On 16 December 2024, EAVF member Campagnano di Roma hosted the event “Campagnano 2025 Destination Jubilee: Experiences – Proposals – Hospitality” at the Pilgrims’ Archaeological Museum. The initiative, organized by the municipality, gathered an impressive audience, including local tourism operators, businesses, and cultural stakeholders, to discuss strategies for enhancing the city’s cultural and tourism offers in preparation for Roman Catholic Giubileo 2025.
At the heart of the event was the Via Francigena, which traverses Campagnano on its way to Rome. Its significance as a cornerstone of slow tourism and a means of revitalizing rural areas was emphasized throughout the discussions. The European Association of Via Francigena Ways (EAVF) played a key role in highlighting the route’s potential, with President Francesco Ferrari and Director Luca Bruschi participating as speakers. They shared the association’s ongoing initiatives to promote the Via Francigena and its critical role in connecting rural communities with the broader European tourism network, such as HIKE and DETOUR projects, which received European funds for developing and revitalising local communities along the route.
Mayor Alessio Nisi and Delegate for Walking Trails and Slow Tourism, Antonella Di Marco, stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to prepare Campagnano as a prime destination for religious and cultural tourism. With the Jubilee 2025 as a catalyst, the town aims to attract pilgrims and tourists while ensuring its cultural heritage is preserved and its local economy thrives.
On Friday, 17th January, from 7:30 PM to 9:45 PM, a round table discussion will take place in Paris at Forum104 as part of the “Paths and People” series, on the theme: “Via Francigena, Via Ligeria: The Great Journey to Rome on the Eve of the Jubilee”.
The Theme
A thousand-year-old route linking Canterbury (England) to Rome, the Via Francigena has experienced a remarkable revival over the past decade. Cyprien Mycinski and Clara Gaymard have explored its Italian section, while Anthony Grouard and Anne-Laure Timmel started their journey from Nantes, thereby charting the Via Ligeria. These are wonderful pilgrimage ideas for the 2025 Jubilee in Rome!
The Speakers
→ Clara Gaymard, entrepreneur, co-founder of the RAISE company and the Movement for a Benevolent Economy. She is the author of La mia francigena (L’éditeur à part, 2024). → Anthony Grouard and Anne-Laure Timmel, founders of Haltes pèlerines en Loire-Atlantique and the Via Ligeria. They also organise the annual Nantes Forum dedicated to pilgrimage routes. They are the authors of From Nantes to Rome via the Via Ligeria and the Via Francigena (Salvator, 2025). → Cyprien Mycinski, history and geography teacher and journalist. He is the author of Via Francigena. Walking Across Italy (Salvator, 2017).
After the Round Table
The event will include a book signing session with the authors and refreshments.
2025 is shaping up to be the perfect year to rediscover the pleasures of slow travel and sustainable tourism, thanks to holidays offering multiple long weekends. For those wishing to take advantage of these breaks to immerse themselves in history, nature, and spirituality, the Via Francigena is the ideal choice. With its 3,200 km, it is easily divided into stages, adaptable to various needs. It’s therefore a great idea for a simple weekend, a slightly longer break, or for first-time walkers seeking a more manageable itinerary. Here’s a guide with suggestions for two-day or longer walks for each holiday throughout the year.
Easter Weekend (18-21 April 2025)
2-Day Itinerary
Canterbury to Shepherdswell – (16 km) This route starts at the heart of the Via Francigena in Canterbury, with its magnificent UNESCO World Heritage cathedral, and continues through the Kent countryside, following well-marked paths to the picturesque village of Shepherdswell, known for its bucolic landscapes and welcoming pubs. After a night in Shepherdswell, we recommend returning to Canterbury, enjoying a different perspective of the landscapes.
4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Canterbury to Shepherdswell (16 km) As described above in the “2-Day Itinerary” section.
Day 2: Shepherdswell to Dover(17 km) Leave Shepherdswell and head towards the coastal town of Dover, famous for its towering white cliffs and majestic Norman castle. This stage will reward you with a spectacular view of the English Channel at the end of the day.
Day 3: Excursion to St. Margaret’s at Cliffe and South Foreland (10 km) On the third day, we recommend exploring the surroundings of Dover with a scenic hike to the South Foreland lighthouse and the village of St. Margaret’s at Cliffe.
Day 4: Return to Canterbury by train and final visit Finally, return to Canterbury for a more relaxed day, visiting the historic centre and shopping at the local markets.
