Wikiloc | Via Francigena

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jean.marc.guebhard

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Trail stats

Distance: 147.31 mi
Elevation gain: 7,536 ft
Technical difficulty: Moderate
Elevation loss: 7,536 ft
Max elevation: 3,925 ft
TrailRank: 12
Min elevation: 3,925 ft
Trail type: Loop

Coordinates: 1600
Uploaded: February 17, 2018
Recorded: February 2018

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near Yverdon-les-Bains, Canton de Vaud (Switzerland)

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Itinerary description

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.

Waypoints

Castle of La Roche

The chateau has been undergoing restoration since 1989, with the creation of a wide range of areas for cultural or festive activities. It's open to the public for events, exhibitions, conferences and receptions. Group visits can be organised on request. The chateau is owned by the Fondation du Château de la Roche, a private public-interest foundation created in 1985. This venerable building, now saved from demolition, dates back to the Middle Ages. The first known mention of it was in 1386, but tests carried out have dated the oldest joists of the foundations at around 1200. At this time, the territory of Ollon was split between the different jurisdictions of the Abbey of Saint-Maurice, the House of Savoy and the Bishopric of Sion.

Château d’Aigle Vine and Wine Museum

Founded by the Guillon Brotherhood to save the endangered winemaking heritage in the Lake Geneva Region, the museum shows a collection of innumerable tools, presses, stills, pots, barrels, measuring devices, bottles, corks, corkscrews, taste-vins, glasses and decanters. The museum is a reference for vines and winemaking. It concentrates on topics such as countryside, biodiversity, development of taste, ecology, economy, winegrowers, harvesting and art, including the art of celebrations. Aigle Castle is situated at the heart of a large vineyard and also of a thousand-year old winegrowing tradition featuring Chasselas, a grape variety yielding a dry white wine. It is grown in the Rhone Valley and in the Lake Geneva Region, particularly in the terraced Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2007.

Aigle train station

By train, Aigle is 10 minutes from Montreux and 20 minutes from Martigny. The regular SBB trains allow easy travel between these destinations. With the TPC (Chablais Public Transport company), Aigle is also the gateway to the Vaud Alps, with direct lines to the resorts of Leysin, Villars-Gryon and Les Diablerets. The large car park at Aigle station lets motorists leave their vehicle there and continue their journey by train or bus. Those walking the wine route can take the bus to Villars-sur-Ollon or the train to Champéry and arrive at Ollon in 10 minutes. The bus and train run every day, once an hour, giving you the choice of departure every 30 minutes to embark on the wine adventure!

Yvorne été Village

Known especially for its wines, Yvorne is also in a wonderful natural setting, good for walking. This village has a long history, dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, when it was called "Evurnum". In those days, Evurnum was probably a river port. In the Middle Ages, under the control of the Counts of Savoy, Evurnum became Yvorna. During the Bernese occupation, Yvorne suffered a severe natural disaster on 4 March 1584. A series of earthquakes, felt across the Lake Geneva area, caused a serious rockslide from a rock mass on the Tours d’Aï. This landslide caused many victims and destroyed almost all the houses, so much so that the village was rebuilt further southeast. We can still see today the place where the mass of earth fell, beneath the small “Plan Falcon” plateau. Yvorne, as it is known today, is famous for its wines, especially its Chasselas, but very few people know that its greenhouses produce the most flowers in Switzerland.

Yvorne’s vineyard

Yvorne is the largest production site in the Chablais region and a major name among Vaudois Chasselas, known throughout Switzerland and beyond our borders. The exceptional character of Yvorne Chasselas is due to the expertise of the appelation’s 12 winemakers, as well as a unique terroir, formed over 400 years ago by a landslide. On March 4, 1584, a violent landslide of rocks from a rocky mass on the Tours d’Aï caused many victims and destroyed almost all houses in Yvorne. The vineyard that we see today was planted on this pile of alpine rocks, rich in magnesium and limestone - the ideal ground for Chasselas, which also benefits from a microclimate, influenced by the foehn wind. Nevertheless, this iconic Vaud vineyard still has a small amount of room for Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Merlot, Syrah and Mondeuse grapes, all grown in Yvorne.

