Saint Jacques de Compostelle In the footsteps of pilgrims

The Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela in Haute-Saône is a must for pilgrims and hikers in search of meaning and adventure. Every step is an invitation to contemplate and meet new people, enriched by the warm hospitality of the local people. Get ready for a unique experience, combining heritage discovery and serenity, on this thousand-year-old route steeped in history.

An itinerary not to be missed

Compostela is the destination of dreams for walkers from all over the world. The route winds its way through the landscapes of Haute-Saône, combining heritage discovery and serenity. Entering the département from the Doubs, pilgrims on their way to Compostela still have some two thousand one hundred and twenty-five kilometres to cover to reach their goal. Leaving the Haute-Saône, once they have reached Marnay, the distance is only two thousand kilometres, as the route splits into two stages at Gy.

This means that the most publicised pilgrimage in the world covers some two hundred kilometres of signposted paths in the département.

View of a gateway to the Château de Marnay - Cité de caractère - Vallée de l'Ognon — ©Marnay|Office de Tourisme du Val Marnaysien

There are two routes, one from Strasbourg, the other from Switzerland. They merge towards Héricourt. At Gy, the Burgundy route heads towards Vézelay, while the Franche-Comté route continues towards Le Puy-en-Velay. In all, around ten stages of the millenary route divide the Haute-Saône route.

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The shell as a symbol

The signposting of the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela is easy to recognise: a yellow scallop shell on a blue background. This shell is traditionally associated with Saint James, the patron saint of pilgrims. According to legend, pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela, where the tomb of Saint James is located, often wore a scallop shell hanging from their hat or bag.

Since the 1960s, when the pilgrimage was put back on the agenda, itinerant walking has had reasons other than religious ones. People walk for cultural, personal and, of course, spiritual reasons. It’s a way for people to discover and meet themselves, sometimes through others. Of course, there are as many different cases as there are walkers, many of whom are keen to question themselves. The route offers them this, while respecting its values of solidarity, sharing and fraternity.

Focus on hiking boots — ©Hiking|OT des Monts de Gy

Saint Jacques de Compostelle signposting: the yellow shell on a blue background — ©Compostelle

The variety and natural charm of the meadow and river landscapes, and the deep-rooted character of the small towns and villages we pass through, encourage contemplation and discovery, whether inward or outward. The evening stage can be a great opportunity to open up to others. As far as accommodation is concerned, there are few hotels, but there are a few bed and breakfasts, gîtes, family-run hostels and hostels for pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. These last two are essential: in Haute-Saône, homestay accommodation works well and makes it easier to choose your stopover.