This “Walking The Via Francigena” series of posts follow us, David and Gail, as we continue our walk along the Via Francigena pilgrimage route between Canterbury and Rome. In the fall of 2019, we completed the first leg from London to Canterbury, known as the Chaucer Way, and onward to the small town of Tergnier, France on the Via Francigena. A pandemic got in the way but now, in 2022, our trek is underway once again, this time taking us from Tergnier to Besançon over 23 walking days and 580 or so kilometres.
Notes from today’s walk:
Although the walk was long, there was plenty of variety in the landscapes we passed through. Leaving Reims, we followed the same Canal de Aisne à la Marne that drew us into the city two days ago. Today’s 8-kilometre stretch to Sillery passed more heavy industries, each with its own massive constructions and piles of debris. Our side of the canal was much more idyllic.
Beyond Sillery, we entered champagne country, taking a series of paths through the vineyards. As we approached Verzenay, our path was lined with the Grand Cru vines of the big champagne houses, such as Roederer, Bollinger and Mumms. Verzenay surprised us with excellent pizzas at La Grappe à Pizza. The t last kilometres took us to our destination for the day, Pré en Bulles in Trépail. There’s no restaurant in this small village other than an intriguing pizza vending machine, so our hosts kindly offered to prepare a very nice three course dinner. Of course, it was all washed own with a great local champagne, the highlight of our audio chat which you’ll find below.
Walk Date: Sep 15, 2022
Distance: 29.8 km
Elevation Gain: 529 m
Read on to view today’s photos, a soundscape captured along the route and an interactive map.
Click the images below to view a full-screen slideshow.
Today’s route.
Overview map of the route from Tergnier to Besançon.
Merci, Gail and David, it was a pleasure to share time with you and hear the pop of the Champagne cork 🍾 Wonderful photos, and a convivial, informative Happy Hour recap of your day’s journey. So glad that you will dine with fellow pilgrims.
A la prochaine, Rob
Thanks Rob. We have run into more pilgrims than expected. Today we met Sue from Western Australia.
Love the popping of the champagne cork and the popping of the juicy grapes! Pizza vending machine—that’s a first. Great that you met Walter and Irene. La Grappe à Pizza…yep, next time I’m in Verzenay I’ll check it out. Cheers!
I can help you put together a champagne and pizza tour of the area if you wish!