Via Francigena

VF - 01 - From Gran San Bernardo to Echevennoz

After visiting the Hospice Museum and the adjacent kennel where St Bernard champions are bred, we can move to the border. Here there is a mule track with a panoramic view which goes gradually down into the valley. We will go through the pretty little villages of Saint Rhemy en Bosses, Saint Leonard, Saint Oyen, and Etroubles. The track finishes in Echevennoz where there is a hostel. The ones who are more trained could continue on, towards the direction of Gignod or Aosta. There are road-houses in the more-populated areas. Fountains are everywhere. […]

VF - 02 - From Echevennoz to Aosta

This itinerary follows evocative tracks that flank the "rus", old masterworks of hydraulic engineering: little channels that bring water from streams to cultivated lands. Smooth journeys along channels alternate with steep slopes for testing your leg strength. In the second section of the route we cross bright orchards before entering Aosta, a very charming town dating back to the Roman period. Road-houses in Gignod and Variney, many fountains. […]

VF - 03 - From Aosta to Chatillon

The slope from Valle d'Aosta is an itinerary that we can follow entirely walking on the orographic left bank of the Dora. The word "slope" shouldn't be taken in the literal sense: the need for avoiding traffic compels one to go up and down on the northern side of the valley which gains in height difference, making this track rather difficult. Main attractions include: vineyards and castles in Quart (that we flank), Nus, Cly, Fenis (which we see in the distance), road-houses in Nus and Chambave, and fountains along the entire track. […]

VF - 04 - Alternative itinerary from Monjovet to Verrès

The alternative route of the valley bottom spares us the hard path uphill that connects Montjovet to Verrés […]

VF - 04 - From Chatillon to Verrès

Leaving Chatillon go uphill along a difficult path, before entering the one that flanks a rus till reaching Saint Vincent. Hence keep left to Vallée heading for the beautiful Saint German Castle. Go down a track along the old street of Gauls, and at the valley bottom reach Verrès, go down a hard mountain track or walk along the easier right side of the Dora. Road-houses in Vincent and Montjovet, frequent fountains. […]

VF - 05 - Alternative Itinerary 1

The alternative itinerary, instead of reaching Valaise Castle (it isn't visitable), go through the village, shortening the itinerary by 400m […]

VF - 05 - Alternative itinerary 2

This itinerary, even though it is less enjoyable than the main walking tour, allows us to arrive in Pont Saint Martin quickly and safely. […]

VF - 05 - From Verrès to Pont St. Martin

A walking tour rich in attractions: the marvellous Saint Martin's Parish in Arnad, perhaps the main attraction along Via Francigena in our itinerary in Val d'Aosta; cross the two ancient bridges of Echallod and Bard, a pretty village dominated by a fort which is also the site of the Alps Museum; and, most of all, the entrance to Donna, along the Roman street of the Gauls, before finishing the itinerary in front of Pont Saint Martin, the Roman bridge. Road-houses in Hone, Bard, Donnas. Frequent water fountains. […]

VF - 06 - From Pont St. Martin to Ivrea

Arriving in Piedmont, the mountains are softened, slopes and height differences are easier to follow. The walking tour alternates between characteristic villages and enchanting natural tracks. The architectural structure of San Lorenzo, the village of Montestrutto, and Montalto Castle are noteworthy. At the end of the day don't forget to visit the city centre of Ivrea. Road-houses in Carema, Settimo Vittone (off the itinerary) Borgofranco, Montalto. Frequent fountains. Pay attention to the section of the main road exit from Carema. […]

VF - 06 - Low alternative itinerary for Carema

This route, without attractions, avoids the lovely path leading to the San Rocco and Carema city centres, shortening the itinerary by 700 meters. […]

VF - 07 - From Ivrea to Viverone

An easy route at the bottom of Ivrea Greenhouse, the biggest moraine in Europe, an interesting geological formation that marks the direction. Along the path we visit two wonderful churches, recently renovated: San Pietro, near Bollengo, and the "Gesuin", a delightful ruin in the middle of the countryside where only perimeter walls and a partial fresco remain. There are also Piverone, a pretty village on the main street, and spectacular views of Viverone lake. Road-houses in Bollengo, Palazzo Canavese, Piverone. Many water fountains. […]

VF - 08 - Alternative itinerary Roppolo - Cavaglià

From Roppolo it is possible to arrive in Castello heading for Cavaglià following a less interesting path but shortening the itinerary by 700 meters. […]

VF - 08 - From Viverone to Santhià

The main attraction of the day is Roppolo Castle: here you can admire a view of the morainic amphitheatre of Ivrea and of Viverone Lake. There is an interesting free visit to the wine-tasting shop which has been quarried from old wine cellars. The slope towards Cavaglià follows a rural road and, upon leaving the village, we can visit the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora del Babilone. We then reach Santhià along a series of quite and rural roads. Road-houses and water found in Roppolo and Cavaglià. […]

VF - 09 - From Santhià to Vercelli

The itinerary crosses the plain of Vercelli characterized by several rice fields, different avicultural species attracted by sheets of water in this area. Leaving Santhià pay attention to crossings nearby the 413 Freeway and three intersections with the 11 Freeway, running parallel to our walk. There are a few tracks along the path following streets where traffic is not heavy. The tour follows sheep tracks and rural roads for the most part. Outside populated areas there is no water supply. […]

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