The Via Francigena follows the footsteps of Archbishop Sigerich, who undertook the march from Canterbury to Rome several times by foot. The most arduous stages took him across the Alps. Mule trails wind high into the mountains after Martigny and lead you to the Great St. Bernard and the Italian border. The descent into the wild and romantic valley leads you in the footsteps of the Romans along old irrigation channels to the famous town of Aosta.
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.
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.
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 2'000 years. Countless archaeological sites line the ascent, above all in L’Hospitalet and on the Barasson-Pass.
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.
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.
approx. 4.5 h
approx. 14 km
240 m
890 m
Day
7
Departure or extension
Tour character
Good stamina is needed in the beginning of the trip, surefootedness in the end. From Martigny the tour leads towards the peaks of the Alps of Valais. The walk up to Col du Gd St-Bernard and the descend down into Aosta valley are the highlights of this walking tour.
overnight stays according to the itinerary incl. Breakfast
Daily luggage transfers
Pilger pass
Costs for luggage pick-up at the station (for direct arrival and departure)
Subsidy for arrival by train
Carefully elaborated route description
Travel documents (1 x per room) incl. SwitzerlandMobility Plus subscription
Service hotline
Note:
Train ride St. Maurice – Martigny not included, approx. CHF 7.- per person.
Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
Reservation fee of CHF 15 per adult (incl. legally required customer money protection)
Information
Arrival/Departure:
Arrival by public transport to Martigny. Suitcases willmust be returned to the luggage counter by 10:00 a.m. at the latest.
Departure by Flixbus to Geneva. (3 hours, several connections daily, www.flixbus.ch)
Travel Documents
Travel documents "digital”
In future we will reduce the amount of printed documents. You will receive instructions to help you find your way around using the SwitzerlandMobility app. We will provide you with further information online. In advance you will receive a small package of documents with the following contents:
On the way, you can easily find your way with the SwitzerlandMobility app and other freely accessible aids. Background information and all other documents are delivered electronically and can be downloaded to your mobile phone in advance.