August 14, 2023 • 0 Comment
Calais to Besançon: Group Cycling Tour – Spring, 2024

Following up on fantastic trips in 2022 and 2023, we’re delighted to offer a group cycling tour from Calais to Besançon. Participants will have the option of using their own cycles or renting a traditional or electric bike. The cycle ride takes you from the opal-tinted beaches of the English Channel through the historic cemeteries and battlefields of World War I. Ride through historic cities of Arras, Laon, Reims, Langres, and Besançon on bike lanes, quiet roads, and forested pathways. At the heart of the group cycle is the Champagne Wine Region, renown throughout the world. This is an ideal way to experience the scenic wonders of the Via Francigena in France, without spending six weeks to journey on foot!

Calais to Besançon deposit June 30

Itinerary for Calais to Besançon:

Sunday, June 30, 2024

– Gather in Calais for our orientation dinner

Monday, July 1, 2024

– Ride along the beautiful Côte d’Opal to Wissant, then turn inland toward Guînes and Licques, with an overnight at Tournehem sur-la-Hem

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

– From Tournehem-sur-la-Hem we head through the coal-mining city of Bruay-le-Buissière and then to the outdoor adventure park Parc d’Olhain.

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

– A short day of riding, through the WWI cemetery of Lorette and across the valley to lovely Arras, rebuilt after WWI to its original Flemish style. Enjoy refreshment in the Place des Heroes and take an elevator up to the Belfroi d’Arras to overlook the city.

Thursday, July 4, 2024

– Today we head straight south, through the historic towns of Bapaume and Pèronne, before traversing the woods to come out to the farms surrounding picturesque Saint-Quentin, our overnight.

Friday, July 5, 2024

– From Saint-Quentin it is first along canals and then through rolling hills and forests to the spectacular medieval town of Laon, with its immaculately well-preserved 12th c Gothic cathedral.

Saturday, July 6, 2024

– We enter the Champagne region today just after the village of Berry-au-Bac to make our way to Reims, largest city on the Via Francigena. Nearly every French king for 1000 years was consecrated at Reims Cathedral, one of the most cherished and beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe.

Sunday, July 7, 2024

– Rest day in Reims. As capital of the Champagne industry Reims is worthy of a rest day, and we’ll spend the day in option wine cellar tours to find our favorite vintages.

Monday, July 8, 2024

– A late breakfast allows us to be out the door in plenty of time to take flat canal roads to historic Châlons-en-Champagne, which edged out the larger city of Reims to be administrative capital of the Champagne region. Châlons is a beautiful town, full of historic buildings and quiet squares bordered by half-timber buildings.

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

– We diverge from the official Via Francigena track to enjoy one of its variants, the “Coole/Donnement Route,” an excellent bike itinerary through farmland. We stop in at Rosnay l’Hôpital to see the 15th c stained glass windows, then continue on to Brienne-le-Château, site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s military schooling and home to a museum of his memorabilia.

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

– From Brienne-le-Château it is a flat, comfortable ride through fields and forests to the delightful village of Bar-Sur-Aube, one of the hidden gems of the Via Francigena. It’s old buildings and lack of tourist crowds give an image of life in a midsized French town.

Thursday, July 11, 2024

– After Bar-sur-Aube we find French wilderness on trails and roads through the National Forest Park. Overnight beside the historic Abbaye Mormant at a quiet B&B and enjoy home cooking of our host.

Friday, July 12, 2024

– Now we make our way through forests and fields to the hilltop fortress town of Langres, birthplace of Enlightenment philosopher, Denis Diderot, and one of Europe’s few towns still fully enclosed in its medieval walls.

Saturday, July 13, 2024

– From the Marne/Seine river system we head into the Salon/Saône/Rhône system in a remote region of pastures and forests punctuated by small villages. Our overnight is at Dampierre-sur-Salon, a town known for its agriculture and metallurgy.

Sunday, July 14, 2024

– The farms begin to spread out just before the foothills of the Jura Mountains and the last city on our itinerary, beautiful Besançon. Home to the famous French author, Victor Hugo (Hunchback of Notre Dame, Les Miserables), historic Besançon is tightly compressed into a “boucle” (buckle) of the Doubs River with its Renaissance-era fortress looming above. Tonight we celebrate our successful ride with a farewell dinner and toast – celebrating a glorious ride through France on the Via Francigena.

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

– Depart Besançon

Sandy-Brown
Sandy Brown, pilgrim, guide and author. Founder of Pilgrim Paths.
Tour guide – Giovanni Ramaccioni

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August 14, 2023 • 0 Comment
Le Puy to Conques: Group walk on the Via Podiensis

The Via Podiensis from Le Puy-en-Velay to Conques is fast becoming one of Europe’s top camino routes. The combination of beautiful countryside and scenic villages make it a favorite, but it might also be the French cooking! This pilgrimage walk includes nine days of the favorite villages of the Via Podiensis. Walk with guide Giovanni Ramaccioni and pilgrimage author and Pilgrim Paths founder, Sandy Brown, to discover life on the Camino in France and enjoy this emerging pilgrimage wonderland.

