SloWays • Walking on Via Francigena, from Grand St Bernard to Ivrea

The first steps into Italy of Northern Via Francigena are nothing less than spectacular: snowy peaks all around, a glistening Alpine lake, the hostel that has been welcoming pilgrims for centuries; and the mountain air nicely tickling your nose, as you look around and realise your journey has indeed started.

This first section takes through the Roman city of Aosta, tranquil mountain villages, wineries producing the well-known local white wines, castles and ancient Gallic roads down to Ivrea, where the first typewriter was built by local industrial Olivetti.

This itinerary is carried out with funding of Routes4U, joint programme between the Council of Europe and European Union.Its contents are the sole responsibility of Sloways and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Routes4U joint programme.

Route

Day 1: Arrival in Grand St Bernard

Day 2: From Grand St. Bernard to Etroubles, 13.5 km

Day 3: From Etroubles to Aosta, 15,5 km

Day 4: From Aosta to Nus, 16 km

Day 5: From Nus to Saint Vincent, 17 km

Day 6: From Saint Vincent to Verres, 16.5 km

Day 7: From Verres to Pont Saint Martin, 13 km

Day 8: From Point Saint Martin to Ivrea, 21 km

Day 9: Arrivederci Ivrea!

Day 1: Arrival in Grand St Bernard

Reaching the Gran San Bernardo Pass, you will find the “Hotel Italia”, an ancient place where pilgrims found relief from their journey.

Day 2: From Grand St. Bernard to Etroubles, 13.5 km

From the San Bernardo Pass you arrive in Italy and continue on to the nice village of Etroubles, walking along the Via Francigena official route. The itinerary is on secondary trails rich in evocative landscapes with its small villages and the ancient avalanche shelter system. Some points could be a bit steep, but there are a couple of possible alternatives to do.

Distance: 13,5 km

Ascent/descent +217/-1446 m

Day 3: From Etroubles to Aosta, 15,5 km

Today you depart Etroubles to reach Aosta, where the pilgrims could worship Saint’Orso and Saint Grato’s relics (nowadays they are patron of the whole Val d’Aosta). The walk promises a deep experience along the mountains, crossing meadows and pinewoods. Meet old refuges, the chapel used by the pilgrims, and follow the ancient stream “Ru Neuf”. As the last part is on a descent path, it is possible to take a bus from Verrailes to Aosta.

Distance: 15,5 km

Ascent/descent +398/-1060 m

Day 4: From Aosta to Nus, 16 km

The route winds among castles and vineyards. You will flank the fine Quart castle, with its chapel dedicated to the local saint, Emerico. Along the approaching road you will be able to touch the semi-spherical engravings made in the rock by prehistoric men, the Coppelle, trying to imagine what they were used for, still surrounded by mystery.

Distance: 16 km

Ascent/descent: +544/-560 m

Day 5: From Nus to Saint Vincent, 17 km

You will walk for a long way alongside the Rus, ancient artificial canals which still water the crops on the mountainsides of the Valle d'Aosta. Between one vineyard and another, we recommend a stop at the Crotta de Vegneron at Chambave, a temple consecrated to the wines of the Valle d’Aosta. Once you arrive in Saint Vincent, you will be able to stop for a reinvigorating rest at the spa.

Distance: 17 km

Ascent/descent: +884/-832 m

Day 6: From Saint Vincent to Verres, 16.5 km

From Saint Vincent you will continue along the left side of the Valley, meeting along your way the very fine Saint Germain castle: you can admire its Mezzogiorno towerfrom under the impressive medieval walls, once a formidable defence tower belonging to the De Mongioveto family which dominated the valley. From here you will travel along a short section of the ancient strada delle Gallie, before being enchanted by the splendid itineraries offered by the route as far as Verrès, which climbs up the side of the mountain. If you like castles, we recommend a visit of Issogne.

Distance: 16,5 km

Ascent/descent: +669/-927 m

Day 7: From Verres to Pont Saint Martin, 13 km

Today a brief journey in a time machine awaits you: at Arnad you will be able to emerge yourselves in the part of medieval pilgrims walking through the naves of the parish church of San Martino, before crossing the ancient Enchallod bridge. Or you can have fun looking for the tracks of Roman carriages in the stones of the ancient road of the Gauls, which will surprise you with a still perfectly preserved section leading to the gates of Donnas. If you like more recent history, visit Bard fort with its Museum of the Alps.

