Full Via Francigena

Canterbury is a popular tourist destination in England due to its historic cathedral set in the centre of this hallowed mediaeval town. Canterbury has also been an important place of pilgrimage for centuries. This importance goes beyond those heading on to Rome and merely passing through but also for those visiting the shrine of Thomas Becket, who was martyred in the Cathedral in 1170. In the cathedral, you can receive a pilgrim’s blessing and stamp for your Pilgrim Passport; simply inquire at the Welcome Office.

Leaving Canterbury, you will follow the North Downs Way through the English countryside. You will visit the small quintessentially English hamlets of Patrixbourne and Womenswold, before coming to your stop for the night, Shepherdswell. Canterbury is the only place you will pass today with a shop, so we would advise having provisions for this short day’s walk. Shepherdswell has an excellent village pub where you will be able to experience the charm of small-town England.

Leaving Shepherdswell you will make your way to the coast and Dover, your last stop in England. You walk today is through the English countryside and woodands, and you will pass by Waldershare House, set in sweeping green hillside, before heading onto Ashley. After Ashley, you will head south, reaching Charlton Cemetery on the outskirts of Dover before following the road down into town. As with yesterday, there are no places to stock up on provisions along this section, so it would be best to have some drinks and snacks to keep you going till you get to Dover. In Dover, you can visit the castle or even see the White Cliffs.

Today you will get the ferry from Dover to Calais, which generally takes one and a half hours. Information on times and prices for this crossing can be found on the following website. In Calais, be sure to visit the Town Hall with its 74m-high belfry providing breath-taking views, and while there you can see Rodin’s famous bronze statue, Les Bourgeois de Calais.

Today’s walk will be a short one following the Canal de Calais to Guines. This is a scenic route through typical French countryside, following the path of the canal the entire way.
An alternative option is available if you want to add an extra day of walking here. Instead of going directly to Guines you can walk along the coast to Wissant (a detour of 21 km). Then the following day you can walk east across to Guines (a total of 15 km).

Today’s walk from Guînes is a gentle uphill and through the countryside, woodlands, gravel paths, and small country lanes. Passing small farmhouses, you will be able to appreciate the tranquillity of this area while surrounded by sweeping views of grassy fields with forests in the distance. Ending the day, you will descend into the farming village of Licques, which will be visible for some distance before you arrive. From here, you will be collected and taken to your accommodation for the night in the nearby Tournehem Sur La Hem.

You will be transferred from Tournehem Sur La Hem back to Licques this morning. Leaving Licques, you will walk through undulating countryside and villages such as Alquines, Bouvelinghem, and Acquin-Westbécourt. Take a break here to visit the cafés and bars for a welcome bite to eat. Passing through the last village before your walk finishes, Leulinghem, you will step into open countryside with panoramic views in all directions. Finally, you will wind your way down into the village of Wisques, which has two Benedictine abbeys.

Today’s short walk is through the countryside and many small villages, any of which you can stop in to enjoy a coffee and get some lunch at the local cafés and bars. Passing through Wizernes, Helfaut, and Inghem, each village will provide an opportunity to explore what local life is like. Your stop for the night will be Thérouanne. Once a Roman capital and one of the richest bishoprics in Northern France, it is now just a small town.

Today you will leave Thérouanne and pass through the gently sloping countryside. Prepare to be awarded by sweeping views over crop fields. Halfway through today, you will pass through Enquin-les-Mines where you can grab a bite to eat. Your stop for the night will be Amettes, where you can visit the birthplace of Saint Benoît Labre, one of the patron saints of pilgrims, who died on the steps of a church in Rome after a life spent helping the poor on pilgrimages across Europe.

The walk today will be somewhat longer than the last two days. Although still mostly through the undulating countryside, you will be moving through larger villages and towns. This area once used to be a hive of activity when mining was the main industry here but it is much quieter now. Bruay la Buissiere, your stopover for the night, is a former coal-mining town. There is a large Art Deco style swimming pool that you may be able to go for a dip in, depending on the time of year.

Today’s journey encompasses quaint villages and sprawling countryside, offering panoramic vistas of extensive crop fields all the way to the horizon. Your final stop is Acq, a charming farming village. You’ll be transferred back to Bruay La Buissiere for a second night’s stay.

In the morning you will be transferred back to Acq. A short walk today will take you through rolling fields before you arrive into the town of Arras, which is the capital of the Pas-de-Calais department. Arras is a popular tourist destination thanks to its splendid Flemish and Baroque architecture. While you are here, a must-see is the Town Hall and its majestic bell tower, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

Leaving Arras behind you will follow a country road towards the commune of Mercatel. Walking through the countryside and small villages, you will come upon numerous small war cemeteries and churches before arriving into Bapaume, your stop for the night. During both World Wars, this town experienced intense fighting due to its strategic position. Australian forces liberated it from the Germans in World War I, it fell to the Germans again, before at last it was captured by troops from New Zealand.