Early May Bank Holiday (3-5 May 2025)
2-Day Itinerary
Calais to Wissant – 20.3 km For this early summer weekend, we suggest exploring the start of the French section of the Via Francigena, beginning in Calais on the English Channel. You’ll encounter the magnificent town hall bell tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering views of the entire coastline. From here, continue for 20.3 km to Wissant, passing the beach where you’ll discover the lighthouse, Fort Risban, and the Pluviôse submarine memorial. On a clear day, England is visible from the “Dover Patrol” monument at Cap Blanc-Nez.
4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Canterbury to Chilham(13 km) Admire the typical landscapes of Kent and visit Chilham Castle.
Day 2: Chilham to Wye (12 km) Continue to Wye, one of the most beautiful villages in the region, known for its church and traditional pubs.
Day 3: Wye to Dover (21 km) Finish with a more challenging walk to Dover, rewarded by views of the famous cliffs.
Day 4: excursion along the White Cliffs (10 km) Dedicate the final day to a relaxing walk along the cliffs, enjoying the maritime scenery.
Spring Bank Holiday (24-26 May 2025)
2-Day itinerary
San Miniato to Gambassi Terme (Tuscany)– 25 km For those looking for a southern route, we suggest this Italian stretch, a path through the Tuscan hills, passing vineyards, olive groves, and historic churches. Starting at the San Francesco Convent in San Miniato, you’ll reach the Cristo Re Church in Gambassi Terme, making this itinerary perfect for a weekend immersed in relaxation and nature.
4-Day itinerary
Day 1: Canterbury to Shepherdswell (16 km) Start your journey from historic Canterbury.
Day 2: Shepherdswell to Dover (17 km) Walk through the countryside to reach the coast.
Day 3: Dover to Folkestone (14 km) Follow the coastal path with spectacular views of the English Channel.
Day 4: excursion to Hythe (13 km) Continue to Hythe, where you can explore the famous St. Leonard’s Church with its medieval bones.
These routes combine history, nature, and spirituality, offering unforgettable experiences along the Via Francigena. Whether you have just two days or a long weekend, you’ll find itineraries suited to enjoying the unique charm of this historic path. 😊
Tips for pilgrims Whatever long weekend you choose, remember to prepare in advance: plan your stages, check accommodation availability, and consult the weather forecast. Take advantage of these days to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Via Francigena, a route that blends nature, culture, and spirituality.
The Via Francigena, a historic route recognised as a “Cultural Route of the Council of Europe”, is set to play a pivotal role in the 2025 Jubilee celebrations in collaboration with Regione Lazio. Supported by funding from the Development and Cohesion Fund – Development and Cohesion Plan under the Italian Ministry of Culture (Project Card 33 – Via Francigena – Cross-cutting Actions, Communication and Promotion Plan), the initiative will feature a new website, a mobile app, and coordinated communication activities led by the European Association of Via Francigena Ways (EAVF).
A journey steeped in history with a destination like no other
Stretching from Canterbury to Santa Maria di Leuca, the Via Francigena traverses 715 municipalities and 16 european regions over 3,200 kilometres. In 2025, however, attention will focus on Lazio, where pilgrims will converge on their long-awaited destination: Rome, the Eternal City, and the Basilica of Saint Peter.
Slow and sustainable tourism for the Jubilee
The official beginning of the 2025 Jubilee, marked by the opening of the Holy Door on 24 December at the Vatican, has signalled the launch of this significant project to promote the Via Francigena. The initiative seeks to attract an international audience by establishing the route as a benchmark for cultural and religious tourism while also enhancing local communities through a model of slow and sustainable tourism.
Joint efforts will focus on improving the accessibility of the route, enhancing facilities, ensuring safety, and upgrading signage. Moreover, they will aim to promote tourism connected to artistic heritage, gastronomy, and local traditions.
Celebrated every 25 years, the Jubilee is a major global religious event that offers the faithful an opportunity for prayer, pilgrimage, and indulgence. It also serves as a moment to reflect on the significance of the journey and the pilgrimage experience. The Via Francigena, which crosses Lazio region before reaching Rome and extends southwards to Santa Maria di Leuca in Puglia, presents a unique opportunity to combine the spiritual aspect of the journey with the discovery of regions rich in history and culture, immersing travellers in places shaped by centuries of passage by merchants, pilgrims, and travellers.
Key stops along the 2025 Jubilee route
The EAVF will use its multilingual communication channels to share the route’s highlights across the regions it traverses. A series of region-focused articles will provide a comprehensive portrait of each area, including essential information for pilgrims. These features will outline key stages, logistical details, points of scenic, artistic, and culinary interest, and recommended itineraries for those with only a few days to explore a regional section.
