Author: Jacques Chevin

In September and October 2022, the French Hiking Federation (FFRandonnée) and the European Association of Via Francigena ways (EAVF) are organising a series of hikes open to the public and free of charge, called “J’aime Francigena“.

Three walking events lasting 2-3 days each are on schedule, taking us through some of the most significant stages of the Via Francigena cultural route in France, named GR®145.

Here is the programme:

Hike 1: from 21 to 23 September between Vitry-le-François and Brienne-le-Château (Grand-Est, Marne et Aube)

Hike 2: from 30 September to 2 October between Bruay-la-Buissière (Parc d’Olhain) and Blessy (Hauts-de-France, Pas-de-Calais)

Hike 3: from 7 to 9 October between Mamirolle a Saône and Besançon (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Doubs)

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Each of these free group walks along the Via Francigena will be on average 10-12 km per day and the group will always be composed of a certified guide, who will present the local cultural heritage, representatives of local authorities, the FFRandonnée and the EAVF, a professional photographer and video-maker, and some bloggers and influencers, as well as all walkers, citizens and tourists who wish to participate.

For detailed information on the hikes, visit the events section on our website

Or send an e-mail to our contact person Jacques Chevin: jacques.chevin@viefrancigene.org

For information about our I Love Francigena events click here

On Friday and Saturday 11 – 12 March 2022, the EAVF (European Association of Via Francigena ways) and the FFVF (Fédération Française de la Via Francigena) were invited to present the Via Francigena during the Destination Marne Fair in Châlons-en-Champagne.

Jean-Claude Paperin, Vice-President of the FFVF, Pascale Fleuriot, member of the Voie de Sigéric association (affiliated with FFVF) and Jacques Chevin, EAVF’s representative in charge of the development of the French and Swiss sections of the Via Francigena, presided a shared stand displaying information on the itinerary. They had a chance to meet the public as well as many of the 170 exhibited stands in the fair.

The FFVF is a federation of associations among pilgrims in France who work to support pilgrimages along the Via Francigena, mostly by continuously updating the list of available hospitality locations. The Via Francigena stand at the fair was situated beside the stand of the FFRandonnée from the Marne Department, an important partner for the EAVF and for the development of the Via Francigena GR®145 in France. The FFRandonnée, indeed, is responsible for the maintenance of signage and walkability of the Via Francigena GR®145 route in France.

On behalf of the EAVF, Jacques Chevin met more actors who develop the territory and are important for the development of the route, such as hoteliers, tourist offices, and even the Marne Tourist Development Agency.

Thursday 20 January 2022, the Region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté invited the EAVF to discuss about the Via Francigena, indicated by the Region as an itinerary of excellence in its tourist itineraries Scheme.

Representatives of the Region and the departments of Doubs and Haute-Saône participated, as well as the Regional Tourism Committee and the Departmental Tourism Committees of these territories.

The EAVF, represented by President Massimo Tedeschi, councillor Emile Ney, Director Luca Bruschi and Jacques Chevin, technical contact person for the VF in France and Switzerland, presented the structure of the Association and its partners in France, with particular reference to the FFRandonnée and the Féderation Française Via Francigena (a network bringing together pilgrims and volunteers), with whom the EAVF has signed cooperation agreements.

The EAVF described the activities and studies carried out in Italy by the Region of Tuscany, which is very active on the Via Francigena route. The Region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté wants to work with the two concerned departments to create a regional action plan developing the route from the point of view of infrastructure, tourism and socio-economic development.