The most challenging and beautiful section of the Via Francigena is its transit of the Alps at the Great St Bernard Pass between Switzerland and Italy. This unforgettable Alpine walk from Lausanne to Aosta features snow-capped mountain peaks, towering waterfalls and majestic forests, interspersed with castles, Roman ruins and spectacular mountain scenery. This group walk is timed to allow a snow-free transit of the Alps, and offers overnights in modest, pilgrim-class accommodations, with dinners and breakfasts included, except as specified. Pricing will be set in December. In the meantime, a €500 refundable reservation fee will hold your place.
Itinerary for Lausanne to Aosta:
Friday, August 2, 2024 – Gather in Lausanne, Switzerland
– Home to the International Olympic Committee, Lausanne sits on the north shore of beautiful Lake Geneva. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers and prepare for your first day of walking.
Saturday, August 3, 2024 – Lausanne to Vevey (21.0km/13.0miles)
– Leave Lausanne on charming lakeside trails, then head up onto vineyard-covered mountain sides on the way to lakeside Vevey.
Sunday, August 4, 2024 – Vevey to Aigle (25.8km/16.0miles)
– July’s annual Jazz Festival put Montreux on the map. Enjoy its lakeside promenade and then beautiful Chillon Castle before saying goodbye to the lake and heading up the Rhône Valley to Aigle.
Monday, August 5, 2024 – Aigle to St Maurice (16.6km/10.3miles)
– As the valley narrows and the track slowly climbs, mountain towns like Ollon exude Swiss charm. Set along tall cliffs, the town of St Maurice holds one of Europe’s oldest monasteries.
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 – St Maurice to Martigny (16.7km/10.4miles)
– The valley continues to narrow while the boulder-strewn route traverses mountainsides in quiet forests to the accompaniment of waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs.
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 – Martigny to Orsieres (18.4km/11.4miles)
– The path continues to ascend on narrow mountain paths under tall forests. The valleys are just wide enough for a two-lane road, a train track, and your pathway. The stretch between Martigny Ville and Sembrancher is known as one of the trickiest paths on the Via Francigena. You can choose to walk it or skip it by taking the van to Sembrancher and beginning your walk there.
Thursday, August 8, 2024 – Orsieres to Bourg St Pierre (14.0km/8.7miles)
– The last night in Switzerland is spent above the tree line in the sparse settlement of Bourg St Pierre after the truly first steep climb of the walk.
Friday, August 9, 2024 – Bourg St Pierre to Col St Bernard (12.6km/7.8miles)
– The climb concludes in an enchanting land of heather, cool streams and tall, snowy peaks. Summit at the historic St Bernard Hospice at the Swiss/Italian border where dogs are still trained to rescue stranded hikers.
Saturday, August 10, 2024 – Col St Bernard to Gignod (22.0km/13.7miles)
– The first steps follow cattle trails down the green peaks and then a path alongside a delightful wayside canal that feeds vast, irrigated fields far below. Most will take the van from Gignod through the Aosta suburbs, but the hardiest will walk the remaining 6km.
Sunday, August 11, 2024 – Depart Aosta.
You may choose to stay additional nights to enjoy this Italian/French town and its Roman sights, you may choose to continue walking the Francigena into the Aosta Valley, or you may depart for other places in Switzerland or Italy.
