The European Association of the Vie Francigena is at the service of Switzerland to implement the development of the European route.  

From the 17th to 23rd July 2017 a week of meetings took place, with the collaboration of Aigle Région (Canton Vaud), in which Sami Tawfik (EAVF project responsible) worked closely with the municipalities and associations of the area for the  enhancement of the Via Francigena.  

Tawfik and Christian Schülé , President of the Chablais Association and member of the EAVF Executive Board, were hosted by the offices of the Aigle District where they were able to collaborate with the regional staff, composed of Elodie Barras, Maryn Odermatt and Christian Minacci, financial advisor of the Aigle District.

The visit was a precious occasion to better understand the state of advancement of the Francigena project in Switzerland, including the specific requirements and studying a shared approach aimed towards the valorisation of cultural and environmental excellences and of promotion of the Via that crosses the territory.  Particular attention was given to the route, the accommodation, the signage and to the networking of the tourist information offices. 

It was also a fruitful occasion to exchange know-how good practices with respect to walking and strengthening EAVF activities, made responsible by the Council of Europe for the protection and promotion of the route.  

The part of the Francigena in Switzerland is around 215 kilometres long; it presents a medium walking difficulty and is subdivided into 12 legs.  

Many associative contacts were made, as well as those of private contacts in the territory, in order to improve the service provision for the users of the Via.