Pilgrims walk the Via Francigena trail - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Via Francigena|Maxime Naegely

The Via Francigena From Canterbury to Rome

Discover the historic route of the Via Francigena, a 2,200 km pilgrimage route linking Canterbury to Rome. In Haute-Saône, this route stretches for around 75 km and passes through a variety of landscapes, including a stop at Champlitte, where the French office of the Via Francigena is based. Ideal for lovers of hiking and history!

70 km of history in Haute-Saône

Two thousand two hundred kilometres was the distance covered by Sigeric in 990 to reach Rome from his archbishopric of Canterbury in England. At least, that’s how he describes his journey, which included seventy-nine stages across England, France, Switzerland and Italy. Recognised in 1994 by the Council of Europe, this major pilgrimage route is now being looked after by an association of local authorities founded in 2001.

Pilgrims walk along the Via Francigena, in the heart of nature. — ©Via Francigena|Leslie Maussang - AEVF

A pilgrim on the Via Francigena looks up at a church steeple at the foot of the vineyards. — ©Via Francigena|Leslie Maussang - AEVF

The route of the Via Francigena, as described by Sigéric, follows an ancient Roman road known since antiquity,” he explains. It was used by pilgrims, soldiers and merchants. Nowadays, the GR 145, so named by the French Hiking Federation, is left to the feet of walkers in search of cultural, spiritual or religious motivations.

Discover the itinerary

A historic route

The Via Francigena follows in the footsteps of an historic journey made over a thousand years ago. During his journey, Sigeric meticulously recorded the 79 stages of his return journey, creating the itinerary that has been recognised as a “European Cultural Route” by the Council of Europe since 1994.

Signposted with the logo of a pilgrim with a rucksack on his back, the Via Francigena enters the Haute-Saône via Leffond, one of the communes associated with Champlitte, and exits at Étuz, before reaching the Doubs. It is seventy kilometres long. Depending on the criteria of the walker, it can be completed in three or four stages.

Pilgrims cross a bridge on the Via Francigena. — ©Via Francigena|Leslie Maussang - AEVF

As well as a spiritual quest, the route lends itself to the discovery of unspoilt nature, an architectural heritage worthy of note, and a wealth of gastronomic delights including charcuterie, wines and cheeses. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Burgundy-Franche-Comté towns of Champlitte and Bucey-lès-Gy.