Itinerary for Le Puy to Conques

June 16, 2024 – Arrive in Le Puy-en-Velay

Meet for orientation and dinner. Overnight in Le Puy.

June 17, 2024 – (23.3km/miles) Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Privat-d’Allier.

After departing Le Puy from its cathedral church and receiving a blessing by its bishop, we walk uphill in the French Massif Central, enjoying high pastures leading toward Mount La Margueride. A tricky descent into Saint-Privat awaits us as the final hurdle. Overnight in Saint-Privat.

June 18, 2024 – (19.5km/miles)

Saint-Privat-d’Allier to Saugues. We are now in the territory of the Gévaudan, where there are still echoes of mysterious killings that happened by man or beast in the 18th c. Today is more wooded, and also more hilly, with a picturesque stop at La Medeleine cave. Overnight in Saugues.

June 19, 2024 – (19.3km/miles) Saugues to Comaine du Sauvage.

We climb consistently on this mountainous day up to the village of Le Sauvage and the way is made through pine forest with frequent mountain meadows for livestock including cattle and sheep. Overnight Sauvage.

June 20, 2024 – (28.2km/miles) Domaine du Sauvage to Aumont-Aubrac.

Today we move from the Massif Central to the Aubrac plateau in a forested walk that concludes in the Saint-Côme Region National Park. A highlight is the descent into Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole and its castle. Overnight Aumont-Aubrac.

June 21, 2024 – (25.8km/miles) Aumont-Aubrac to Nasbinals.

We are now above 1000m in elevation, and due to cold winters the area is sparsely populated, which makes for fantastic walking through small villages, with chapel dotting the expanse. Overnight Nasbinals.

June 22, 2024 – (32.2km/miles with options for van service to reduce distance)
Nasbinals to Saint-Côme-d’Olt.

The villages of Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac and Saint-Côme-d’Olt are some of the most picturesque you will see anywhere, and connecting them are forests of walnut, beech, and oak. Watch for the English Tower in d’Aubrac, now converted to pilgrim lodging. Overnight Saint-Côme’d’Olt.

June 23, 2024 – (19.3km/miles) Saint-Côme-d’Olt to Estaing.

We make our way through forests and, in Espalion, the largest town on the route outside Le Puy itself. The Romanesque churches of Perse and Saint-Michel are the stars of the day, but Estaing’s charm and its castle will win many hearts. Overnight Estaing.

June 24, 2024 – (approx 23km/miles) Estaing to Espeyrac.

Two routes lead to Espeyrac, with one being easier with more asphalt and the other being hillier but more beautiful. The group will decide based on its own preferences – or will maybe split up and compare notes later. Once in Espeyrac we enjoy the quiet and beauty of this typical French rural village.

June 25, 2024 – (12.1km/miles) Espeyrac to Conques.

We pass through Sénergues, a castle town of ancient pedigree on our way to Conques, widely recognized as the most beautiful town on the Chemin Le Puy. The old abbey here is scene to a final celebration as we look back over an amazing trip on one of France’s most beloved pilgrim trails.

June 26, 2024

– Depart Conques for further adventures.

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August 14, 2023 • 0 Comment
Lucca to Siena: Group walk, May 26-June 2, 2024

Pilgrims walk 6 days and stay 7 nights beginning inside the UNESCO-World Heritage walls of historic Lucca and ending in glorious Renaissance Siena. This unforgettable walk takes pilgrims on the Via Francigena through some of the most quaint and best-preserved medieval Italian towns — all surrounded by the spectacular rolling hills of Tuscany. This is the region of focaccia bread and rich red wines and many other gastronomic delicacies. Bring your appetite and camera on your journey with our group from Lucca to Siena.

Lucca to Siena Deposit May 26

Itinerary for Lucca to Siena:

Sunday, May 26, 2024 – Aperitivi and orientation in Lucca.

Lucca has been called by some a “smaller Florence.” Inside its medieval walls the town is beautifully preserved with quiet streets full of shops and charming restaurants. The Duomo is spectacular in its intricate stone work. We meet at the apartment of Sandy Brown in one of Lucca’s major piazze for get-acquainted time and orientation and then head to a delicious dinner (see Option #1 below for a guided tour of Lucca). Overnight in Lucca.

Monday, May 27, 2024 – Lucca to Altopascio (26km/16.2 miles, rated moderately difficult). 

