Walking the Via Francigena Pilgrim Route - Part 1 : Canterbury to Lausanne

This first part of the route takes you from Canterbury through rolling French countryside, Champagne vineyards and the Jura Mountains to the shores of Lake Geneva at Lausanne—an ideal introduction to the Via Francigena that's suitable for most walkers and offers gentler terrain to build your confidence before the alpine challenges ahead. Over approximately two months, you'll experience England's historic Kent, cross the Channel to France's Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Champagne-Ardenne regions, explore magnificent cathedrals at Reims and Laon, and finish triumphantly at Lake Geneva. This comprehensive journey creates the perfect foundation should you wish to continue with Parts 2–4 and complete the entire 3200km of the Via Francigena. This expertly curated guidebook simplifies planning your long-distance adventure with 52 clearly defined stages, detailed route descriptions, and 1:100,000 mapping throughout. Stage summary tables and elevation information help you anticipate terrain and tailor daily distances to your schedule. You'll also discover the rich history, culture, and landscapes of the pilgrimage route, connecting you to centuries of tradition through historic towns and rural countryside. Practical features include detailed accommodation listings for key areas, advice on obtaining your pilgrim passport, and downloadable GPX files for digital navigation on smartphones and GPS devices—everything you need for a confident and rewarding pilgrimage.