Just before the halfway point of the day you will leave behind the Pas-de-Calais region and enter the ancient province of Picardie in the area known as the Somme. Passing through more tranquil villages and countryside, you will come to Péronne (where you will be spending the night). Here, it is recommended you visit the Museum of the Great War, which is housed in the mediaeval castle.

The walk today will pass through more crop fields and farming villages filled with war memorials. Later you will enter woodlands, leaving behind the area of the Somme and coming to your final stop for the evening, Trefcon.

From Trefcon to St Quentin, the walk is relatively flat. You will pass through more crop fields and small villages before coming to the outer suburbs of St Quentin. Wander through the city to the Basilica of Saint-Quentin. There has been a religious building on the site of the Basilica since the 4th Century, all of which have been destroyed and then a new building rebuilt. The Basilica was extensively reconstructed after World War 1 and only reopened in 1956.

Crossing the Canal de Saint Quentin, you will return to walking through the crop fields. You will see your destination for the day, Tergnier, in the distance well before you arrive. Here, you will find the Musée de la Résistance et de la Deportation which tells of the resistance in this region to foreign occupation and shares the stories of those that were deported.

Today the scenery changes drastically and you will be walking through the Forest of Saint Gobain. Meandering through the gently rolling hills of this woodland area, feel the peace of the secluded wood embrace you as you wind your way down into Cessières. Once there, a taxi will pick you up and take you to Laon to spend the night.

In the morning, we will transfer you back to Cessières to start your walking day. The walk today will be a short walk taking you to your final stop for this section, Laon.

Leaving the forests behind you will slowly rise to Laon, which is set 100 meters above the Picardy plain. In Laon, you can visit the Cathedral Notre-Dame of Laon which dates from the 12th and 13th century and is a sight to behold both externally and internally. While here, why not take a ride in the only fully automated cable car system in the world the Poma 2000, which links the upper historical town centre with the lower town on the plateau.

Leaving Laon, you will mostly follow a grassy track downhill, across a river and through woods until you reach Vorges. Here you can grab an early morning coffee or snack, or continue for 1km more to the village of Bruyères-et-Montbèrault where you can also stop. Later, you will come to Corbeny. While in Corbeny, be sure to sample some of the local Cuvée Saint Marcoul sparking white or rosé wine.

Leaving Corbeny, you will be walking on quiet country roads for the first 6.5 km until you reach the village of Pontavert where you can get a freshly baked snack from the bakery. Following the Canal Latéral à l’Aisne, you will head to Gernicourt, where you will veer away from the canal and take a straight road to Cormicy and enter the Marne Department. A short walk later you will be in Hermonville. Hermonville is also in the French region of Champagne-Ardenne, so why not try the locally produced and well deserved Champagne Franck Debut?

From Hermonville, you will make your way to your final stop for this section, Reims. Passing through the countryside and woodlands, you will begin to see more of the vineyards that produce Champagne. Stroll through villages with picturesque stone houses, such as the village of Saint-Thierry, you might want to have a break before making the final walk into Reims.

Heading out of Reims you will first pass a marker telling you that it is 2,400km to Santiago! Following the path, you will reach Saint-Léonard then continue on to Sillery. After this village, you will be walking through vineyards with row after row of grapevines nearly as far as the eye can see. Reaching Verzerney, you can stop for a break and bite to eat. Continue on your way to your stop for the night, the charming village of Trépail. Here in Trépail, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the Champagne making process at Pre en Bulles.

Today’s walk will not have many opportunities to purchase snacks, so pack a picnic for the day ahead. Hikers will pass through the village of Ambonnay to Condé-sur-Marne where you will then follow the towpath along the Canal Latéral à la Marne all the way to Chalons en Champagne. Here, give your feet a break and enjoy a relaxing boat trip around the canals that run through the historic city while admiring the half-timbered houses in the town centre.

Before you leave, try to visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Notre-Dame-en-Vaux Church. Today will see you walk a direct route through the Champagne region countryside. The track today is very flat and plain, with fields stretching in all directions.

Today’s walk is reasonably short, continuing through terrain similar to the day prior. You will pass two wetland areas, known as the Napoleon and Le Renarde lakes, which are well-known local fishing points. Your stop for the night is the town of Brienne Le Chateau.

Crossing the river to leave Brienne le Chateau behind, you will initially follow a grassy path through woodlands to reach the village of Dienville. Here you can take the opportunity for an early break and morning coffee. Winding your way closer to your stop for the night, you will cross the Aube River and arrive into Bar sur Aube. This old mediaeval town was famous in the Middle Ages for its Champagne Fairs that brought merchants together from all over Europe. Now it has many listed historical buildings that make it a pleasant town to ramble around.

