Via Francigena from Besançon to Lausanne

Arrive into Besançon. This ancient city is one of the best-preserved cities in France and has many tourist attractions such as the Citadel, the local museums, or even just wandering around the city itself. While here, take the opportunity to sample the locally produced Comté cheese and the Saucisse de Morteau (a type of smoked sausage). Wash it down with some ‘vin jaune’, the most renowned wine from this region.

From Besançon you will leave the city and climb over the wooded ridge. At the top of this ridge, you can take a short detour to visit the Notre-Dame de la Libération monument which has some spectacular views over the region on a clear day. Descending from the ridge, you will traverse farmland and woods over rolling hills with welcoming villages along the way to La Veze. This is a lovely place to stop for a break before heading on to Tarcenay and then your destination for today, Ornans. The town of Ornans is perched on the river La Loue.

Walk along the valley floor, today you will be following the river La Loue to the village of Vuillafans. From this village, you will be walking on a country track on the side of the hill, meandering your way around to the village of Lods. Lods is officially classified as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (the most beautiful villages of France). With its petite tumbling waterfalls and old stone cottages, this quiet village is a must for a break. After, you will wind along the valley floor until you arrive at your stop for the night, Mouthier-Haute-Pierre. Nestled at the foot of the steep cliffs of Haute-Pierre, the scenery surrounding this picturesque village is beautiful. Here you can sample local produce, such as the renowned Kirsch.

From Mouthier-Haute-Pierre you have two options: a shorter route following the road to the village of Ouhans or the more scenic route, which is slightly longer but takes you past the source of the LoueRiver. There is a visitor centre here worth a visit. Arriving into Ouhans, you will wind over forested hills and through fields before coming to your destination for today, Pontarlier. This ancient town has many attractions and is the last town in France before you cross over into Switzerland. Famous for its absinthe production until it was banned in 1915, it produces this drink on a smaller scale since the repeal of the ban in the 1990s. Les Misérables fans will recognise the name of this town as where Jean Valjean was to report for his parole.

Leaving Pontarlier flanked by forested hills, you will pass through a small collection of hamlets where you can stop for a picnic or early morning break. Drink in the breathtaking view of mountains and valleys and the imposing 1,000-year-old castle, Château de Joux. After walking along the valley floor for a while, you will climb up a forested hillside to the village of Les Fourgs, before crossing the border into Switzerland. In Switzerland, you will follow the Grand Rue before ascending one final wooded ridge to arrive at Sainte Croix, your stop for the night. With panoramic views of the Alps, this Swiss town is the home of Dream Makers, the craftsmen who create music boxes and to which a museum is dedicated.

Starting in the charming mountain town of Sainte-Croix, the trail winds down through lush forests and scenic valleys, offering breathtaking views of the Jura mountains. As you descend, the path takes you past traditional Swiss villages and serene countryside, leading to the historic town of Orbe. Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient Roman ruins, vineyards, and stunning panoramas.

From Orbe, the walk undulates over large open crop fields and through small alpine towns and villages. Many buildings here look like they are straight out of a fairytale book. Your stop for tonight will be Cossonay. Here, you can wander around the town and enjoy some local cuisine in one of the many café’s or restaurants. Be sure to visit the picturesque Church of St Pierre and St Paul.

Starting from Cossonay, enjoy the countryside and small villages as you walk down towards the outer suburbs of Lausanne. The walk continues through the urban areas leading into Lausanne. This French-speaking city has many cultural attractions such as a beautiful Gothic Cathedral and the Château Saint-Maire. For those with a head for heights they can climb the Sauvabelin Tower for a 360° panoramic view over the city and surrounding area.

After breakfast, we bid you farewell. This French-speaking city has many cultural attractions such as a beautiful Gothic Cathedral and the Château Saint-Maire. A walk around this city will provide many opportunities for budding photographers to capture not only the architecture of the city but also the panoramic views over the lake. Lausanne is also home to the Olympic Committee and also has an Olympic Museum.