SloWays • Via Francigena in Switzerland, from Lausanne to Grand St Bernard

Picture Lausanne, a lively city snugly tucked in the Swiss canton of Vaud, right by the calm waters of Lake Leman. This is where your alpine escapade along the Via Francigena kicks off – a journey that's like opening a treasure map of adventure.

Starting out, you stroll along the lake's edge, the peaceful vibe a prelude to the excitement ahead. Winding through the Rhone valley, you gradually make your way up, step by step, as if nature herself is pulling you towards the majestic Alps. And there it is, the alluring call of Italy, promising an unforgettable ride.

From Bourg Saint Pierre, high up in the Swiss Alps, the trail becomes a bit of a scramble, guiding you through mountain paths that have stood the test of time. Your destination? The old hospital cared for by the Agostinian Friars – a place that's been a safe haven for pilgrims for more than a thousand years. These kind folks and their trusty dogs have saved countless lives along the way.

As you soak in the scenery, a stunning pass comes into view. Imagine a little lake reflecting the towering mountains around it – a reward that's worth every step. And here's the cool part: with that next step, you're officially in Italy. The Italian stretch of the Via Francigena begins, inviting you to follow its ancient route to Rome and Brindisi, a doorway to the Holy Land.

This itinerary is carried out with funding of Routes4U, joint programme between the Council of Europe and European Union.

Route

Day 1: Arrival in Lausanne

Day 2: From Lausanne to Vevey, 21 km

Day 3: From Vevey to Aigle, 27 km

Day 4: From Aigle to St. Maurice, 19 km

Day 5: From St. Maurice to Martigny, 17 km

Day 6: From Martigny to Orsieres, 18 km

Day 7: From Orsieres to Bourg St. Pierre, 15 km

Day 8: From Bourg St Pierre to Col Grand St. Bernard, 13 km

Day 9: Arrivederci Gran San Bernardo

Day 1: Arrival in Lausanne

You start the journey from Lausanne, a vibrant Swiss city on the shore of Lake Leman; explore this multiethnic city home of the Olympic committee, the gothic cathedral and the Palais de Rumine.

Day 2: From Lausanne to Vevey, 21 km

This leg runs partially along the Lake Leman and crosses vineyards of "Lavaux". This incredible wine region of more than 800 hectares is a symbol of the passion and hard work of mankind when talking about the wine production, it’s a perfect example of integration between man and nature. In fact it is one of the very few UNESCO heritage site wine region. Stop by one of the numerous wine cellars to sample it. Cheers!

Distance: 21 Km

Ascent/Descent: +455/-455 m

Day 3: From Vevey to Aigle, 27 km

The route skirts around Lake Leman, crossing Montreux and proceeding until Villeneuve. Leaving the lake behind, the course continues levelly till it arrives at the entrance of Aigle. It then rises to pass Yvorne and a lovely panoramic point of the Rhône Valley, before descending to Aigle.

Distance: 27 Km

Ascent/Descent: +300/-280 m

Day 4: From Aigle to St. Maurice, 19 km

Leaving Aigle, the route passes a beautiful area of vineyards as it shortly arrives at the castle, Chateau d’Aigle, home of the wine museum, constructed in the 13th Century. Proceeding through vineyards and woods along the coast, the path reaches Ollon. It leads beyond Antagnes, where the route briefly follows the Gryonne till it arrives at Massongex and Saint Maurice, where since the Middle Ages, pilgrims have paused at on their journey to Rome.

Distance: 19 Km

Ascent/Descent: +500/-480 m

Day 5: From St. Maurice to Martigny, 17 km

Just after Saint-Maurice you reach Vérolliez, where a tiny chapel commemorates the martyrdom of St Mauritius and his companions. On the path into the Rhone valley, you meet the famous Pissevache waterfall and the 200-metre-deep Trient gorge.

Distance: 17 Km

Ascent/Descent: +300/-240 m

Day 6: From Martigny to Orsieres, 18 km

This stage marks the begin of the climb to the Great St. Bernard pass. From Martigny a steep path leads over the narrow Les Trappistes pass to the medieval village of Sembrancher. From here the route follows the Napoleon trail.