Distance: 13 km

Ascent/descent: +434/-446 m

Day 8: From Point Saint Martin to Ivrea, 21 km

The alpine scenery gives way to the gentle Piedmont hills, among characteristic villages and sections surrounded by nature. Today’s destination point is Ivrea: the old town centre will delight you with its fine castle and tall tower of Santo Stefano, but do not miss a walk through an open-air museum of modern architecture. For the gourmands, we recommend a break to taste the Novecento cake, a chocolate cake whose recipe is jealously guarded by the town’s pastry-makers.

Distance: 21 km

Ascent/descent: +514/-636 m

Day 9: Arrivederci Ivrea!

Last day included, our services end after breakfast

accommodation

Hotel Cecchin - Aosta

Hotel Cecchin*** is located in the historic center of Aosta, a few steps from the Arch of Augusto and monuments that characterize the city. It born in 1982 on the Roman Bridge, along the Via Francigena, from Roman building.

www.hotelcecchin.com

Agriturismo Maison Rosset - Nus

The Rosset family, a noble dynasty whose forefather was Jean-Pantaléon , has been living in Nus (Aosta Valley) since the beginning of the eighteenth century, in the buildings he had built: his owner house and the farmhouse. The new building consists of four double en-suite rooms, a single room, a three-bed room with living room and are well-equipped with tv set, private service.

www.maisonrosset.it

Hotel De la Ville - Saint Vincent

Comfortable hotel under new management. Located a few steps from the Casino de la Vallée in a strategic position to reach the resort and the most popular tourist attractions in Valle d'Aosta. Rooms are furnished in a simple way and have TV, WiFi coverage, bathroom with shower and hairdryer. Some of these have a balcony with mountain views.

www.hoteldelavillevda.it

Hotel Relais Saint Gilles - Verrés

The Hotel Relais St. Gilles is located in Verrès, in the tranquility of the low-lying valley. Rooms are well-furnished, spacious and clean and are equipped of these comfort: air conditioning, private bathroom, satellite TV and free Wifi.

www.relaisstgilles.com

Hotel Crabun - Pont Saint Martin

Hotel Crabun*** is situated along the ancient pilgrimage route of Via Francigena in Pont Saint Martin. Decorated with warm colours and wood furniture, rooms at Hotel Crabun are classically furnished, and come with either carpeted or wood floors. They all have a balcony and satellite TV channels.

www.crabunhotel.it

B&B Il Tuchino - Ivrea

“Il Tuchino” Bed and Breakfast is located in the “Borghetto,” the medieval heart of the ancient town of Ivrea and it was recently renovated under the guidance of the architect Annibale Fiocchi, who worked with the well-known architect Olivetti from 1947 to 1964. Rooms are elegant, spacious, comfortable and equipped of air conditioning and free Wifi.

www.iltuchino.it

Hotel Italia - Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses

The hotel was built facing the Gran San Bernardo lake and offers a spectacular view of the mountain. The rooms are warmly decorated but do not have a TV. The property features a restaurant, a terrace overlooking the mountains and a small and essential SPA with a jacuzzi and sauna.

www.gransanbernardo.it

Hotel Beau Séjour - Etroubles

A small and traditional family-run hotel, the Hotel Beau Séjour has comfortable and welcoming rooms equipped with TV, wifi and, most of them, also with an exceptional view of Mont Blanc.

www.hotelbeausejour.it

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.

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

The closes tInternational Airports to Aostaare Torino and Milano.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.

Turin Caselle Airport www.aeroportoditorino.it

Milan Malpensa/LinateAirport www.milanomalpensa-airport.com www.milanolinate-airport.com

From any airports take the train or bus to reach the train station to take the train to Aosta.On departure from Ivrea reach the airports by train and bus.If you arrive by car, you can leave your car in one of the several pay and display unguarded parking areas in town.

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
2 dinners (Grand St. Bernard, Pont St Martin)
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?

The first section of the Italian route is perfect if you'd like to start the Italian route from the very first step, love mountain landscapes, and would like to walk a fascinating, ever-changing section of the Camino, to the hills and lakes of Piedmont. IF you'd like to start from Great Saint Bernard, consider that the pass is open from June to the end of Septemebr - depending on the year and the amount of snow on the path.