Leaving Bar sur Aube, you will cross the Aube River before arriving into the first village of today, Fontain. From here, you will continue along the gently sloping hillside covered in rows of grapevines before winding your way down into the next village, Baroville. Climbing up a small ridge out of this village through more vineyards, you will then descend across more fields before arriving into the village of Clarivaux. Here, there is a former abbey that was founded by Bernard, but now is a high-security prison but you can still visit. It is this abbey and the prison that was notorious for its treatment of prisoners during the time of Napoleon that influenced Victor Hugo to pen a short story in 1834 that then went on to influence his most famous piece of work, Les Misérables.

Today’s walk is not much longer than yesterday’s. Leaving behind the small village made famous by Victor Hugo, you could be forgiven for feeling you are part of a novel as your destination for today does sound as if it was named by a James Bond villain – Châteauvillain! Today, when you reach the village of Maranville, you will have passed over into the Department of the Haute Marne and as you pass through one village to the next it will not be long before you see your final destination on the horizon. Châteauvillain is a quiet town nestled in a bend of the River Aujon and is a maze of alleys and parapets for you to explore. Châeauvillain has more than 100 deer roaming freely in the Parc aux Daims.

Leaving Chateauvillain, the walk today is reasonably short. You will travel on quiet country roads and occasional dirt paths through idyllic countryside. As you approach your stop for the night, the town of Arc En Barrois, you will notice the Aujon River flowing gently through it.

As you leave Arc en Barrois heading south east, your walk will be much the same as the previous day along quiet rural roads. Your destination is Langres, a hilltop town with a history dating back to pre-Roman Gallic times. While here, you should check out the 12 Century Cathedral of Saint-Mammès, dedicated to Mammes of Caesarea, a 3rd Century martyr.

The walk today is relatively short. Leaving the town of Langres behind, you will walk through large crop fields before entering a wooded stretch. Coming out the other side you will meander your way down to the village of Balesmes-sur-Marne. Traversing through more rolling green hills, you will arrive down into Chalindrey, where you will stay for the night and can relax and enjoy some freshly prepared French cuisine in one of the local restaurants.

Leaving Chalindrey today, you will also be leaving behind the Champagne region of France and entering the Franche-Comté region. This region is known for its dome-shaped church towers. Walking down out of Chalindrey, you will cross over a forested hill down into Grenant. Winding around a forested hillside you will emerge into arable land and follow the road up to your destination, Champlitte. This small town had a rich history and beautiful architecture. After wandering around you can treat yourself to one of the local wines.

From Champlitte, you will make your way across the countryside, through lush fields and small sleepy French villages. Crossing the La Salon River, you will then be re-crossing it to arrive at your destination for today, Dampierre sur Salon. Wander around this typical French country town and relax as you will have a long day walking tomorrow.

You’ll see more bountiful fields full of produce today before crossing the River Saône then following this until you reach a forest. Coming out the far side of the forest, you will wind your way down into the village of Sainte-Reiene before coming to the large village of La Chapelle Saint-Quillan. This is a lovely spot for a picnic. Pop into the church, which has a 16th Century statue of the Irish Quillan, for a quick visit. Continue down a road flanked on either side by forest before emerging out onto a flat plain of crop fields that welcome you to Gy.

Today’s shorter walk takes you to Cussey-sur-l’Ognon. Get your camera set up for memorable pictures of the dappled light of forest pathways guiding your way before returning to the open fields and arriving at Cussey-sur-l’Ognon. Nestled in a bend of the Ognon River, this peaceful French village offers an opportunity to relax and enjoy another delicious traditional French meal.

Take a country track through fields and past a forest to Geneuille, the first village today. Here you can take a morning break and grab a coffee and pastry. Continuing on, you will cross the railway line and climb a forested ridge before coming down into Ecole Valentin. Soon you will reach your final destination for this section, Besançon. This large town is built around a horseshoe bend of the Doubs River and has many historic sights to visit.

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.

You have two options today: you can walk the whole way around the shore of the lake to Vevey or you can take a short ferry ride from Ouchy to Cully. The boat will save you walking approximately 8km. If you choose to walk, you will have the lake on your right and steep hillsides of vineyards on your left. These vineyards are part of the Côtes de Lavaux, the largest vineyard area in Switzerland. Passing through various resort towns, you will have ample opportunity to grab a bite to eat or sample the locally produced wine. Arriving into Vevey, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding Alpine landscape. Vevey was also home to Charlie Chaplin for the last 25 years of his life, so be sure to find his statue on the promenade.

