The AEVF General Assembly returns to France: the magnificent city of Troyes, capital of the Aube department, located in the heart of the Champagne region, will host the next General Assembly of the EAVF and a series of cultural initiatives from 15 to 17 May.
After Pavia, Vevey, Fidenza, and Monte Sant’Angelo, the EAVF General Assembly returns to France, where it has not been held since the event in Calais in May 2023. The network of the European Association of the Via Francigena ways, which now has 249 members and 96 affiliated associations, will gather on this occasion in the Grand-Est region, specifically in Troyes. This city, renowned for its Champagne and located approximately 40 km from the Via Francigena route, is the capital of the Aube department, a member of the EAVF.
The first Assembly of 2025, the Jubilee Year, will be a moment of great significance for all entities linked to the Association and the Via Francigena route, as it will see the renewal of the Association’s governing bodies, approved during the extraordinary General Assembly held in Fidenza on 30 July 2024. On that occasion, the Assembly unanimously elected Francesco Ferrari as the new president of the EAVF, succeeding the late President Massimo Tedeschi.
In addition to the renewal of the governing bodies, the agenda of the Assembly includes the admission of new members, the approval of the financial statements, an update on the progress of the UNESCO application, and promotional initiatives planned throughout the year. Special attention will be given to actions aimed at increasing the international visibility of the entire European route, as well as the promotional plan for the Via Francigena supported by the Italian Ministry of Tourism. Significant attention will also be dedicated to EAVF’s European projects: HIKE, DETOUR, and the Erasmus Young Pilgrims Programme, which, starting in March, will feature a series of walks in France, in Champlitte, with the participation of selected Italian schools.
Scheduled Initiatives
The Assembly will take place on Friday, 16 May, but beyond the official proceedings, a rich programme of cultural initiatives and social events is planned from Thursday, 15 May to Saturday, 17 May.
Day 1 – Thursday, 15/05/2025
After the arrival of AEVF members and friends, an evening meeting is scheduled, featuring a guided tour and a networking aperitif at the Cité du Vitrail – Hôtel-Dieu-Le-Comte.
Day 2 – Friday, 16/05/2025
The day begins with a guided tour of Troyes. Meanwhile, a participatory meeting involving municipalities, associations, and private entities will take place for stakeholders of the Aube department.
At 12:30, a light lunch and networking session will be held at the Aube Congress Centre, Espace Grands Lacs – Temple. At 14:00, participant registration will begin, followed by the Assembly from 14:30 to 18:00, with interpretation services available in Italian, English, and French.
At the end of the day, a social gathering will include an aperitif organised by EAVF partners involved in the Sosta&Gusta (“Stop&Taste”) project, followed by dinner at Le Bistroquet restaurant.
Day 3 – Saturday, 17/05/2025
The closing day will start with a guided tour of Bar-sur-Aube (departure at 08:00), followed by a short walk on the Via Francigena, covering approximately 2.5 km, leading to Baroville.
The programme will continue with a visit to the Barfontarc winery and a light lunch featuring Champagne, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Toscano PDO ham, and other regional delicacies.
The return to Troyes is scheduled for 14:00, with an estimated arrival at 15:30.
NB: PLEASE REVIEW THE PROGRAMME CAREFULLY AND REGISTER IN ADVANCE WHERE REQUIRED FOR THE VARIOUS EVENTS DETAILED WITHIN IT.
After these three days in Troyes, the AEVF General Assembly will meet again in Rome on 7 November 2025.
