Hiking holidays Via Francigena North

From the high Jura plateau of Sainte-Croix, the trail descends steeply on the historic salt road to the Jura plain. It runs through fields, forests and wine-growing regions on flat terrain, passing authentic villages and medieval churches to reach the day’s destination in Orbe.

After Orbe, the ViaFrancigena reaches the medieval town of Romainmôtier with its Clunysian abbey. Finally, one reaches the middle of the world, where part of the river Nozon flows to the Mediterranean Sea and the other part to the North Sea.

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.

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.

From Vevey, the trail follows the lake to Villeneuve. On the way, you can visit the games museum in the Tour-de-Peilz castle or the famous Chillon castle before reaching the Chablais wine region.