Stage 28: Besançon to Ornans
Walk 26 km from Besançon to Ornans on the Via Francigena pilgrimage trail through Switzerland.
Distance
26 km
Elevation gain
402 m
Elevation loss
324 m
Time
~7.5 h
Difficulty
Moderate
Terrain
Mixed
Highlights along the way
- Loue river valley
- Ornans - birthplace of Courbet
- Jura foothills scenery
- Courbet museum
What to expect on this stage
Stage 28 of the Via Francigena takes you 26 km from Besançon to Ornans through Switzerland, climbing 402 metres and descending 324 metres over mixed terrain. Most walkers complete this stage in around 7.5 hours at a steady pace. The terrain is rated moderate, with abundant water sources along the way and good shade.
About the Via Francigena
The Via Francigena is the ancient 1,900 km pilgrimage route from Canterbury, England to Rome, Italy, recorded in 990 AD by Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury. It crosses England, France, Switzerland and Italy across 84 daily stages, ending at St Peter's Square in the Vatican.