The Via Francigena: French and Swiss stages before arriving in Italy
“…The pilgrimage is onto itself, by nostalgia we feel deep in our heart. The pilgrim is aware that not everything need to find, that not everyone has the sense that it is searched, sure your going has a direction because it is one thing that search: the heart of its creator. The Pilgrim knows where to go. He doesn't know what he will find along the way, cannot read the times and contingencies. Imagine the trouble, but he knows to travel paths already traveled by other that preceded it and especially to be called a & #8217; experience from someone who loves him. The wire stretched out of Providence sometimes is invisible, but it doesn't break. This subtle texture supports the Wayfarer allowing him to gain experience of the sacred. So travel time and its, l & #8217; route, are already in this dimension which is the pilgrimage and l & #8217; go Pilgrim…”.
Walking or cycling you may face this long journey in the mode that you prefer, starting from the country you prefer. After l‘beginning in England We offer two milestones: France and Switzerland which then lead directly in Italy and especially in Roma, stage which concludes the Via Francigena.
We started from Canterbury Cathedral and before arriving in our Italy we will cross well two other countries. The first we meet after England is the France starting from Berry au Bac up to Remis. The first stage is that of the peaceful countryside of Northern France from the North-East of France to get in the Champagne-Ardenne region. In this step of the trip you can not fail to admire the beauty of French vineyards and especially the beautiful Reims Cathedral, typical example of Gothic art.
Continuing our journey we'll move to Outines to Chavanges. However, following the path along the river Marne you arrive at Church in Lentilles Perhaps the most characteristic of the region. Arrived at Clairvaux we enter the heart of the Via Francigena is here that the monk Saint Bernard of Clairvaux founds the first Cistercian Abbey, This church is considered one of the four primeval abbeys.
The French stage continues until you reach one of the most beautiful parks that will leave you breathless, the city is that of Châteauvillain and Deer Park is to with its area of 272 acres. The last French stage is the one that brings us closer to the border where it will arrive in Switzerland.
From Richebourg Pas-de-Calais region we arrive at Lausanne between Lake Geneva and the vineyards of "Lavaux", must see the Cathedral of our Lady to get up to Vevey a real Pearl of Switzerland. Continuing the journey in Switzerland route leads to Saint Maurice to come to Verolliez where you can visit the chapel in memory of the martyrdom of Saint Maurice and his companions. Passing the waterfall Pissevache waterfall And the Trient Gorge you get to Martigny. The last stop in Switzerland will be then what Bourg Saint Pierre door until Colle del Gran San Bernardo that is the gateway to Italy, but this will be yet another journey to discover…
