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:
Our path today was long but leisurely with a good part of the time spent following canals. Perhaps the most interesting events revolved around food. First came lunch, served to us, not on a silver platter but out of the belly of a vending machine. We’re talking a custom order hot pizza. You can follow our pizza machine exploits in the first soundscape, below. Second came as dinner, served at our destination, Chateau de Juvigny. This magnificent early 18 C. mansion is surrounded by moats and set in expansive landscaped grounds supposedly designed by Le Nôtre, who is famous for his Versailles garden designs. Being walkers and stranded in the chateau for the night, our host graciously prepared a “picnic” dinner, served to us in the period salon. I won’t ruin the surprise, you’ll need to listen to the second soundscape, found below.
Walk Date: Sep 16, 2022
Distance: 29.3 km
Elevation Gain: 315 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.
What a beautiful Chateau. It suits Gail very well.
GIl loved it. Now she wants me to buy a chateau!
Well, why wouldn’t you?! Have a fabulous days David and Gail!