Château de Chillon™

This idyllic setting has been a delight for all to see since the 12th century: with Lake Geneva and the Alps as its backdrop, the imposing fortified Chillon Castle is surrounded by the most beautiful scenery. Not surprising that this romantic setting was for centuries a source of inspiration for many artists. Made famous by Jean-Jacques Rousseau who based the story of his novel “New Heloise” here in the 18th century, the Chillon Castle then attracted the poet Lord Byron, inspired by a true story to write his most famous poem, “The Prisoner of Chillon”. A modern museography, temporary exhibitions that are constantly renewed and cultural events give life to the castle. Apart from individual visits or audio-guided tours, the public may hire guides to discover the castle in a different way: visits combined with workshops, visits in costumes and for children, holiday workshops and theme anniversaries. New: La Verrée Vaudoise is the ideal place to taste the wines of Clos de Chillon and sample other regional products.

Vevey 'i' Point - Grenette

The tourist office in Vevey is located near the Market Place in the historical city grain store “Grenette”, built in 1808. Here you will find all tourist information about our region. At the same time it is the ideal starting point to discover Vevey “Ville d’Images” with its old town, its museums, history and culture.

Castle of Tour-de-Peilz

The Castle and its History Built in the 13th century by Pierre de Savoie, the castle of La Tour-de-Peilz served as a fortress and refuge, as an observation post of traffic along lake Geneva, and as a customs post. In 1476, during the Burgundy wars, it was heavily damaged. It was nearly three centuries later, that in 1747 the French officer Jean Grésier purchased and transformed the building. It remained private property until 1979, when the city of La Tour-de-Peilz purchased it, after a public vote. Both towers, the walls, the ramparts and the moat were put under a preservation order as a historical monument in 1973. In 1987 the Swiss Museum of Games was inaugurated on the 1st and 2nd floors. The halls on the ground-floor are put at public disposal for different events.

POINT « i » Montreux

Opening hours HS : Mo-Fr 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, Sa-Su 9:30 am - 5:00 pm, non-stop LS : Mo-Fr 9:00 - 12:00 am and 1:00 - 5:30 pm, Sa-Su 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, non-stop (9:00 am to 5:00 pm non-stop for Sa-Su between 21rd November and 24th December) Closed on 25th December and 1st January HS = High Season, from 15th May to 14th September LS = Low Season, from 15th September to 14th May

Casino Barrière de Montreux

The prestigious Casino Barrière, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, rolls out its red carpet in a luxurious setting with a panoramic view of the lake and the Alps. With an entertainment area of 10,000 m2, the Casino has 3 restaurants, 2 bars, 2 terraces, 24 gaming tables and 377 slot machines, shops and a fantastic swimming pool. It also has a poker room and jackpot. The Montreux Casino Barrière is the only casino in the French part of Switzerland to have a licence A, issued for big betting games with unlimited stakes and bets. The history of this legendary venue is linked to the Montreux Jazz Festival. With admission, you get free entry to Queen’s old recording studio. Finally, the casino has three conference rooms which can accommodate up to 800 people.

La Sarraz

Perched on a rocky ridge, the small town La Sarraz (485 m) dominates a plain covered with wheat and colza fields opposite the snow-capped Alpine peaks. It is located close to where the rivers separate: the waters of Nozon river flow to the North Sea and the Mediterranean as well. The point of separation is an old man-made deviation and has been baptized "Middle of the World". The River Venoge was celebrated in one of Jean Villars-Gilles's poems, which the inhabitants of the Lake Geneva Region know by heart. Celebrations and weddings are still held in La Sarraz medieval castle, which was tastefully renovated. It also houses the Horse Museum, which was founded by horse lovers. The collection shows the history of the horse, horse-drawn carriages, and horses for the army, for sports or for arts.

