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Via Francigena 11 Days Self-Guided Walking Tour Level 2
In order to receive the episcopal dignities from the Pope, Archbishop Sigerich made a pilgrimage from the Benedictine monastery of St. Augustine to Rome in 990. Sigerich "the Serious", as he was called, documented a total of 80 stages on this journey. His description of this 1600-kilometre journey is one of the oldest manuscripts on European pilgrimage routes and established the myth of the "Via Francigena". His route took him past the Roman mosaics in Orbe and the collegiate church of Romainmotier. Pleasurable walks await you on the shores of Lake Geneva and in the Rhone Valley. Now some trials await the pilgrim. The ascent up to the Great St. Bernard is strenuous; the descent into the Aosta Valley, on the other hand, is a pleasure. Bishop Sigerich certainly did not get bored on his pilgrimage.
Pilgrims' paths take you through the Yverdon-les-Bains region to Lake Geneva. Then through the Rhone Valley and over the Great St. Bernard into the Aosta Valley. Basic fitness is required at the beginning, and surefootedness towards the end. On pilgrims' paths and along old irrigation canals down to the Aosta Valley. The paths are easy to follow, but for the long stages a good basic condition and some experience in long-distance hiking are necessary.
Slow Tours offers a number of other Walking Tours in Europe
Arrival to Le Day| Le Day – Orbe
Arrival and luggage drop-off in Yverdon-les-Bains. You hike down to the Saut du Day waterfall and follow the course of the Orbe River. The hike takes you through a nature reserve to the village of Les Clées and on to the Gorge de l'Orbe. At the end of the stage, you reach the small town of Orbe - known for its Roman mosaics.Walking time: approx. 3.5 h, approx. 13.5 km, á 190 m â 500 m
Orbe – Cossonay:
After Orbe, the ViaFrancigena reaches the medieval town of Romainmôtier with its Cluniac Abbey. You then reach the centre of the world, where one part of the River Nozon flows to the Mediterranean, the other to the North Sea. Walking time: approx. 6 - 7 h
Cossonay – Lausanne:
French poet Gilles described the beauty of the Venoge, the river that this stage follows from Cossonay to Saint-Sulpice, sometimes high up, sometimes beside the water. The pilgrims’ path finally reaches Lac Léman and continues on via the Roman town of Vidy to Lausanne. Walking time: approx. 6 h
Lausanne – Vevey:
From the quay in Ouchy, the ViaFrancigena runs along the Lac Léman shores to Vilette. It then winds through the Lavaux terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage. Fantastic views over Lac Léman. Walking time: approx. 5.5 h
Vevey – Aigle:
From Vevey the route follows the lake to Villeneuve. The Swiss Museum of Games in the castle at Tour-de-Peilz and famous Chillon Castle are worth a visit before you reach the Chablais wine region. Walking time: approx. 6.5 h
Martigny – Orsières:
By train to Martigny. This stage marks the end of the climb to the Grossen Sankt Bernhard-Pass. From Martigny a steep path leads over the narrow Les Trappistes pass to the medieval village of Sembrancher. From here the route follows the Napoleon-Weg. Walking time: approx. 5.5 h
Orsières - Bourg-Saint-Pierre:
This stage leads first along a forest path, first west then east of the river, on the historic path from Liddes to the small Notre-Dame-de-Lorette Chapel before Bourg-Saint-Pierre. Walking time: approx. 4.5 h
Bourg-St-Pierre – Col du Gd St-Bernard:
Undoubtedly the most symbolic stage on the Via Francigena! The way to the pass leads along a road which has served the whole of Europe for 2000 years. Countless archaeological sites line the ascent, above all in L’Hospitalet and on the Barasson-Pass. Walking time: approx. 4.5 h
Col du Gd St-Bernard - Étroubles:
The descent to the Aosta Valley begins immediately after the pass. A pilgrim's path leads down the valley flank to Italy and takes you to the small village of St. Rhémy. Shortly afterwards the roofs of the villages Étroubles and Echevennoz come into sight. Walking time: approx. 4.5 hours
Étroubles - Aosta:
Old irrigation canals called "Rus" lie along your way today. In addition to the flat passages along these canals, steep descents await you today. In Roman times, Aosta was a flourishing trading town. Today, the village is famous for its alpine experiences. Walking time: approx. 4.5 hours
Departure or extension
Tours marked with are special prices.
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If you prefer to drive yourself but would like to follow our itineraries and hotel choices we can help you with a brand new Renault vehicle - minimum 21 days - and have your itineraries and hotels ready for you.
Please email [email protected] for your choice of vehicle and pick-up and drop-off points in European countries.
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