What is the Via Francigena?
The Via Francigena (pronounced vee-ah fran-CHEE-jeh-nah) is a medieval pilgrimage route stretching from Canterbury Cathedral in England to St Peter's Basilica in Rome — roughly 2,000 kilometres through four countries.
The route was first documented by Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury in 990 AD, who recorded 80 stopping points on his return journey from Rome. For centuries it was one of the three great Christian pilgrimages of the Middle Ages, alongside the Camino de Santiago and the route to Jerusalem.
Today it's a living trail maintained by local authorities and walking associations across England, France, Switzerland and Italy. Waymarks, pilgrim hostels and a passport-stamp system make it accessible to independent walkers with no specialist experience required.
The Route at a Glance
The full route covers around 2,000 km and passes through four countries:
England
Canterbury → Dover · ~31 km · 2 stages
Short but symbolic — two gentle days on the North Downs Way, then the ferry from Dover to Calais. Many UK walkers warm up on the Pilgrims’ Way first.
France
Calais → Lausanne · ~850 km · ~36 stages
North and northeast France through Arras, Reims and the Champagne region. Long flat stretches, then rolling hills into Burgundy.
Switzerland
Lausanne → Aosta · ~160 km · 8 stages
The dramatic Alpine crossing. Lausanne to Martigny is manageable; the pass itself (2,469m) requires good fitness and the right timing (typically June–September).
Italy
Aosta → Rome · ~950 km · 43 stages
The longest and most celebrated section. Aosta Valley, the Po Plain, Tuscany (Siena, San Gimignano, Lucca), Lazio, and finally Rome.
Who Walks It?
The Via Francigena attracts a different crowd from the Camino de Santiago. Expect:
- Fewer walkers overall — you'll have long stretches entirely to yourself, especially in England and France
- More experienced long-distance walkers — the infrastructure is less developed than the Camino, so people tend to be more self-sufficient
- A strong Italian presence — the Tuscany and Lazio sections are popular with Italian walkers and cyclists
- A mix of motivations — some pilgrims, plenty of hikers, some cyclists, and increasingly, people simply seeking time and space
How Long Does It Take?
The full route from Canterbury to Rome takes most walkers between 80 and 100 days, including rest days. The breakdown:
| Section | Distance | Typical days |
|---|---|---|
| England (Canterbury–Dover) | ~31 km | 2 |
| France (Calais–Lausanne) | ~850 km | 34–42 |
| Switzerland (Lausanne–Aosta) | ~160 km | 7–9 |
| Italy (Aosta–Rome) | ~950 km | 40–50 |
| Full route | ~2,000 km | 80–100 days |
Most people don't walk the whole thing in one go. Section walking — doing it over two or three trips of two to four weeks each — is increasingly popular and completely valid.
How Hard Is It?
Honestly? It depends which section. The England and France stages are long but not technically demanding. Switzerland requires good mountain fitness for the Alpine crossing. Italy varies enormously — some stages are flat and easy, others cross serious hills.
The main challenge isn't physical fitness — it's consistency. Walking 20 km a day for weeks at a time taxes your feet, your tendons and your mental resilience more than your cardiovascular fitness. The walkers who struggle are usually those who didn't break in their boots or build up their mileage beforehand.
Preparing physically
- Start walking regularly 3–4 months before departure — aim for 3 days a week
- Build to back-to-back long days (15–20 km) in the final 4 weeks
- Do at least two full weekends with your actual pack weight
- Get your boots properly broken in — at least 100 km in them before you start
The Pilgrim Passport (Credenziale)
The Credenziale del Pellegrino is the Via Francigena's equivalent of the Camino passport — a small booklet you carry and get stamped at churches, town halls, pilgrim hostels, and tourist offices along the way.
You need it to:
- Access pilgrim hostels (many require it for reduced or free accommodation)
- Receive your Testimonium (certificate of completion) in Rome
- Prove you've actually walked the route
How to get one
UK walkers can get a Credenziale from Canterbury Cathedral before departure — they issue them at the visitor centre. You can also get one from the Via Francigena Association or at many churches along the route.
Cost: free or small donation.
Getting Started from the UK
The Via Francigena begins — officially — at Canterbury Cathedral. Getting there from anywhere in the UK is straightforward:
- From London: Southeastern trains from St Pancras International or Victoria to Canterbury West/East (1h 20min–1h 50min)
- From the north: Take the train to London St Pancras, then connect to Canterbury
On arrival, walk to the Cathedral, get your first stamp on your Credenziale, and head out through the Westgate.
The England section follows the North Downs Way for most of its route — well waymarked, with regular villages and pubs. It's an excellent warm-up for what follows.
From Dover, take the ferry to Calais (approx. 90 mins, DFDS or P&O). There's no special pilgrim crossing — just a standard passenger ferry ticket (approx. £30–50 return if you book ahead).
Planning Your First Section
If you're not doing the full route in one go, here are the three most popular starting points:
Tuscany Section
Lucca or Siena → Rome · 350–450 km · 18–25 days
The sweet spot. Beautiful scenery, good pilgrim infrastructure, warm climate from April–June and September–October. Fly to Pisa or Florence.
Full England Section
Canterbury → Dover · 250 km · 12–16 days
A great introduction — no language barrier, familiar landscape, easy logistics. Good for testing your fitness and kit before a bigger trip.
Italy Full Section
Aosta → Rome · 820 km · 40–50 days
The complete Italian experience. Fly into Turin or Milan, take the train to Aosta, and walk the whole country.
Common Questions
Do I need to book accommodation in advance?
In England and France, pilgrim hostels are rare — you'll mostly use B&Bs and guesthouses, and booking ahead (1–2 nights) is sensible. In Italy, especially Tuscany, there's a good network of ospitali (pilgrim hostels) on a walk-in basis, but popular spots near Siena and in Lazio can fill up in peak season. Book 1–2 days ahead in peak months (May–June, September).
Do I need to speak Italian/French?
French is helpful in France (less English spoken than you might expect in rural areas). In Italy, a basic phrase book goes a long way — rural hosts appreciate any attempt. A translation app (Google Translate with offline maps) is a practical safety net.
Is it safe?
Yes. The route passes through safe, low-crime rural areas. The biggest safety considerations are weather (especially the Alpine crossing), heat in Italy in July/August, and road sections where traffic management varies. Sensible preparation covers most scenarios.
Can I do it solo?
Absolutely — the majority of walkers do. The route is well enough waymarked that solo navigation is manageable with a decent maps app. Solo women walkers are common and generally report feeling very safe, particularly in Italy.
What's the best time of year?
For the full route: April–June and September–October. Avoid July–August in Italy (intense heat). The Alpine crossing is only reliably open June–September. See our full timing guide for month-by-month detail.