From Vevey, you can walk along the lakeside promenade adorned with flowers and palm trees before arriving at Château Chillon. This fairytale-esque castle is open for visitors if you have the time. Continuing on, you will head into Villeneuve (a lakeside town dating from Celtic times). It is renowned for its culinary delights and excellent wines. We would recommend treating yourself to a relaxing lunch here as the last section of today is flat and flanked by a mountain on either side and doesn’t have any services until you get to Aigle. The town of Aigle, where you will spend your night, is in the middle of a vineyard and has a mediaeval castle that is now a Vine and Wine Museum.

Head across the plain towards the river Rhône, and then follow a pathway along the river to St Maurice. Visit the Abbaye de Saint-Maurice, which celebrated 1,500 years of existence in 2015 and has relics of Saint Maurice. Having had a short day walking, you will have plenty of time to explore this charming town. So, why not visit the Grotte aux Fées (Fairy’s Cave), an underground cave with a small lake fed by a waterfall.

The walk from St Maurice to Martigny is through valley with the Rhône River on your left and the mountains towering sharply either side, providing spectacular scenery. This predominantly flat walk will pass through many small towns that will provide you with opportunities to take a break. One particular town you might wish to stop in is Evionnaz, which has the world’s largest labyrinth. Passing by orchards and vineyards, you will then arrive into the town of Martigny. This town’s winning feature is its tasty Mediterranean inspired food, so you will be in for a treat no matter where you eat! There are also many sites to visit. Dog lovers may want to visit the St Bernard Dog Museum.

Set out through the valley before you ascend through the woods and around to the small town of Bovernier. Follow the La Dranse River through the deep valley under forested paths before emerging at the town of Sembrancher. From Sembrancher, you will have two options to get to Orsieres. There is a lower level route that follows minor roads or a higher level route called the Chemin Napoléon that is mainly on grassy tracks. Passing through woods and farmland, you will then end your day arriving into Orsieres. Treat yourself to a meal in Samuel Destaing’s Restaurant des Alpes which was awarded a score of 15/20 in the international restaurant guide Gault Millau.

You will gain a fair amount of height today, climbing up paths from Orsieres to Bourg-St-Pierre. However, the walk is more pleasant and more undulating than you might expect through forests and meadows. Your stop for the night is the Alpine village of Bourg-St-Pierre, which is the gateway to Italy and is well-known for its welcoming character.

From Bourg-St-Pierre you will ascend to Barrage de Toules Dam, which holds back the Lac des Toules. Climbing up and down while continually ascending the mountains, you will arrive at the famous Col Du Gran Saint-Bernard (Great Saint Bernard Pass). At the Great Saint Bernard Pass, you are 2,473m above sea level and at just over halfway through the Via Francigena route from Canterbury to Rome. The Hospice was established by Saint-Bernard d’Aoste in the year 1050 and has been in continuous use for nearly 1,000 years, mostly used by pilgrims or those simply wanting to visit the famous pass. Napoleon also used this route to move 40,000 of his troops through the Alps to enter Italy in 1800.

Going past the lake in Col Du Gran Saint-Bernard, about halfway around, you will cross the border into Italy. From here, you will descend down into Aosta and as you do, warmer weather will greet you. Passing down through Alpine villages surrounded by spectacular scenery of green valleys and steep forested mountainsides, you will arrive into the centre of the Aosta Valley. Founded at the time of the Romans, this town sits strategically on the major roads leading to France and Switzerland. Rich in historical monuments and buildings, it is easy to spend time here exploring. For food, there are a plethora of restaurants and bars where you can get a hearty meal as well as some local delicacies such as Carbonada, a dish of meat stewed in wine with spices and onions.

Leaving Aosta, you will walk past vineyards, grassy fields, small forests, and hamlets. About halfway through the walk, you will come to Castello de Quart. Then, winding your way along the hillside through forests and on grassy paths you will arrive down into Nus. Look out for the vineyards that produce the local Vien de Nus, a red wine. While here, take a stroll up to the Parrocchia Di Sant’Ilario e Saint Barthelemy Catholic Church, which has sweeping views over the town of Nus and down into the valley itself.

Continue on the hillside with the Dora Báltea River down below you on the right. Passing by more vineyards, grassy fields, and wooded areas, you will come to the village of Chambave where you can take a break. Continuing then through similar landscapes, you will make your way to your stop for the night, Châtillon. This large town has many historic buildings to admire, and a must-see is the Parrocchia Di Chatillon with its wonderful views over this hillside town and the surrounding region.

Today you descend further into the Aosta Valley through towns such as Saint-Vincent, a popular summer resort that is known for its mineral springs. You will also see the enchanting village of Montjovet, which has traces of human life dating back to the Neolithic times. Cross the Dora Báltea River to follow it into the town of Issogne. This stopover for the night is known for its castles and wineries so be sure to visit the Issogne Castle and sample some of the locally produced wine.

