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Intro

After Orbe, the ViaFrancigena reaches the medieval town of Romainmôtier with its Cluniac Abbey. You then reach the centre of the world, where one part of the River Nozon flows to the Mediterranean, the other to the North Sea.

Description

Bishop Sigeric of Canterbury emigrated from England to Rome in 990 AD to receive his episcopal dignity there. He kept records of his journey to Italy. These have been used for the reconstruction of the Via Francigena as it exists today.

The fifth stage of the pilgrimage route starts in Lausanne, the second largest city on Lake Geneva and the capital of the canton of Vaud. It was built on three hills and has a medieval old town that is worth a visit. The small, mostly car-free streets with their boutiques and cafés are very attractive. The hike begins in Lausanne-Ouchy, which is a popular place for a Sunday stroll among locals and tourists alike. The path to the Chateau d'Ouchy and the ship harbour takes you along the flower-lined promenade. Thirty different types of roses can be admired at the Place du Général Guisan. There is one magnificent garden after another along the quayside: the Olympic Park, the Elysée and the Parc du Denantou.

Continuing along the shore, Lutry is a little over an hour away, and the first vines are soon to be seen. They form the start of the famous Lavaux Terraces. After Villette, you leave the shore of the lake and climb up the steep slopes. In the 12th century, the Cistercian monks built many kilometres of stone walls, which are still cherished and maintained by the winegrowers today. The grapes flourish on the sun-drenched slopes and enjoy the residual warmth of the walls at night. In 2007, the area became a UNESCO World Heritage site.

On the section to Cully, you enjoy an incredible view across the vines and Lake Geneva to the Alpine chain on the other side. After almost two and a half hours, you are back at the lake. The pretty village with its restaurants tempts you to take a break. After Cully comes Epesses, where you climb back up towards the vineyards. This is followed to Rivaz and St. Saphorin. The charming wine village with its narrow streets and the Gothic church (16th century) nestles on the hillside between the lake and the vines. Further along the vineyards, you soon see the first houses of the municipality of Corseaux, which borders on Vevey. This varied stage ends at Vevey train station just over five hours later.

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Lausanne
Destination
Vevey
Direction
One way
Altitude (meter above sea level)
450 m
Ascent
440 m
Descent
440 m
Distance
22 km
Duration
5 h 40 min
Duration back
5 h 40 min
Technical requirements
Easy
Physical requirements
Difficult
Season
March - October
Theme
Along Water
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r...

Route

ViaFrancigena

(Canterbury)–Ballaigues - Col du Gd St-Bernard–(Rom)
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All stages

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

Stage: 4/10

Distance

22 km

Duration

5 h 40 min

Ascent

440 m

Travel information: Lausanne

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