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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 St Bernard Pass. This section of the Francigena pilgrimage route will wow you with its spectacular views, delicious local cuisine and fascinating history.
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
(143kg 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 (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 Vevey. Distance 22km/13.6mi, +455m/1492ft -455m/1492ft
Meals: B
Day 3
Continue on to Aigle (7hrs)
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)
Your walk today follows higher paths and roads to reach Martigny. Martigny, which is situated on the Rhone, 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 on to Orsieres (6hrs)
Today's walk is along narrow tracks, which are often in the surrounding forest. There are some steep climbs today. From Martigny a sometimes steep path leads over the narrow Les Trappistes pass to the medieval village of Sembrancher. From here the route follows the Napoleon-Weg. When you arrive in Orsieres you can take in its church and bell tower. Overnight Orsieres. Distance 20km/12.4mi, 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
Final walk to the St Bernard Pass (4.5hrs)
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, in L’Hospitalet and on the Barasson-Pass. The pass is famous for its hospice and St Bernard dogs that were used to rescue weary pilgrims. Trip concludes. Accommodation is not included tonight - make your own onward arrangements or we can assist with booking the night at St Bernard pass - please ask for our rates. If you'd like to continue walking the Via Francigena, we offer multiple stages through Italy to Rome. Distance 13km/8mi, +1045m/3428ft, -305 m/1000ft
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will be staying at selected 3 star hotels and Inns. All rooms in the accommodations have ensuite facilities. Some of the accommodations chosen have a restaurant as well as an agreement with the closest wellness centre. Please note that a twin room is not always associated with having two beds. Quite often a twin bed has one or two mattresses on the same bed frame but with two separate duvets. Sometimes there might be two beds positioned together, but they cannot be separated because of constraints of the room.
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. You need to be surefooted as some sections may be rocky. The paths are easy to follow however can be hard underfoot. There will be road walking as you enter and exit villages and towns.
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 27kms a day. 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.
Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.
With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.
11Days
Moderate to Challenging
12Days