Walking the Via Francigena Pilgrim Route - Part 1

Follow the historic Via Francigena pilgrimage route across 1090km of England, France and Switzerland, along ancient paths once used by medieval pilgrims to walk to Rome. Starting in Canterbury, this part of the route offers an ideal introduction to the Via Francigena, through rolling French countryside, Champagne vineyards and the Jura Mountains to lakeside Lausanne, and is suitable for most walkers.

Immerse yourself in the pilgrimage's origins with the first volume of this four-part guidebook set, while building confidence through gentler terrain before the alpine challenges of Parts 2–4 of the route. In around two months, you'll experience England's historic Kent, cross the Channel to France's Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Champagne-Ardenne regions, explore cathedrals at Reims and Laon, and finish triumphantly at Lake Geneva — creating the perfect foundation should you wish to complete the entire 3200km of the Via Francigena.

This comprehensive guidebook simplifies planning the long-distance trail from Canterbury to Lausanne, providing clear stage-by-stage route descriptions, 1:100,000 mapping, and practical planning information throughout. Designed to help walkers and cyclists confidently tackle the opening section of this historic pilgrimage, it brings together navigation, logistics, and essential on-trail details in a single, reliable companion.

• The route is divided into 52 clearly defined stages, each with detailed route descriptions, and clear 1:100,000 mapping to keep you on track
• Stage summary tables and elevation information allow you to anticipate the upcoming terrain and plan daily distances to tailor the journey to your available time
• As well as navigation, the guidebook explores the history, culture, and landscapes of the Via Francigena, connecting walkers and cyclists to centuries of pilgrimage tradition through historic towns and rural countryside
• Detailed accommodation listings include the services provided and contact details, supporting first-time and experienced pilgrims alike
• Advice on obtaining your pilgrim passport and achieving your pilgrim credentials is included
• Downloadable GPX files provide a digital navigation option for use on smartphones and GPS devices

Open the door to the Via Francigena with this guidebook, offering a well-researched, expertly curated introduction for both walkers and cyclists to one of Europe’s great pilgrimage routes. Walk with purpose through historic landscapes and timeless towns, knowing you have a trusted companion to help you navigate every stage of the journey.