Saint-Sulpice

The broad lawn in front of the landing stage (boat service from Lausanne-Ouchy) and the children's playground with pond and observation tower give this waterside spot a delightful atmosphere. Nearby is the tiny fishermen's port of Les Pierrettes.

Ouchy - Place de la navigation

The Olympic Museum

The Olympic Capital, Lausanne has been home to the IOC (International Olympic Committee) for 100 years and in 1993, the IOC founded its unique official museum on the banks of Lake Geneva. In 2013, The Olympic Museum was completely renovated with the most up-to-date facilities. Now on three floors, the exhibition presents the origin of the games, the competitions and the athletic spirit through over 150 screens and 1500 objects: The Olympic torches and medals of all The Olympic games, as well as the equipment of the most famous athletes. Children adore slipping into the skin of an athlete thanks to the many interactive activities. With its temporary exhibitions, grounds decorated with works of art and a panoramic restaurant with a view over Lake Geneva and the Alps, this is a must-see attraction in Lausanne.

Pully

The Roman Villa near the old Priory, open in summer, contains a 15-metre-long fresco, while the port, with its typical Swiss merchants' and fishermen's houses, is a delight for children and the young at heart.

Lutry 'i' Point

At the information office, you’ll receive personalized assistance including many activities to do in the region.

Cully 'i' Point

The tourist information is located at the train station in Cully. The charming little winemaker village with its narrow streets, invites you to stroll around and taste the local wines in cellars, wine shops and restaurants. The panorama from the lake shore is simply gorgeous. Cully is an ideal departure for hiking tours across the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, UNESCO world heritage site.

Epesses

Composed of several compact groups of winegrowers’ houses, the village of Epesses has a characteristic but not typical silhouette. Located in the heart of the Lavaux UNESCO region, around one third of the village is taken up with vines. A walk to Epesses is definitely one of the activities not to be missed in the Lake Geneva Region. With narrow alleys and terraces overlooking the vines, the lake and the Alps, the experience is unforgettable. Events in the village include the Tracasset World Championship and the Epesses Festival. The first is a race held every two years in April featuring a small motor vehicle, typical of Lavaux, called a “tracasset”. The second celebrates the new wine on the first Saturday in May. In 2011, the commune of Epesses merged with Cully, Grandvaux, Riex and Villette to create Bourg-en-Lavaux.

UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyard terraces

Carefully cultivating their vines for generation upon generation, whole families of vine-growers have shaped these beautiful vineyard terraces. The unique beauty of this landscape has seeped into the soul of visitors just as it has fascinated the many artists who lived in the little picturesque villages. Now considered a site of universal value, Lavaux has been elevated to the status of world heritage site by UNESCO, its mosaic of vines welcoming many walkers seeking renewed vitality and tranquillity. All along the educational trail from Lausanne to Montreux, Lavaux vine-growers invite visitors to explore the exceptional and authentic beauty of their vineyards, whatever the season. Wine tourism breaks offer wine tastings and the chance to sample typical products in the vineyard wine cellars, the ideal complement to walks through the vines.

Plaines de Vidy

The Gallo-Roman ruins of Lousonna used to enjoy a privileged location where roads and waterways crossed. From the end of the first century BC, this city thrived under the vibrancy of the Roman Empire, Mediterranean imports marrying with the indigenous Celtic culture. In the 4th century AD, it was progressively deserted in favour of the hill of the Cité, the birthplace of the current city. The remains include a complete forum, with a public area and the foundations of a basilica (civic and commercial centre), a temple and several living and artisan districts. As for the Roman museum of Lausanne-Vidy, it is housed on the grounds of an ancient Roman villa.

Tourist Office Sainte-Croix

The Tourist Office of Sainte-Croix/Les Rasses is situated in the centre of Sainte-Croix, next to the municipal building, a 5-minute walk from the station. It will provide you with advice concerning a great number of things to do in the region and with useful information to help you organise your time here: brochures, hiking maps, accommodation lists, event information etc. During the winter season, there is also a tourist information chalet in Les Rasses, at the foot of the ski lifts, where skiing classes can be booked.

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