Sometimes the two are one in the same when you are walking the Via Francigena. Other times we assess what route looks the best and go for that one!
Yesterday we walked from Saint Vincent to Arnad. We decided to just take the road. It meant a flat walk and just under 10 miles of walking. The official route was the same distance just had a lot more elevation changes.
It was a safe passage, with either a sidewalk or a shoulder most of the way. The only challenge was when there was construction on the road. They weren’t too happy to have us pass by the construction zone but alas it all worked out. Since we are still getting in our walking/pilgrimage groove so we will take the less challenging walk if it’s possible and practical.
Today was a bit different. We could have walked the road but there was a lot to see along the path. We would have missed some beautiful scenery and the road wasn’t as safe as yesterday. There will be a YouTube video on what we saw today and it was gorgeous! The other great thing about today is that since we were only walking about 10 km or 6 miles today, we had plenty of time to stop and look around.
In the end, we are on pilgrimage while also on holiday so sometimes we will take an easier route, a more scenic route, and sometimes we just take a train. Our goal is to have fun, learn about Italy, be a tourist from time to time, and just take a nice, long walk together.
Pilgrimage is what you make of it.
Stats walking from Saint Vincent to Arnad – 14.7 km. Check out our YouTube video too!
- Lodging at Hotel&Restaurant Armanac de Toubïe included breakfast — €64
Stats walking from Arnad to Pont St Martin – 11.73 km. Check out our YouTube video too!
- Lodging at Agriturismo La Grange with no breakfast — €78.44
*Listing our accommodation is not an endorsement. This is just a point of information for fellow pilgrims. See our reviews on Booking.com for more details, if possible.
Loving following your journey. Will be doing the same in 2023.
You’re going to be prepared and ready. ❤️