Continue to follow the Dora Báltea River as it winds its way through the narrowing valley before crossing back across the river and arriving into the town of Pont St Martin. Cross the Torrens Lys, which joins the Dora Báltea at this point, and visit the notable Roman Bridge of Pont St Martin that dates back to the 1st Century BC.

From Pont St Martin you will continue down the last section of the Aosta Valley before crossing over into the Piemonte region. Passing by large grassy fields, wooded hillsides, and vines clinging to man-made terraces, you will go through a number of towns where you can stop and take a break. The final town before your stop for the night, Ivrea, is over the hillside past two lakes. This ancient town has many sights for you to explore but it is also known for its Battle of the Oranges (the largest food fight in Italy), which is a central part of the town’s carnival in the run-up to Lent.

Enjoy the towns and villages you pass through today and take the ample opportunities to pick up supplies and take a rest at picnic spots along the way. Viverone, where you will stop for the night, is a small town set back just off Lake Viverone. Here you can relax by the lakeshore and take in the wonderful view. Try some local cuisine in one of the many restaurants.

From Viverone, leave the lake behind and head into the countryside, passing more vineyards. After the first village you will head slightly uphill and through a small forest before coming into the town of Cavaglià. Here, you can take a break and grab a bite to eat. Continuing on, you will then arrive into the town of Santhià, your last stop for the night.

The walk today is long but is also the last of this section. Passing by large crop fields, you become aware that you are now leaving behind the mountainous region of the Alps. You are now on the plain of the River Po between Turin and Milan. The final stop on this section is Vercelli, which sits on the River Sesia at a tributary of the River Po and is known as the European Rice Capital.

Today’s walk is gentle going, through flat farmland with little incline. You will stroll along dirt tracks moving from Piedmont to Lombardy. Lombardy is famous not only for its lakes (Garda, Como, and Maggiore) but also its wine and rice production. You will pass by the small village of Palestra before heading into Robbio for the night.

Pass by the town’s sports stadium and walk through pleasant farmland and fields. Halfway through, you will cross the Torrente Agogna River after which you will pass Madona del Campo and its 12th Century church, Santa Maria de Pertica. Today’s walk is short, giving you the chance to enjoy free time and visit the Church of San Croce in Mortara, containing a cast of a footprint of Christ.

Today, you will pass beautiful flowing rivers before walking under the underpass. You will then come across the magnificent Abbazia di San Alcuino which was founded in the 5th Century. Charlemagne rebuilt it in 774 AD. After passing through Tromello, you will reach the Santuario Basilica Madonna delle Bozzole, and hear the incredible story of how the sanctuary came to be. Walking through the field tracks after the sanctuary you will see where Garlasco is found with its very impressive castle, which you can’t miss.

The walk today is a little bit longer and a bit more challenging than the previous ones. Garlasco’s main roads pass by its churches and out into the countryside. Canals here bring you to earth tracks, where you can take in the fresh air and observe the beautiful nature around you. Entering Gropello Cairoli, you can visit San Rocco Church with its incredible medallion hanging outside the front door. An easy stroll on a field track brings you by a tarmac road near a motorway. After going under the motorway, there are trees for some shade before going under two more bridges. Steps by a covered bridge lead into Pavia, famous for its wine and rice products. The Certosa and the Castello Visconteo are the best places to see in this tranquil town.

Today’s walk is filled with gorgeous churches to brighten up the day. Cross a canal from Pavia, following the road to San Lazzaro Church. A small hill nearby leads to a footpath by a nice park and then a small road after San Leonardo brings you to San Giacomo della Cerretta. A church here contains beautiful frescoes of James the Pilgrim. Meandering then down a minor road you will reach Santa Margherita before arriving into Belgioioso. Within the town, there is a mediaeval castle – Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo. This is where Francis I of France was held after the Battle of Pavia.

Follow a gravel track and cross the bridge over the Fiume Olona towards Corteolona. The track then becomes a paved road as you enter Santa Cristina e Bissone.

Following the railway line alongside an embankment, you will arrive at a railway station and your stop for the night, Miradolo Terme. Here you can visit the Baths of Miradolo, a thermal spa and wellness centre, and relax before your final day of walking.

Today is the final leg to the last town – Piacenza. It is a long day, so remember to pace yourself. This route consists of a series of dirt tracks, roadsides, bridges, and railways. You can also take a boat ride across the River Po if you wish. Impressive churches are scattered throughout the day, as well as the magnificent Neomedieval Castello Cusani Visconti in Chignolo Po where you can take a break. Finally, you will arrive in the beautiful and charming town of Piacenza.

Your first day of walking is a bit challenging as it is long, but it’s mostly quite flat with some gentle uphill walks. Along the walk, you will pass by a memorial for a young man shot dead in 1944 by the Nazis during World War II, which is very moving. This is a good spot to pause and reflect on your journey so far. Entering Fiorenzuola, you can take a much-deserved rest (and a big glass of wine!). The Collegiata de San Fiorenzo is a fantastic tourist attraction, built in the 14th Century, should you feel like doing some sightseeing in the town.