In Orsières, don't forget to visit the church, the bell and its "Saint Gregoire Mass" and inside the church, the exhibition about Maurice Tornay, born in Orsières.

Distance: 18 Km

Ascent/Descent: +745/-335 m

Day 7: From Orsieres to Bourg St. Pierre, 15 km

This stage leads you first along a forest path, west then east of the river, on the historic path from Liddes to the small Notre-Dame-de-Lorette Chapel before Bourg-Saint-Pierre.

Distance: 15 Km

Ascent/Descent: +970/-190 m

Day 8: From Bourg St Pierre to Col Grand St. Bernard, 13 km

Undoubtedly the most symbolic stage on the Via Francigena! The way to the pass leads along a road which has served the whole of Europe for 2000 years. Countless archaeological sites line the ascent, above all in L’Hospitalet and on the Great-St-Bernard Pass.

Distance: 13 Km

Ascent/Descent: +1045/-305 m

Day 9: Arrivederci Gran San Bernardo

The trip and our services end after breakfast unless you have pre-booked extra nights with us or other extra services.

accommodation

Lausanne - Hotel Agorà Swiss Night

Vevey - Hotel de la Place

Aigle - Hotel du Nord

Saint Maurice - Le Dent du Midi

Martigny - Hotel Vatel

Orsieres - Hotel de l'Union

Bourg Saint Pierre - Hotel au Bivouac de Napoleon

Grand St Bernard - Hotel de l'Hospice

practical info

You can find more information in the "accommodation" section: we always select your accommodation for their character and comfort. You will always be booked in a private, en-suite room, with breakfast included.

The Grand St Bernard Pass is open from mid june to early september, to it's possible to travel in this time span. You will experience the typical mountain weather. In June you will still find patches of snow here and there. Like in all mountainous areas, the weather can be unpredictable and can change quickly so always check the weather forecast before setting and always take with you a rain jacket, warm hat and gloves.

Luggage transfer (max. 20 kg) from one hotel to the hotel is included in the price.

The nearest airports to Lausanne are Geneva or Bern. On departure from Grand St Bernard, it would be convenient to depart from Turin or Milan airports. These airports are served by both major and low cost international carriers and can be easily reached by local transport, which is affordable and offers a frequent service. On arrival, from Geneva or Bern you can take a train and to Lausanne. On departure, you can get a bus or ask for a private transfer from Grand St Bernard to Aosta, and then a train to Turin or Milan.

Thanks to our special APP, you will be able to follow the track of the whole trip on your mobile phone, with no need for internet. GPS tracks are available on request.

Included

What is included

8 Nights in double room in **/*** hotels , B&B and agriturismi with breakfast
luggage transportation from hotel to hotel
maps and detailed description of the itinerary
Pilgrim Passport
Medical and luggage travel insurance
24h phone assistance

What is not included

Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour
lunches and dinners, if not otherwise stated
visits and entrance fees - tips
personal expense
possible sojourn taxes
everything that is not mentioned in the "What is included" section.

Optional Services

These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:

Single room supplement
cancellation insurance
Transfers to reach the starting location or to leave the arriving location of the tour, which will be quoted on request.

Is this trip for me?

This journey is right for you if you have already taken multi-day hiking trips or if you have a good level of fitness and are accustomed to fairly challenging uphill hikes – especially in the last stages, where towards the Great Saint Bernard Pass the uphill elevation gain becomes quite demanding.

Apart from this, it's perfect for those who love the breathtaking landscapes that only the mountains can offer and want to experience the thrill of walking the final stages of the Via Francigena until reaching Italy: we recommend it with a couple of additional stages to Aosta, in order to symbolically conclude your own crossing.

Via Francigena in Switzerland, from Lausanne to Grand St Bernard

Via Francigena in Switzerland, from Lausanne to Grand St Bernard - 9 days

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Via Francigena in Switzerland, from Lausanne to Grand St Bernard

Via Francigena in Switzerland, from Lausanne to Grand St Bernard - 9 days

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