Altopascio also features a charming medieval quarter and its history is closely connected with pilgrimage on the Via Francigena. Rather than being a tourist town, Altopascio is a place where local Italians live, work and play. The day’s walk is on an official variant of the Francigena, following the 19th c aqueduct and then on mountain trails to Sant’Andrea di Compito before crossing the Lucca Plain to Altopascio.

Tuesday, May 28, 2024 – Altopascio to San Miniato (28.7km/17.8miles, rated Average).

The tall tower of San Miniato can be seen for many miles around and was erected as a beacon to pilgrims on the Via Francigena. Today’s stage includes a long walk through a forested nature reserve before entering the medieval city of Fuccechio and climbing to San Miniato.

Wednesday, May 29, 2024 – San Miniato to Gambassi Terme (24.1km/15miles, rated Average).

Now the vast rolling hills open up and this very picturesque day carries pilgrims through beautiful farmland with constant, sweeping vistas of Tuscan countryside.

Thursday, May 30, 2024 – Gambassi Terme to San Gimignano (13.7km/8.5miles, rated Easy). 

San Gimignano is noted as one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval towns, with dozens of towers where prosperous medieval families stored their treasures.

Friday, May 31, 2024 – San Gimignano to Monteriggioni (27.4km/17miles, rated Challenging).

Monteriggioni is a fully walled medieval village atop a rounded mountain. The challenging but beautiful walk can be shortened with a van ride at the start or end of the day.

Saturday, June 1, 2024 – Monteriggioni to Siena (20.6km/12.8miles, rated Average). 

There are few words worthy to describe Siena. Inside its medieval walls there are world-renowned treasures of medieval and Renaissance art, capped off by a stunningly beautiful cathedral at its heart.

Sunday, June 2, 2024 – Tour and depart Siena.

Our time together ends with breakfast at the hotel followed by a morning tour of the city.

Option #1

Arrive a day early, overnight in Lucca’s Centro Storico, and enjoy a relaxed, Sunday May 28 tour of Lucca with a licensed tour guide followed by aperitivi on Lucca’s historic, Renaissance-era walls – €225.00

Option #2

Remain an extra night in Siena to enjoy this wonderful, medieval city (price €150 ppdo).

After an excellent experience in 2022, we’re excited to offer this walking tour once more that features six days on the Via Francigena in Tuscany. Watch for more details coming up!

This trip includes: Nightly hotel accommodations in pilgrim-grade accommodations, daily breakfast and dinner, baggage service, van service, leadership by certified hiking guide Giovanni Ramaccioni and Via Francigena guidebook author Sandy Brown. Prices do not include air or ground travel to and from start and finish points or lunch each day. Itineraries subject to possible change. Terms and conditions apply.

Sandy-Brown
Sandy Brown, pilgrim, guide and author. Founder of Pilgrim Paths.
Tour guide – Giovanni Ramaccioni
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August 14, 2023 • 0 Comment
Florence to Assisi: Group walk with Laura Harris, April 15-30, 2024

After enjoying the capital of the Renaissance, step back in time to ancient forests and monasteries of the Middle Ages. The beautiful Casentino National Forest is the setting and St Francis’s beloved Santuario della Verna atop serene Mount Penna with its active Franciscan convent is the first goal. His hometown is the final destination. In between, walk among the towns and forests that were his inspiration, including the town of Gubbio where he made peace with the wolf, and Montecasale where he converted the three thieves. At Valfabbrica he was robbed and stripped and, of course, at Assisi he was born and was buried. No itinerary brings you closer to the person and the legend than walking from Florence to Assisi on the Way of St Francis. Group pricing to be announced in December, 2023.

“What you are looking for is where you are looking from.” – St Francis of Assisi

“A pilgrimage is a significant journey, often to a sacred place, undertaken to find new perspective. This magnificent walk through medieval towns and ancient forests in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi offer a chance to reflect and learn from a man who nearly 800 years after his death is still inspiring us with his words and life. It is an opportunity to enjoy not only the nature, art and culture of this place but to step out of our conditioned lives and experience the world and ourselves anew. Through days filled with walking, fellowship, good food, and contemplative exercises, we rediscover how to live from our most authentic selves. Communing with yourself and a small group of pilgrims allows you space to rediscover your sense of joy, confidence, and clarity.  Laura Harris

Florence to Assisi

Itinerary for Florence to Assisi:

Monday, April 15, 2024 – Gather, overnight in Florence

– Capital of the Renaissance, gather here to meet other participants and orient yourself to the walk. Dinner at a Florence restaurant and overnight in Florence.

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 – Florence to Pontassieve (18.9km/11.7miles)

– Walk along the quiet banks of the Arno River among locals and overnight at Pontassieve in the suburbs of Florence. Overnight in Pontassieve.