This storytelling approach will serve as a true travel diary, beginning in Puglia region and winding its way north through Campania, Lazio, Tuscany, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Piedmont, and Valle d’Aosta. It will then continue through the picturesque sections of Switzerland, France, and England, showcasing the European spirit and international reach of this important medieval route, which once connected England to Rome and extended onwards to Jerusalem.
Why embark on this journey?
The Via Francigena is more than a European cultural route—it is an experience of connection and discovery. It can be explored in its entirety or in shorter sections for those with limited time. In celebration of the 2025 Jubilee, this ancient path emerges as a symbol of hospitality and spirituality, bridging past and present.
We encourage you to study the route, explore the hospitality network, and consult the soon-to-be-released regional guides available on these pages and social media channels.
On the holiday season, we would like to extend our warmest wishes for a 2025 full of new projects and extraordinary adventures along the Via Francigena, on foot and by bicycle!
At the following link, you will find the letter of greetings from the EAVF President, Francesco Ferrari.
From 12 May to 12 June 2025, the Via Francigena will take centre stage in an initiative that blends tradition, innovation, and sustainability: Sosta&Gusta. This event, created by the Strada del Riso dei Tre Fiumi Association in collaboration with key partners such as Slow Food Lombardia, RiceHouse, AIDA, and others, celebrates the 80th anniversary of Carnaroli rice.
Through Sosta&Gusta, Carnaroli rice becomes an ambassador of universal values, weaving together past and future, culture and sustainability, while making a lasting impression along the journey towards the Agro-Environmental Jubilee of 2025.
Cristiana Sartori, president of the association and an organic rice farmer, together with naturalist and environmental hiking guide Piermaria Greppi, will embark on a unique journey: cycling nearly 2,000 km across England, France, Switzerland, and Italy, from London to Rome. Along the way, they will stop at 12 event locations along the Via Francigena, celebrating 80 years of Carnaroli rice, known as the “King of Rices,” while building a bridge between tradition, local heritage, and culinary culture.
Each stop will feature events centred on food and sustainability, including tastings, live cooking demonstrations, and moments for reflection. Among the key figures participating will be food cartoonist Roby Giannotti, who will creatively highlight the importance of rice and food as symbols of unity and awareness through his illustrations.
Objectives of the Initiative
Sosta&Gusta aims to promote slow and sustainable tourism, showcasing the Via Francigena not only as a historical-religious route but also as a pathway for cultural, environmental, and gastronomic discovery. Additionally, the event seeks to:
Encourage slow tourism along the Via Francigena, one of the main Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, by promoting the regions it passes through, their stories, flavours, and local communities.
Highlight the Stati Generali del Riso (International Rice Forum) to be held in Vigevano from 2–5 October 2025.
Celebrate Carnaroli Classic Rice, marking its 80th anniversary and emphasising its global significance.
Advocate for sustainability and raise awareness about the value of good, clean, and fair food as a tool for better living.
Promote cutting-edge sustainable bio-construction techniques for environmental and lifestyle benefits.
Build networks with key public and private stakeholders, fostering “positive activism” aligned with the values of the Laudato Si’ Encyclical for the Agro-Environmental Jubilee of 2025.
A Concrete Example of Circular Economy
A unique feature of the event will be the biomaterial livingunit designed by RiceHouse, which will host Cristiana Sartori during her journey. This example of circular economy demonstrates the potential of rice not only as food but also as a resource for a more sustainable lifestyle.
Key Players
The initiative involves several key actors:
Strada del Riso dei Tre Fiumi: An association dedicated to promoting the excellence of the Pavia region, focusing on high-quality Italian rice production. Its name references the Sesia, Ticino, and Po rivers, emphasising the environmental value of rice cultivation.
Roby Giannotti: A food cartoonist, journalist, and architect, and co-creator of the Rice Angels, heroines who promote biodiversity, health, and nutrition, already featured in educational projects for schools.
EAVF (European Association of Via Francigena): The official coordinator of the Via Francigena, recognised as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe. It connects 245 local entities, 92 associations, and over 400 economic operators across England, France, Switzerland, and Italy.
RiceHouse S.r.l. SB: A company specialising in sustainable construction materials derived from rice processing waste. It will provide the biomaterial living unit for Cristiana Sartori.
Piermaria Greppi: Piermaria Greppi, a naturalist and environmental hiking guide, as well as the founder of AVM Trekking, will document the entire event.
