Overview
The most challenging and beautiful section of the Via Francigena is its transit of the Alps at the Great St Bernard Pass between Switzerland and Italy. This unforgettable Alpine walk from Lausanne to Aosta features snow-capped mountain peaks, towering waterfalls and majestic forests, interspersed with castles, Roman ruins and spectacular mountain scenery. This group walk is timed to allow a snow-free transit of the Alps, and offers overnights in modest, pilgrim-class accommodations, with dinners and breakfasts included.
Map of the route
Daily Itinerary

Friday, August 2, 2025, Gather in Lausanne
Friday, August 2, 2025, Gather in Lausanne
Description
Home to the International Olympic Committee, Lausanne sits on the north shore of beautiful Lake Geneva. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers and prepare for your first day of walking.
distance: 0 km
ascent: 0 m
descent: 0 m
% hard surfaces: 0
difficulty rating:

Saturday, August 3, 2025 – Lausanne To Vevey
Saturday, August 3, 2025 – Lausanne To Vevey
Description
– Leave Lausanne on charming lakeside trails, then head up onto vineyard-covered mountain sides on the way to lakeside Vevey.
distance: 21.2 km
ascent: 277 m
descent: 281 m
% hard surfaces: 89%
difficulty rating: 7

Sunday, August 4, 2025 - Vevey to Aigle
Sunday, August 4, 2025 - Vevey to Aigle
Description
– July’s annual Jazz Festival put Montreux on the map. Enjoy its lakeside promenade and then beautiful Chillon Castle before saying goodbye to the lake and heading up the Rhône Valley to Aigle.
distance: 25.3 km
ascent: 221 m
descent: 169 m
% hard surfaces: 93%
difficulty rating: 7

Monday, August 5, 2025 – Aigle To St Maurice
Monday, August 5, 2025 – Aigle To St Maurice
Description
As the valley narrows and the track slowly climbs, mountain towns like Ollon exude Swiss charm. Set along tall cliffs, the town of St Maurice holds one of Europe’s oldest monasteries.
distance: 16.5 km
ascent: 322 m
descent: 340 m
% hard surfaces: 71%
difficulty rating: 7

Tuesday, August 6, 2025 - St Maurice to Martigny
Tuesday, August 6, 2025 - St Maurice to Martigny
Description
– The valley continues to narrow while the boulder-strewn route traverses mountainsides in quiet forests to the accompaniment of waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs.
distance: 16.7 km
ascent: 182 m
descent: 126 m
% hard surfaces: 57%
difficulty rating: 7
Wednesday, August 7, 2025 - Martigny to Orsieres
Wednesday, August 7, 2025 - Martigny to Orsieres
Description
The path continues to ascend on narrow mountain paths under tall forests. The valleys are just wide enough for a two-lane road, a train track, and your pathway. The stretch between Martigny Ville and Sembrancher is known as one of the trickiest paths on the Via Francigena. You can choose to walk it or skip it by taking the van to Sembrancher and beginning your walk there.
distance: 18.1 km
ascent: 620 m
descent: 209 m
% hard surfaces: 39%
difficulty rating: 7

Thursday, August 8, 2025 - Orsieres to Bourg-Saint-Pierre
Thursday, August 8, 2025 - Orsieres to Bourg-Saint-Pierre
Description
The last night in Switzerland is spent above the tree line in the sparse settlement of Bourg St Pierre after the truly first steep climb of the walk.
distance: 13.9 km
ascent: 870 m
descent: 122 m
% hard surfaces: 37%
difficulty rating: 8

Friday, August 9, 2025 - Bourg-Saint-Pierre to Col San Bernardo
Friday, August 9, 2025 - Bourg-Saint-Pierre to Col San Bernardo
Description
The climb concludes in an enchanting land of heather, cool streams and tall, snowy peaks. Summit at the historic St Bernard Hospice at the Swiss/Italian border where dogs are still trained to rescue stranded hikers.
distance: 12.4 km
ascent: 914 m
descent: 79 m
% hard surfaces: 23%
difficulty rating: 9

Saturday, August 10, 2025 - Col San Bernard to Gignod (Aosta)
Saturday, August 10, 2025 - Col San Bernard to Gignod (Aosta)
Description
The first steps follow cattle trails down the green peaks and then a path alongside a delightful wayside canal that feeds vast, irrigated fields far below. Most will take the van from Gignod through the Aosta suburbs, but the hardiest will walk the final 6km.
distance: 28.5 km
ascent: 159 m
descent: 2048 m
% hard surfaces: 38%
difficulty rating: 9

Sunday, August 11, 2025 - Depart Aosta
Sunday, August 11, 2025 - Depart Aosta
Description
You may choose to stay additional nights to enjoy this Italian/French town and its Roman sights, you may choose to continue walking the Francigena into the Aosta Valley, or you may depart for other places in Switzerland or Italy.
distance: 0 km
ascent: 0 m
descent: 0 m
% hard surfaces: 0
difficulty rating: 0
What we provide
- Hosted by photographer/musician Luke Brown, experience pilgrim
- Expert hiking guide Giovanni Ramaccioni
- All (8) overnight accommodations
- All breakfast and dinners (wine not included)
- Complete van and driver support
- Baggage transfer each day (up to 18kg per person)
- Private rooms with private baths
- E-guidebook by Pilgrim Paths' own Sandy Brown
- Official Via Francigena credential
What you provide
- Transportation to and from the journey
- Lunches and snacks each day
- Gratuity for your guide and driver (€5-10 daily for each)
- Adequate fitness to walk 10-25km each day