Wednesday, April 17, 2024 – Pontassieve to Consuma (17.8km/11.1miles)

– Vineyards turn to forests as you climb to the first reaches of the Casentino National Forest where you’ll remain for the next days. Overnight near Consuma.

Thursday, April 17, 2024 – Consuma to Stia (17.0km/10.6miles)

– Almost exclusively on paths and gravel roads, see the green side of Tuscany and the first hints of breathtaking mountain views. Sita stands at the headwaters of the Arno amidst forests of oak, birch and pine. Overnight in Stia.

Friday, April 18, 2024 – Stia to Camaldoli (16.6km/10.3miles)

– For over 1000 years monks and hermits have called Camaldoli their home. See their chapels and shop among their soaps and medicinal herbs at Camoldoli Hermitage and Monastery. Overnight in Camaldoli.

Saturday, April 19, 2024 – Camaldoli to Badia Prataglia (15.0km/9.3miles)

– Take the van uphill for a visit to the Camaldoli Hermitage where hermit monks live and pray to this day, then walk among forests to the lovely resort town of Badia Prataglia, nestled in a narrow valley of the Casentine forest. See the 1000 year old crypt, last remnant of the abbey from which Badia Prataglia gets its name. Overnight in Badia Prataglia.

Sunday, April 20, 2024 – Badia Prataglia to Santuario della Verna (20.1km/12.5miles)

– Take the van for a brief trip to the start of the hike, then walk across the Madrioli Pass with views of the Adriatic Sea in good weather to Monte Penna, site of the beloved Santuario della Verna, a functioning Franciscan convent and one of Italy’s holiest places. Overnight in the convent or in Chiusi della Verna.

Monday, April 21, 2024 – Santuario della Verna to Pieve Santo Stefano (15.2km/9.4miles)

– After a downhill walk on forested paths the Tiber Valley opens up and the mountain town of Pieve Santo Stefano welcomes us. Overnight Pieve Santo Stefano.

Tuesday, April 22, 2024 – Pieve Santo Stefano to Sansepolcro (24.3km/15.1miles)

–Take the van to the Viamaggio Pass, then walk mostly downhill in forests to Sansepolcro, stopping along the way at Montecasale, one of the oldest St Francis sites, where the saint converted three thieves. Athletic walkers can begin walk to Viamaggio, stopping at the 8th c Cerbaiolo hermitage to see this beautifully restored site that was given to St Francis in 1216 and was an overnight stay for St Anthony of Padua.

Wednesday, April 23, 2024 – Sansepolcro to Citerna (12.7km/7.9miles)

– A flat walk through farms ending with a short climb up to the walled, hilltop town of Citerna with its sweeping views of the Tiber Valley and the mountains beyond.

Thursday, April 24, 2024 – Citerna to Città di Castello (20.3km/12.6miles)

– A green day of farms nurturing sunflowers. Climb the famed cylindrical tower at Città di Castello and enjoy the delicacies of this picturesque town. Dinner is not included at Città di Castello so you have an opportunity to explore the gastronomic pleasures of this beautiful Umbrian town.

Wednesday, April 25, 2024 – Città di Castello to Pietralunga (29.8km/18.5miles)

– From the Tiber Valley climb a pass toward the Chiascio Alto, the headwaters of the river that waters Assisi, before your overnight at medieval Pietralunga. It’s a “pizza experience” in Pietralunga, where we order off the menu in a traditional pizzeria.

Thursday, April 26, 2024 – Pietralunga to Gubbio (26.5km/16.5miles)

– Everyone loves medieval Gubbio, the town of the Ceri races, the wolf tamed by Francis, and acrobatic funicular that ascends to Basilica San Ubaldo above the settlement.

Friday, April 27, 2024 – Gubbio to Biscina (22.7km/14.1miles)

– The Chiascio River drains these forested hillsides among castles and convents ending in a hostel stay in a former hermitage.

Saturday, April 28, 2024 – Biscina to Valfabbrica (15.9km/9.9miles)

Lake Valfabbrica is a constant companion as you near beautiful Assisi.

Sunday, April 29, 2024 – Valfabbrica to Assisi (13.4km/8.3miles)

– Climb the ridge separating the two towns and see Assisi’s Rocca Maggiore and then the beloved Basilica San Francesco. Receive the final stamp on our pilgrim passports and then your testimoniumthat confirms completion of your pilgrimage walk. A 6:00 mass in the Basilica welcomes all pilgrims. Afterward toast your accomplishment over a beautiful dinner with your pilgrim companions.

Monday, April 30, 2024 – Depart Assisi – (overnight option, tour option)

You’ve had a memorable pilgrimage in unforgettable scenery accompanied all the way by the memory and spirit of St. Francis.