Via Francigena Switzerland: Lausanne to the Great St Bernard Pass

Today you make your own way to Lausanne and check in at the first hotel. Lausanne is the second-largest city on Lake Geneva and there is much to explore. You can visit the charming old town, with its many small alleyways lined with cafes and boutiques. You can also take a cruise on Lake Geneva or visit one of the local museums.

From the quay in Ouchy, your walk on the Via Francigena begins along the shores of the lake to Vilette. The trail winds through the UNESCO World Heritage listed Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, which date from the 11th century when Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries controlled the area. Enjoy fantastic views over the lake on your way to Vevey. Distance 22km/13.6mi, +455m/1492ft -455m/1492ft

You continue walking today along the lake shore. The Swiss Museum of Games in the castle at Tour-de-Peilz and famous Schloss Chillon are worth a visit before you reach the Chablais wine region. From Villeneuve you'll continue on to the Rhone plain and follow an idyllic path along the Rhone. Arriving in Aigle you'll marvel at it's impressive castle surrounded by vineyards. Overnight Aigle, Yvorne. Distance 27km/17mi, Ascent 300m/984ft, descent 280m/920ft.

The walk for today is generally quite flat, as you walk along the banks of the Rhone river. As you enter Saint Maurice you'll be able to see the town's famous cliffside Abbey. For pilgrims travelling the whole route from Canterbury to Rome, this is the half way point. Overnight Saint Maurice. Distance 19km/12mi, Ascent 500m/1640ft, descent 480m/1575ft

Your walk today follows higher paths and roads to reach Martigny. Martigny, which is situated on the Rhone, has a history which stretches back over 2000 years. The town is home to a restored amphitheatre, Roman thermal baths, temples and living quarters which you can visit. Here you can also visit the St Bernard Dog Museum and learn of the role they played on the Francigena Way. Overnight Martigny. Distance 17km/10.5mi, Ascent 300m/985ft, descent 260m/853ft

Today's walk is along narrow tracks, which are often in the surrounding forest. There are some steep climbs today. From Martigny a sometimes steep path leads over the narrow Les Trappistes pass to the medieval village of Sembrancher. From here the route follows the Napoleon-Weg. When you arrive in Orsieres you can take in its church and bell tower. Overnight Orsieres. Distance 20km/12.4mi, Ascent 745m/2444ft, descent 335m/1099ft

Most of today's walk follows a steady climb but there are a few short, steeper sections. As you climb you're sure to be rewarded with the stunning alpine views. Bourg St Pierre is a small, alpine village with ties to Napoleon's Italian campaign. Overnight Bourg St Pierre. Distance 15km/9.5mi, Ascent 970m/3180ft, descent 335m/1099ft.

Undoubtedly the most symbolic stage on the Via Francigena! The way to the pass leads along a road which has served the whole of Europe for 2000 years. Countless archaeological sites line the ascent, in L’Hospitalet and on the Barasson-Pass. The pass is famous for its hospice and St Bernard dogs that were used to rescue weary pilgrims. Trip concludes. Accommodation is not included tonight - make your own onward arrangements or we can assist with booking the night at St Bernard pass - please ask for our rates. If you'd like to continue walking the Via Francigena, we offer multiple stages through Italy to Rome. Distance 13km/8mi, +1045m/3428ft, -305 m/1000ft