Today’s walk is shorter than yesterday’s, and you go through the beautiful countryside by fields and woods. There is some hillwalking too, but it’s quite easy to negotiate, before reaching Fidenza. While in the town, try to see the magnificent Duomo di San Donnino from the 12th Century and Palazzo Comunale. Also, remember to treat yourself to some local pizza or fritti before heading off for Medesano tomorrow.

Heading for Medesano, you will have a choice of two routes: taking the main road and walking by a lovely church (Strada Costa Pavese), with some uphill walking and viewing the impressive Castello di Costamezzano, or heading towards the Castello di Costamezzano directly on tracks and then tarmac roads. Afterwards, you have an easy walk by nice fields and woods leading into Medesano. Now in the town, you can relax and have a small glass of beer or wine. Once you’ve rested, and if you have the time, try to visit the fantastic Chiesa di San Pantaleone from the 13th Century.

Your walk today is a lot shorter than the previous days and is very easy. On the walk, you will pass by the striking Taro Valley. Although the valley is partially dried up, it is situated in the stunning Italian countryside, planted between woods, with mountains and hills seen in the distance. It is a sight to behold. Reaching Fornovo di Taro, you can visit the lovely Romanesque Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, and have some pizza and a glass of wine.

The route for Berceto is long and is challenging, with a walk through a dried up river providing part of a tough journey. However, it is very much doable, and the sense of achievement you’ll feel upon completion will be second to none. Your walk also consists of stony tracks through lovely woods while passing by beautiful churches such as the Church of San Stefano in Terenzo. You will also have choices of routes to take to get to Berceto. Each route is different – one being more flat and the other hillier. Once you’ve reached Berceto, rest and eat some fritti or carbonara. Should you decide to do some sightseeing, the Church of San Moderanno, containing relics and treasury of San Remigio and San Broccardo, is definitely one to see.

Walking to Pontremoli is a bit tough today. There are gravel lanes, tarmac lanes, and hills to navigate; however, you can most certainly get through it. You will have different routes to choose from along the way to get to Pontremoli. The choice will depend on the weather and if you prefer a scenic route to a more straight-forward one. Your next route to choose from depends on a preference for a direct route with tough surfaces (such as: Cobbles, or loose stones), or a longer but easier walk gently downhill. You will eventually reach Molinello where you can stop for a drink and some food. Continuing on, you have a relatively easy walk into Pontremoli. Here, you can take some time to rest and recuperate. If you like, you can visit the wonderful Church of San Nicolo and the Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta. Also, try the local cuisine of the town – ‘Amor’ – a small cake with a creamy filling between wafers.

Your last day of walking is not too difficult. There are lovely churches along the way (such as: Church of San Giorgio in Filattiera) to brighten up the route. Arriving in Aulla, take a look around the town and visit the impressive Fortezza Della Brunella. Remember to also treat yourself to some wine and pizza. After that journey, you deserve it!

The first day of walking starts with some easy roads. Later the route becomes a bit more difficult to walk as it is steep with rocky paths and loose stones, and also there are no facilities between Aulla and the town of Ponzano Superiore. Despite these obstacles, once you overcome them, you’ll feel a great level of personal satisfaction. From here, pick one of two routes to Sarzana – take the normal route, which is quite hilly and on gravel tracks, or if there’s bad weather take the slightly easier (but noisier) road route alongside the traffic. Once you enter Sarzana, take time to rest and try to visit the incredible Fortezza di Sarzanello and the Cathedral of Sarzana (Santa Maria di Assunta). A glass of wine would also be on the cards after that day of walking.

Today’s walk is as challenging as the day before, but it is certainly doable. The first part jumps between tarmac roads and grassy tracks, traversing hills and crossing over rivers. From walking near the main roads, you will then need to pick between the old route which is shorter and less challenging, or take a route by the fascinating archaeological site at Luni. Following this and going through Avenza, take the direct and flat route to Massa. Pass by a nice public garden on the walk into Massa. If you have the time, visit the wonderful Cathedral of Saints Peter and Francis from the 15th Century and the Malaspina Castle, which overlooks Massa from a hill.

Going to Camaiore starts off quite easy on flat roads. There is then some difficulty with steep hills, and then levelling off on tarmac roads and bridges. In Pietrasanta, feel free to stop and have some fritti, and wine, to fuel you for the rest of the walk. Passing through Pietrasanta, take the old route which is very easy to follow, going over roads and crossing bridges over rivers. From here, the walk is a little strenuous, with hills and tarmac roads taking over most of the way, but by this stage you are very close to Camaiore. In this city, rest, have a drink and some great food, and visit the amazing Abbey of Peter and the lovely Church of Michael.

