The time has come to re-start travel along the Via Francigena with the utmost precaution and a strong sense of responsibility.
Along the way follow the necessary safety measures to contain the spread of the virus: 1-meter social distance, carry a mask to enter a closed space or to meet other people, use sanitizing gel, etc.
Page updated on 23 July 2020.
Please consult the pilgrim’s regulations and the list of open accommodation facilities along the route. This mapping, containing information about hospitality facilities and pilgrim’s services, is being regularly updated by the EAVF in collaboration with members and stakeholders. In any case, please always contact hospitality receptions in advance.
Below is information about the route in Italy, Switzerland, France, and England.
Italy
Since 3 June 2020 Italy has opened the possibility of walking and moving from region to region and also re-opens to non-Italian tourists. For more information, see the attached guidelines for the reopening of Economic, Productive and Recreational Activities (Conference of the Regions and Autonomous Provinces).
Attached is a summary made by the group “Io Cammino In Italia”.
Switzerland
No directives concerning the paths and outdoor activities, as they are open for walking for groups of less than 5 persons.
Hotels and restaurants have regulations to follow, which are available on www.hotelleriesuisse.ch (the site is also available in Italian and English).
In general the majority of services are already open.
France
We can hike again, continuing to apply physical distance and precautious measures (clean your hands regularly, cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, use and dispose of a disposable tissue, greet without shaking hands, avoid kissing).
A travel certificate is no longer required. Wearing a mask remains compulsory in public transport and in many shops. Meetings are still prohibited. The restaurants, cafes, bars have been open since Monday, 15 June 2020.
Consult the guidelines of the French Hiking Federation: https://www.ffrandonnee.fr/actualites/18967/la-ffrandonnee-precise-les-conditions-de-reprise-de-la-randonnee-pedestre.aspx
More information at the following link: https://cms.ffrandonnee.fr/data/SIEGE/files/rando-indiv-deconfinement-5-juin.pdf
England
At the moment there are no precise indications regarding the practicability of the paths. Please consult the regulations defined by the National Trails: https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/north-downs-way/