AIDA (Italian Association of Agroecology): Led by Professor Stefano Bocchi from the University of Milan, AIDA will discuss sustainable cultivation techniques and the qualities of Carnaroli rice during the Stati Generali del Riso.
Slow Food: An international movement advocating for good, clean, and fair food. It supports the project through the Slow Rice network, focused on sustainable rice production, with the involvement of the Vigevano and Lomellina branch in Italy.
A Message for the 2025 Jubilee
Francesco Ferrari, president of EAVF, highlighted the importance of the initiative: “We immediately believed in the inspiring initiative by Strada del Riso dei Tre Fiumi for the important values it embodies. We have committed to providing essential organisational support, made possible by the network of relationships our transnational association has built over years of activity. The event is also a wonderful way to promote the Via Francigena and its local excellence during the 2025 Jubilee, combining ethical and spiritual values with key themes of culture, food, environment, quality of life, and sustainable tourism.”
Cristiana Sartori also stressed the project’s significance: “This event carries many values of great relevance: from promoting slow tourism to highlighting Italian rice cultivation in Europe with its historic risotto varieties; from celebrating the 80th anniversary of Carnaroli rice, known as the ‘King of Rice,’ to sharing, at a European level, a deeper awareness of the value of good, clean, and fair food as a tool for better living. This event will mark the start of a special year, the Agro-Environmental Jubilee, where we stand as Europe’s leading rice producers: Rice as ‘medicine for the body and soul’ in all its forms, through a circular economy that makes it a protagonist—from food to sustainable construction material: the true power of a single grain of rice!”
With Sosta&Gusta, Carnaroli Rice becomes an ambassador of universal values, intertwining past and future, culture and sustainability, and leaving a meaningful mark along the journey towards the Agro-Environmental Jubilee of 2025.
The 58th issue of the biannual magazine “Via Francigena and the European Cultural Routes” is about to be released: a special edition that celebrates the charm of Lombardy, with a focus on the stages that cross the provinces of Lodi and Pavia along the 100 km of Sigeric’s historic itinerary. In these sections of the route, travellers can discover a lesser-known Lombardy, immersed in captivating landscapes, historic villages, and a unique cultural heritage. The Lombardy Regional Minister for Culture, Francesca Caruso, contributed with a welcoming message, emphasising the cultural and identity value of the route, inviting readers to fully experience the Via Francigena.
Among the key themes of this issue, there is the editorial by EAVF President Francesco Ferrari, elected on 30th July, reflecting on the Jubilee of 2025 and the opportunities offered by the upcoming Holy Year for the territories along the route. The magazine also includes a detailed report on the EAVF General Assembly held in Monte Sant’Angelo, which brought together members and international partners. During the event, the Francigea Britannica route was approved, establishing a new connection between London and Canterbury. A special focus is dedicated to the European projects in which EAVF collaborates, with an in-depth look at the activities in Puglia carried out under the Erasmus HIKE project. Last September, this project hosted free walks open to all between Bari and Brindisi to promote a healthy lifestyle.
The magazine – published by Guidotti Studio – also highlights the numerous activities taking place in England, France, Switzerland, and Italy, as well as the Association’s collaborations with public and private organisations, united by a shared interest in enhancing the route. These include Coop Italia, the driving force behind the “I Love Francigena – Coop Outdoor” initiative, which organises and promotes free walks along the itinerary; the third edition of the initiative involved over 600 hikers, introducing more people to the beauty and history of the route. Equally significant are partnerships with Banca Generali Private, supporting the Association in promoting a more sustainable itinerary, and numerous initiatives organised with brands such as Garmont and Ferrino Outdoor, which have supported the Association for years with their technical equipment. Noteworthy are also collaborations with the historic brands Parmesan Cheese Consortium and Prosciutto Toscano DOP Consortium.
Do not miss this issue full of content, insights, and stories celebrating the uniqueness of one of Europe’s most fascinating cultural routes. Enjoy reading and happy walking!
The “Coop Outdoor – I Love Francigena” project, now in its third edition in 2024, has brought more than 600 walking enthusiasts to discover the historic Via Francigena. This initiative, created by Coop in collaboration with the European Association of the Via Francigena ways (EAVF), combines a love for nature with the delight of local food and wine, blending sustainable tourism with regional discovery.
“Coop Outdoor – I Love Francigena” is more than just a series of walks; it’s an invitation to explore Italy with fresh eyes, trekking along ancient paths and immersing oneself in unique cultural and natural landscapes. This edition featured 19 excursions along the Via Francigena and 3 along the Via Romea Strata, aiming to raise awareness among walkers about environmental sustainability and respect for the territory.
