From the Channel to the Swiss border: about 1,007 kilometers from Calais through northern France, Champagne and the Jura to Jougne – the French part of the Via Francigena to Rome.
The Via Francigena (France) is the long middle section of the great pilgrim route to Rome. From Calais on the Channel – where pilgrims landed after crossing from England – it runs through Picardy, the Champagne with its great cathedrals (Reims!) and over the Jura to the Swiss border at Jougne.
It's the quietest, least-walked part of the Via Francigena: wide farmland, wine regions, silent villages – in the footsteps of Archbishop Sigeric, who described this route in 990.
Named after the itinerary of Sigeric of Canterbury, who travelled from Rome back to England in 990 and recorded his stops.
Ideal if you want the quiet, contemplative side of pilgrim walking, love wide landscapes and great cathedrals, and wish to avoid the crowds of the Spanish routes.
Less suitable if you expect dense pilgrim infrastructure: northern France has few albergues, often only gîtes, guesthouses or stays with parishes/private hosts. French helps a lot.
From Calais the route crosses Picardy and the Artois, over Arras and Laon to Reims with its coronation cathedral. On through the Champagne and the hills of eastern France.
In the final part it climbs into the Jura, over Besançon and Pontarlier to Jougne on the Swiss border, where the Via Francigena CH takes over.
At about 1,007 kilometers with over 30,000 meters of climb, the route is long but mostly moderately hilly (more demanding only in the Jura). Doable in 45–50 days; many walk sections. Waymarking and infrastructure are thinner than on the Spanish routes.
The cultural highlight is Reims with its Gothic coronation cathedral, where the kings of France were anointed – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around it, the wine region of Champagne with its vineyards.
For long stretches the route follows the stops described by Sigeric – history to walk through.
The French section is one link in the great chain: before it comes the Via Francigena Britannica (London → Dover, then ferry to Calais), after it the Via Francigena CH (Jougne → Great St Bernard Pass) and finally the Via Francigena (Italy) to Rome. If you wish, you can walk all the way from Canterbury to St Peter's.
The best time is spring to autumn. Accommodation is in gîtes, guesthouses and with parishes/private hosts – booking ahead is wise. You'll need a pilgrim credential.
France is more expensive than Spain. Budget roughly €40–65 per day (gîtes/guesthouses), plus food.
The starting point is Calais, well reached by train and ferry/Eurotunnel.
- Le Patio - Calme, Chaleureux, Unique
Open season unknown
"La Lavandière" climatisation Restauration Parking Privé
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"Le Studio" climatisation Parking Privé Restauration Proche des lacs
Open season unknown
52 Grand place
Open season unknown
A l'aube des sens
Open season unknown
A l'ombre du prunier
Open season unknownEverything you need for the Via Francigena (France), shipped to your door.
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