On the last day of walking, the path to Lucca is a mix of hill-walking, tarmac roads, grassy tracks, and stony tracks through woods and gravel lanes. It is quite challenging, but don’t worry, this is all very manageable, particularly when you can stop in Montemagno or Valpromano for a small beer or a nice glass of wine. You are now at the end of your journey in Lucca – great work!

Leaving for Altopascio, the walk is gentle, mainly along roads and some grass tracks. You will see beautiful churches on the roads and towns along the way, as well as the impressive Abbadia di Pozzeveri. Reaching Altopascio, have a rest and visit the Church of San Jacopo Maggiore. Also, enjoy a nice glass of wine or two in the city.

Today’s walk to San Miniato is a bit tougher as there is some hill-walking and it’s a bit longer than yesterday’s route. You do get to see the lovely Abbazia di San Salvatore along the way. After passing through Fucecchio, there’s one of two routes to choose from to get to San Miniato. Once you’ve picked a route and have done a bit more walking along grassy tracks, you will enter San Miniato. Here, take a deserved breather and some pizza. If you like, you can also do some sightseeing. The fantastic Duomo dell’ Assunta and San Genesio are the main sights. Also, the Torre della Rocca is a recommended sight as it has a surrounding view of the whole beautiful countryside. San Miniato is also famous for its white truffles!

The walk to Gambassi Terme today is as challenging as yesterday’s route. The distance is similar and there are hills, gravel roads and grass tracks to traverse, but that just makes reaching Gambassi Terme that bit more satisfying. Walking through the lovely countryside is quite peaceful and will help you relax along the way. After passing by the Church of Santa Maria of Chianni, you will enter Gambassi Terme a short while later. Since you’ve had such a long walk today, a nice glass of wine or beer would be the order of the day! Feel free to visit the brilliant Church of Santi Jacopo and Stefano while in the town.

After walking along the gravel roads and over hills, you will go through the town of San Gimignano. Quite a bit of walking will be done to get here, so stopping for a rest and a drink should definitely be part of the plan. The route is tough due to the hills, grass tracks, and gravel roads; however, it can certainly be done. Entering Colle di Val d’Elsa, you can relax, see some sights where possible, and treat yourself to some wine and pizza. The Museo Civico and the Castello are two standout sights to see if you have the time.

This is a much shorter walk than the previous three days, and you have two options to choose from to get to Monteriggioni. One option is picturesque, going by the Abbadia a Isola, and the other option is less scenic and follows minor roads. After following one of the routes, the path becomes a series of grass tracks and gravel tracks, eventually leading into the walled town of Monteriggioni. There is some sightseeing you can do – the splendid Church of Santa Maria Assunta from the 13th Century is there, as well as the Romanesque Church of San Lorenzo a Colle Ciupi. However, firstly relax and have a beer with some of the local food and rejuvenate after the day’s walking.

The final push to Siena consists of walking through beautiful fields and by gorgeous olive trees. There is some hillwalking but it is not too strenuous. You will then have two routes to choose from: one route going along minor roads, by road traffic, and the other route is longer, quieter, and having more shade. After picking a route, it won’t be too long before you reach your destination.

Walking to Quinciano today is a bit testing as there is some hillwalking to do, but it is manageable. Along the way, you can stop for some food and maybe some wine in Isola d’Arbia and see the lovely Romanesque Church of San Ilario. While in the town, relax after that walk and, if you have the time, you could visit the gorgeous Church of San Albano.

The walk today is shorter than yesterday’s route. Gravel roads and tracks make for gentle-enough walking to Buonconvento. Arriving in the town, views of a rolling and enthralling landscape, surrounded by beautiful and vast farms, await you. The Castello Bibbiano and churches of Saints Peter and Paul are the main sights to see here once you’ve rested. Also, treat yourself to some pizza.

Leaving for San Quirico d’Orcia, there are different routes to choose from. Generally, the walk is quite hilly; a mix of uphill and downhill walks, and earth tracks, so it is a bit challenging. But, once you reach San Quirico d’Orcia, reward yourself with a glass of wine or two. During your stay, visit the Collegiate church of San Quirico and the very impressive Palazzo Chigi, which is now known as the Horti Leonini. It is a fantastic public park that was once part of the palazzo’s grounds.

Today’s walk is similar to the previous day, with uphill and downhill walks taking up the majority of the journey to Gallina. If you go through Bagno Vignoni, a thermal spa is there, with the reservoir holding sulphurous water that is just perfect for aching muscles. There is an option to take a route that follows the Via Cassia instead of being diverted around it. However, you will need to consider how much daylight you have left and if the roads are busy. The diversion from it is quite hilly and is longer. Once in Gallina, take time to rest and eat in the local restaurants before the walk to Radicofani tomorrow.

