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Established 2000 years ago, in medieval times the ViaFrancigena became the most important pilgrims’ path in Europe. In Switzerland it leads through beautiful Jura and Alpine landscapes, the stage on the Grossen St. Bernhard being particularly magnificent.
In 990, Sigerich, Archbishop of Canterbury, returned to England from Rome and documented the stages on his journey, a route known even to the Romans. His itinerary is now considered the oldest description of the ViaFrancigena through Europe. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Frankenstrasse remained one of the major arterial roads, used by traders, soldiers and crowned heads of state. Since 1300, it has been regarded as the most important pilgrims’ path in Europe, crossing Switzerland via the Jura and Alps.
The Swiss stage runs through a variety of landscapes and is without doubt also one of the most spectacular pilgrims’ paths in Europe. The route from Sainte-Croix to Vuiteboeuf leads past unique sections of cart tracks then alongside the quiet Venoge to Lac Léman. Stops at Romainmôtier Abbey and the Roman mosaics in Orbe are highly recommended.
From Lausanne, the ViaFrancigena runs through the vineyards of Lavaux to the bend in the Rhone. From the ancient city of Octodurus, it winds through the narrow pass shaped by the wild waters of the Drance to the northern slopes of the Grossen Sankt Bernhard-Pass. In Val d’Entremont, medieval villages line the route, which peaks in the aptly-named Combe des Morts.
The Castle of La Roche is in the heart of the wine-producing village of Ollon, in the Chablais mountains at the foot of the Vaudois Alps.
See moreChâteau d’Aigle Vines, Wine and Wine Labels Museum is the reference of the winegrowing culture and is headquartered at Aigle Castle.
See moreServed by the CFF and the TPC (Chablais Public Transport company), Aigle station is the starting point for many trips.
See moreProudly standing on its rocky island on Lake Geneva since the 12th century, Chillon Castle is the most visited historical monument in Switzerland.
See moreThe Castle and its History Built in the 13th century, the castle of La Tour-de-Peilz served as an observation post of traffic along lake Geneva.
See moreOpen daily, and right next to the Lake Geneva, the prestigious Montreux Casino Barrière invites you into its world of entertainment.
See moreLa Sarraz and its medieval castle, which houses the Horse Museum, dominate wheat and colza fields in a vast plain.
See moreThe beautiful 12th century Romanesque church beside the lake at this small village to the west of Lausanne is a moving witness to medieval times.
See moreOuchy represents one of the favourite Sunday strolls for Lausanne citizens and passing visitors.
See moreUnique official Museum of the IOC located on the banks of Lake Geneva and dedicated to the spirit of olympism, is the most visited Museum in Lausanne.
See moreJust on the outskirts of Lausanne, the Guillemin deer-park and playground offers a superb view over the lake and the Alps.
See moreWith its narrow streets and balconies over Lake Geneva, Epesses is one of the most typical villages in the Lavaux UNESCO region.
See moreWelcome to the UNESCO World Heritage vineyard terraces of Lavaux – a living landscape revered by poets and hedonists alike.
See moreHere, each can truly do their own thing, because it has everything: history with a capital H, sport, boats and picnics, theatre and camping, ...
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Stages:
70.1 Canterbury (GB)–Ste-Croix
70.2 Ste-Croix–Yverdon-les-Bains
70.3 Yverdon-les-Bains–Orbe
70.4 Orbe–Cossonay
70.5 Cossonay–Lausanne
70.6 Lausanne–Vevey
70.7 Vevey–Aigle
70.8 Aigle–St-Maurice
70.9 St-Maurice–Martigny
70.10 Martigny–Orsières
70.11 Orsières–Bourg-St-Pierre
70.12 Bourg-St-Pierre–Col du Gd St-Bernard
70.13 Col du Grand St-Bernard–Rom (I)