Walking the Via Francigena Pilgrim Route - Part 1
Canterbury to Lausanne
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The 2000km Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome is one of the world's great pilgrim routes, with a history spanning well over a millennium. This guide describes the first section, from Canterbury to Lausanne on the shores of Lake Geneva, a journey of 1090km passing through England, France and Switzerland. The route is suitable for walkers of all levels of ability, and the section from Canterbury to Besançon is also suitable for cyclists (mountain or hybrid/gravel bike). There are various options for accommodation, ranging from hotels and B&Bs to camping (although it is not essential to carry a tent), and the French section offers a unique opportunity to lodge with host families in welcoming chambres d'hôtes.
The guide has all the information you need to plan and prepare for a journey on the Via Francigena. You'll find a wealth of detail about facilities on route and accommodation, as well as tips on training, kit, travel and pilgrim credentials. The route is presented in 52 stages of 11 to 39.5km, although the clear presentation of facilities and intermediary distances makes it easy to customise your own itinerary. There are also notes on interesting features passed and local points of interest.
Beginning in historic Canterbury, England, with a gentle walk to the White Cliffs of Dover, the Via Francigena crosses the English Channel before turning inland to the rolling French countryside, site of WWI battlefields and charming French villages and towns. After visiting two of France's most beautiful medieval cathedrals, it passes through forests to the hilltop fortress of Langres. Besançon offers al-fresco dining in the city's historic plazas before the route continues, following the Loue River to its mountainous source. The unforgettable Gorge de l'Orbe of the Jura Mountains in Switzerland leads to the section's finish-point on the shores of Lake Geneva in beautiful, cosmopolitan Lausanne. Celebrating the diversity of the countries through which it passes and offering an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in Europe's beautiful landscapes and experience their culture, this is truly an international journey that will linger long in memory.
A guidebook to walking the 2000km Via Francigena pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome. Part of a three-volume set, this volume covers the first 1090km, from Canterbury, England, through France to Lausanne, Switzerland. Suitable for most abilities, this section can be walked in around two months, or there is the option to cycle the majority of the way, shaving around three weeks off the total time.
The route is presented in 52 stages, of between 11 and 40km (7–25 miles). Variants for cyclists are shown on the maps but not described.
- GPX files available to download
- 1:100,000 mapping plus larger-scale town maps for key locations
- Handy route summary tables and pilgrim lodging details help you plan your itinerary
- Comprehensive information about refreshments and facilities along the route
- Advice on planning and preparation
Weight:
348 g
Author:
Publisher:
Series:
Language:
English
EAN:
9781852848842
Pages:
304
Year of publication:
2023
Continent: Europe
Categories: Hiking Guides, Long Distance Hiking