Walking to Radicofani starts with gravel tracks and grassy tracks through fields before interchanging with hills and gravel roads. Crossing small rivers may also be part of the walk. If it’s raining, however, walking along the roadsides from Gallina would be a better option. Nevertheless, crossing the streams as well as going through fields and on grassy tracks, all the while taking in the incredible sight of nature, really is something to behold before taking the uphill route into Radicofani. The town is placed on top of a hill, with a striking view of the surrounding area. Take time to see Radicofani’s main attraction, the Rocca (an old castle) and the Romanesque Church of Santa Agatha once you’ve taken a breather.

The last day of walking is the longest of all of the days on this leg of the Via Francigena. It is quite the task, but on reaching your destination at the end you will be overcome with joy. You start with some nice downhill walking, reaching Ponte A. Choose between taking the historic route along the road or taking the loop around Via Cassia. After taking one of the routes, your walk becomes uphill again, but not too difficult, for the rest of the way into Acquapendente. Now you can relax, do some sight-seeing and sample the culture of the town.

Starting your walk to Bolsena today, the route goes through the beautiful countryside on rural tracks before entering San Lorenzo Nuovo. From the town’s main square, and when leaving the town, you will see the glorious Lago di Bolsena. The path from here is a mix of gravel roads and tarmac roads, through fields uphill and downhill for some time. Eventually, going by the Volsini archaeological site, you will enter the town of Bolsena, situated by Lago di Bolsena. Here, we recommend that you visit the Castle of Bolsena and the Church of Saint Cristina, which contains catacombs.

Today’s walk is quite short. There is quite a bit of hill-walking, offering minor challenge. However, gravel tracks and tarmac roads in between break up the hill-walking and you are accompanied by really beautiful nature, walking by rivers and nice woods. Take a moment to witness this nature and breathe in the fresh air. Once you reach the great Church of San Flaviano and continue up the hills, you will enter Montefisacone. You can relax here before seeing the wonderful Montefiascone Cathedral – one of the oldest buildings by architect Michele Sanmicheli. It was a ruin in 1330 and took three centuries to be rebuilt. A fire then damaged it, taking a further ten years to repair. Its interior was fully restored in 1893.

Leaving Montefiascone the city is quite hilly, but it is not difficult to walk on. Outside of the city, there is more hillwalking with intermittent gravel tracks and earth roads. Much like the route to Montefiascone, it is a bit challenging but is not hard to do, and mixed in with amazing woods and small forests. As part of the woods in Bagnaccio, you can rest here at the fantastic natural hot thermal baths. The rest of the way is not strenuous as you’re walking on roads entering Viterbo.

Leaving Viterbo you take country lanes that pass through vineyards and olive groves. Along the route and not far from the city, it may be possible to visit an ancient Etruscan tomb. The rest of the road proceeds smoothly through fields and woods to Vetralla, a fortified town in the heart of the ancient Etruscan territories that existed before the rise of the Roman Empire.

From Vetralla, you pass through a forest to the Church of the Virgin of Loreto. Then you walk through extensive hazel groves, passing monumental oak trees, to arrive at the Orlando towers. These are the ruins of an ancient, long-abandoned monastery. You continue to the charming town of Capranica, and you finally reach the walled town of Sutri, known for its Etruscan amphitheatre and archaeological park.

You start by walking along country lanes and tracks to the village of Monterosi, near a beautiful lake with an endless expanse of water lilies. You continue your journey through fields to Monte Gelato Waterfall in a park area where you can rest and have a refreshing paddle. Then you enter Veio Park, a protected area, and follow a riverside track through woodland to the hilltop town of Campagnano, where you will rest for the night.

Leaving Campagnano you have panoramic views over the beautiful countryside of Lazio before entering Veio Park, where you can visit the Sanctuary of ‘Madonna Del Sorbo’. You then pass through the walled old town of Formello and take tracks through fields down to the river Valchetta, on to charming town of Isola Farnese and onwards to La Storta.

This last stage of your trip crosses the suburbs to arrive at the centre of Rome. You also pass through Monte Mario Park where you have amazing views of the entire city of Rome and can admire, for the first time, the dome of St Peter’s Church. Then you descend from the park and make your way through the city streets to St Peter’s Square – your final goal!

Today, we bid you arrivederci! Before you go, take this opportunity to explore the ancient city and its many churches. As you will have walked the Way of St Francis, visit the Basilica of St John Lateran where, in the fourth Chapel, there is a painting of St Francis receiving the stigmata and also in the park outside there is a large statue of St Francis that, if you stand behind at a certain distance, it looks as if he is holding up the church. You can extend your stay here with our many accommodation options for a few days to give you time to see some of the magnificent art and architecture of the city.