Ray J
Where exactly are we?
- Jan 11, 2016
- 110
- 191
- Time of past OR future Camino
- CF
Rota Vicentina & Portuguese
Paris to Moulins & Le Puy
VF
Cornwall & John Muir Way
Can anyone provide information on whether this leg of the Via Francigena is worthwhile in terms of beauty/satisfaction (ok, that's poorly written, but you get the drift), or is it just a slog until you get to Switzerland?
Hi Ray, I got back 2 days ago from Brindisi where I walked from Canterbury this year. (I took a few weeks break after Rome before starting up again.) it is very hard to advise other people in terms of satisfaction and beauty because they are very personal. I'm not sure if I say that I loved the stretch from Canterbury to Pontarlier that it will really help you. It really does depends on what you like!Can anyone provide information on whether this leg of the Via Francigena is worthwhile in terms of beauty/satisfaction (ok, that's poorly written, but you get the drift), or is it just a slog until you get to Switzerland?
I loved the French part of the VF, despite deluging rain most of the way. You have the rolling plains of the north of France with poignant WW1 war cemeteries; you have the glories of Arras, Laon, Reims. You have the changing countryside - the real France profonde, and then the magnificent Jura mountains, with the deep gorges. You will meet French people of exceptional kindness. No, don't miss it.Can anyone provide information on whether this leg of the Via Francigena is worthwhile in terms of beauty/satisfaction (ok, that's poorly written, but you get the drift), or is it just a slog until you get to Switzerland?
I agree with all Tim says. See below.Hi Ray, I got back 2 days ago from Brindisi where I walked from Canterbury this year. (I took a few weeks break after Rome before starting up again.) it is very hard to advise other people in terms of satisfaction and beauty because they are very personal. I'm not sure if I say that I loved the stretch from Canterbury to Pontarlier it that will really help you. It really does depends on what you like!
For me, the physical countryside and agriculture were interesting. As @SabineP says some really excellent cities to stop off. Some amazing churches. There's a number of different route possibilities. You could come down canals as @Bradypus did. There are a lot of war cemeteries!
Are fellow pilgrims important to you....? I met a couple heading for Santiago in Canterbury, a couple heading for Rome one evening and a group of 13 French people on a week's stretch. Strictly I think that means three encounters in over 1000km (in April, May.) I was very content with that but others may not be. It meant 99.9% of all my conversations were with local people and easily 90% in French with people who didn't speak English. This added hugely to my satisfaction.
There is BnB accommodation which becomes expensive, or staying in convents, monasteries, parishes or with families, or town halls or sports centre which again for me was hugely enjoyable. Again language helps here.
I'm very happy to answer specific questions if it would help you decide. I preferred it, definitively so, to Tuscany for example.
I would do it again (although I probably won't). Or at least not until after I reach Jerusalem. But for me, no not a slog or not just a slog, anyway.
I have an incomplete blog at walkingtim.com
I'd be interested to hear what you decide. Tim
There are few towns so food is often difficult to find