A guidebook to walking the 3200km Via Francigena pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome. Part of a four-volume set, this volume covers the middle 726km, from Lausanne, Switzerland, to Lucca, Italy. Suitable for most abilities – although the crossing of the Jura mountains calls for moderate fitness – this section can be walked in around a month, or there is the option to cycle some of the way.

The route is presented in 32 stages, of between 13 and 34km (8–21 miles).

• 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

Route summary table

Map key

Overview profile Lausanne to Lucca

Foreword

Introduction: The Via Francigena from Lausanne to Lucca

A brief history of the Via Francigena

The modern Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome

Planning your walk

Where to begin and how to get there

When to walk

Cycling all or part of the route

Where to stay

What and where to eat

Should I make reservations ahead?

How much money should I budget?

How do I secure my credential?

Tips for making the most of your walk

Topography of the Via Francigena from Lausanne to Lucca

Understanding local cultures

Training for your walk

What and how to pack

Baggage transport and storage

Telephones

Health and well-being

How to use this guide

Route descriptions

GPX tracks and accommodation downloads

Section 1: The Vaud and Valais

Stage 1 Lausanne to Vevey

Stage 2 Vevey to Aigle

Stage 3 Aigle to Saint-Maurice

Stage 4 Saint-Maurice to Martigny

Stage 5 Martigny to Orsières

Stage 6 Orsières to Bourg-Saint-Pierre

Stage 7 Bourg-Saint-Pierre to Col du Grand-Saint-Bernard

Section 2: Aosta Valley

Stage 8 Col du Grand-Saint-Bernard to Aosta

Stage 9 Aosta to Châtillon

Stage 10 Châtillon to Verrès

Stage 11 Verrès to Pont-Saint-Martin

Section 3: Piemonte

Stage 12 Pont-Saint-Martin to Ivrea

Stage 13 Ivrea to Viverone

Stage 14 Viverone to Santhià

Stage 15 Santhià to Vercelli

Variant Val di Susa to Vercelli

Section 4: Lombardia

Stage 16 Vercelli to Robbio

Stage 17 Robbio to Mortara

Stage 18 Mortara to Garlasco

Stage 19 Garlasco to Pavia

Stage 20 Pavia to Santa Cristina e Bissone

Stage 21 Santa Cristina e Bissone to Orio Litta

Stage 22 Orio Litta to Piacenza

Section 5: Emilia-Romagna

Stage 23 Piacenza to Fiorenzuola d’Arda

Stage 24 Fiorenzuola d’Arda to Fidenza

Stage 25 Fidenza to Fornovo di Taro

Stage 26 Fornovo di Taro to Berceto

Stage 27 Berceto to Pontremoli

Section 6: Liguria and Tuscany

Stage 28 Pontremoli to Aulla

Stage 29 Aulla to Sarzana

Stage 30 Sarzana to Massa

Stage 31 Massa to Camaiore

Stage 32 Camaiore to Lucca

Appendix A Stage planning table

Appendix B Useful contacts

Appendix C Bibliography

Appendix D Sigeric’s journey: then and now

A Via Francigena guide in three parts

Map of the Via Francigena Canterbury to Rome

Profile of the Via Francigena Canterbury to Rome

Seasons

Suitable for walking in spring, summer and autumn. The Great Saint Bernard Pass is fully open to hikers from June to September.

Centres

Lausanne, Martigny, Great Saint Bernard Pass, Aosta, Ivrea, Vercelli, Pavia, Piacenza, Pontremoli, Pietrasanta, Lucca.

Difficulty

Each stage is graded for difficulty (1-4). A few mountainous stages include steep and slippery slopes. No special gear is required to walk the Via Francigena in season, but off-season crossings of the Great Saint Bernard Pass require winter mountain gear and careful attention to changing mountain conditions.

Must See

Dazzling Lake Geneva, the 1500-year-old Abbey of Saint-Maurice, the spectacular 2469m Great Saint Bernard Pass across the Alps, the emerald peaks of Italy's Aosta Valley, well-preserved medieval cities of Vercelli, Pavia and Piacenza, spectacular views from the Monte Valoria at the Cisa Pass, resorts of the Lunigiana coastline and the charming walled city of Lucca.

May 2021

Overview map

Free Royal Mail 48 postage on UK orders. European postage is £3.50 per item. Worldwide postage is £5.50 per item. If you're not happy with your purchase for any reason, we'll give you a full refund.