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From Canterbury in England to Rome in Italy, the 1900km "Francigena Way" dates back to the 11th century when pilgrims travelled across Europe on foot to visit the site of Martyrdom of St Peter and St Paul in Rome. With the modernisation of Europe and the shifting of borders the route became obsolete, until a recent revival of the pilgrimage making it one of the most exciting pilgrimage trails in Europe today. The last stage in Switzerland begins on Lake Geneva, takes in the UNESCO-listed vineyards of Lavaux, the Rhone Valley and finally crosses the magnificent Swiss Alps leading to the historical Great Saint Bernard Pass. This section of the Francigena pilgrimage route will wow you with its spectacular views, delicious local cuisine and fascinating history. Descending to the Aosta Valley offers another perspective on this classic alpine terrain and the chance to experience delicious Italian cuisine.
Note: Due to the weather and altitude this walk is only possible during the summer months.
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18kg of CO2-e PP per day
(182kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Lausanne
Today you make your own way to Lausanne and check in at the first hotel. Lausanne is the second largest city on Lake Geneva and there is much to explore. You can visit the charming old town, with its many small alleyways lined with cafes and boutiques. You can also take a cruise on Lake Geneva or visit one of the local museums.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Walk to Vevey / St-Légier Chiésaz (6.5hrs)
From the quay in Ouchy, your walk on the Via Francigena begins along the shores of the lake to Vilette. The trail winds through the UNESCO World Heritage listed Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, which date from the 11th century when Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries controlled the area. Enjoy fantastic views over the lake on your way to St-Légier Chiésaz. Distance 21km/13mi, ascent 455m/1492ft, descent 455m/1492ft
Meals: B
Day 3
Continue on to Aigle / Yvorne (6hrs)
You continue walking today along the lake shore. The Swiss Museum of Games in the castle at Tour-de-Peilz and famous Schloss Chillon are worth a visit before you reach the Chablais wine region. From Villeneuve you'll continue on to the Rhone plain and follow an idyllic path along the Rhone. Arriving in Aigle you'll marvel at it's impressive castle surrounded by vineyards. Overnight Aigle, Yvorne. Distance 27km/17mi, Ascent 300m/984ft, descent 280m/920ft.
Day 4
On to Saint Maurice (5.5hrs)
The walk for today is generally quite flat, as you walk along the banks of the Rhone river. As you enter Saint Maurice you'll be able to see the town's famous cliffside Abbey. For pilgrims travelling the whole route from Canterbury to Rome, this is the half way point. Overnight Saint Maurice. Distance 19km/12mi, Ascent 500m/1640ft, descent 480m/1575ft
Day 5
Walk to the town of Martigny (4.5hrs)
Situated on the Rhone, Martigny has a history which stretches back over 2000 years. The town is home to a restored amphitheatre, Roman thermal baths, temples and living quarters which you can visit. Here you can also visit the St Bernard Dog Museum and learn of the role they played on the Francigena Way. Overnight Martigny. Distance 17km/10.5mi, Ascent 300m/985ft, descent 260m/853ft
Day 6
Continue to Orsieres (6hrs)
Today's walk is along narrow tracks, which are often in the surrounding forest. There are some steep climbs today. When you arrive in Orsieres you can visit its church and bell tower. Overnight Orsieres. Distance 18km/11.25mi, Ascent 745m/2444ft, descent 335m/1099ft
Day 7
Walk to Bourg St Pierre (5hrs)
Most of today's walk follows a steady climb but there are a few short, steeper sections. As you climb you're sure to be rewarded with the stunning alpine views. Bourg St Pierre is a small, alpine village with ties to Napoleon's Italian campaign. Overnight Bourg St Pierre. Distance 15km/9.5mi, Ascent 970m/3180ft, descent 335m/1099ft.
Day 8
Ascend to the Saint Bernard Pass (4.5hrs)
Today you will walk along a route which has been in constant use for over 2000 years, the Saint Bernard Pass. The pass is famous for its hospice and St Bernard dogs that were used to rescue weary pilgrims. Overnight on the Saint Bernard Pass Distance 13km/8mi, ascent 1045m/3428ft, descent 305m/1000ft
Meals: B,D
Day 9
Cross into Italy and walk to Etroubles (4hrs)
Leaving the Pass and Switzerland behind, the smooth paved path leads you into Italy and the Aosta Valley. Enjoy the alpine setting, with high rock faces and pinnacles leading towards woods of larch and spruce. The village of Saint-Rhemy-en-Bosses, visible from above, is famous for delicious 'prosciutto crudo' and its carnival (held in February). The timber wedges that you will come across in the forests are designed to protect the villages from winter avalanches. Walking amongst the dry stone walls and cultivated land you will reach Etroubles, an 'open air museum', housing paintings and sculptures by many renowned international artists. The tiny historical centre is incredibly intact and offers a look at typical Valdostana architecture, with its use of local stone and wood. Dinner and overnight in Etroubles. Distance 13.5km/8.3mi, ascent 175m/574ft, descent 1372m/4501ft If you're walking in the Aosta valley in summer, there's a chance to experience a 'Veillà' where old customs and agricultural traditions are brought to life, restaurants offer local specialities, there's traditional live music, etc. Etroubles' is in August.
Day 10
Walk along mountain and pinewood trails to Aosta (4-5hrs)
Today you continue through fertile valleys of the region towards the ancient 'Augusta Praetoria', another legendary outpost of the Alps. Arrive in Aosta, the valley's largest town, full of Roman monuments, shops and restaurants, and framed by the Alps. Overnight in hotel in Aosta. Distance 15.6km/9.7mi, ascent 100m/328ft, descent 750m/2460ft
Day 11
Trip concludes
Trip concludes after breakfast in Aosta.
What's included
What's not included
GRADE 4 - Daily walks along paths that are well defined and clearly marked. You should be an experienced walker and be able to walk for up to 11 hours a day (although most days are between 6 to 7 hours) in hot sun on dusty and stony tracks. There are some steep hills, and the terrain is mountainous in some parts. A good level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, three to four times a week for three months prior to your departure. The walking times are calculated from town centre to town centre and may vary depending on the accommodations booked.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
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