In addition to the classic routes through nature and trails, Coop introduced urban trekking in 2024—a brand-new way to explore cities along the route. Piacenza, Pavia, and Susa became the focal points of guided walks, giving participants the chance to delve into the historical centres, squares, and monuments of cities intersected by the Via Francigena.
With 667 participants—60% more than in 2023—the 2024 edition surpassed previous years: 415 participants in 2023 and 291 in 2022. This increasingly popular project expanded its routes to include the Via Romea Strata, another historic trail crossing the Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto regions in Italy, adding even more variety and history to this year’s experiences.
As is tradition, some walks concluded with a refreshment stop at Coop stores, where participants enjoyed Coop-branded products and local specialities from the regions they traversed. It was the perfect opportunity to recharge and deepen their connection to the culture of the area by experiencing the flavours that make each region unique.
The Via Francigena belongs to everyone, but above all, it is for everyone. A route stretching over 3,000 kilometres from Canterbury to Rome and continuing to Santa Maria di Leuca, which is increasingly working on its trailsto ensure they are accessible to all.
What does the word accessiblemean? The term derives from the Latin accessum, meaning the possibility of approaching or entering a place. This is why, when we think of a journey, we must consider not only the space it covers, but also who is walking through that space: those who have access to it, in other words.
This kind of journey represents a different way of travelling, a slow path that accompanies not only the body but also the emotions of those who embark on it. It is a discovery of both the outer and inner space, which is why it is not only the traveller who must adapt to the territory, but the territory itself must also shape itself around the traveller.
There are many themes to consider needs of people.
For all these reasons, EAVF is actively working to transform its paths, first and foremost supporting projects that are actively working towards this goal, such as Via Francigena For All, a project made possible thanks to Regione Piemonte, Visit Piemonte, and Turismo Torino e Provincia, in collaboration with various partners and associations. It was funded by a call from the Presidency of the Council of Ministers for accessible and inclusive tourism for people with disabilities. In two years, the project has mapped 150 sites along 36 kilometres of the route, created three new resting areas, and made 20 churches accessible.
The project focuses on the ‘Canavese’ area in Piedmont region, between Ivrea and Viverone, and the Susa Valley variant, between Villar Focchiardo and Avigliana, involving the surrounding areas and their cultural, natural, sports, and gastronomic tourism offerings.
2024 ended with the inclusive walk from Sant’Ambrogio to Avigliana, rounding off a year filled with numerous initiatives. In addition to the previously mentioned achievements, these included the census of accessible accommodations, the adaptation of tourist offices, and the installation of tactile-visual panels along the route, with Braille content for visually impaired people and QR codes that describe the locations in Italian, English, French, and LIS (Italian Sign Language) for people with hearing disabilities. Work placements dedicated to social inclusion were also organized.
The hope is that these activities will continue to grow and that more regions will follow Piedmont’s example, transforming the territory to serve any traveller who wishes to cross it, regardless of the means they choose, as long as it remains sustainable and non-invasive.
In November, AEVF spoke in Brussels about its European projects in an interesting debate on slow tourism and rural economic development.
In November 2024, the European Association of the Via Francigena Ways (AEVF) participated in two major European events, highlighting the role of slow tourism in economic development of rural areas in Europe.
On 26-27 November the association attended the meeting with the European Commission “Transitioning to a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem” for COSME-funded projects, including recently launched DETOUR by AEVF and the municipality of Fidenza.
Conducted by EISMEA – European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency and DG Grow, this meeting served to align project expectations, timelines, and administrative processes with the European Commission. As a partner in DETOUR, AEVF shared insights into its responsibilities, particularly in supporting SMEs along the Via Francigena.
The association’s efforts focus on empowering businesses to adopt sustainable and innovative practices, fostering resilience and competitiveness in tourism ecosystems.
In parallel, on 28 November the EAVF joined the Policy Lab event “Enhancing policy coordination for vibrant rural areas: Learning from experience to build a sustainable rural future”, organized by the Rural Pact Support Office. This forum brought together over 100 policymakers, stakeholders, and rural advocates to discuss how to improve governance, policy integration, and funding mechanisms for rural areas across the EU.
EAVF showcased three of its key European projects—rurAllure, HIKE, and DETOUR —demonstrating how tourism, particularly slow tourism, can be a tool for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and the revitalization of rural communities while aligning with the EU’s long-term vision for rural development.
