©Nohcab Via Francigena, the adventure from Calais
"All roads lead to Rome" says a famous adage. With the Via Francigena, one of these paths starts from Calais! The Via Francigena also marked under the acronym of Sentie de Grande Randonnée GR 145 is a long pilgrimage route between Canterbury in the south of England and Rome in Italy.
Famous pilgrimage route
Making a pilgrimage route is a strong trend of the 3th century and you can start from the vast territory of Calais XXL! This 000 km pilgrimage route, linking Canterbury to Rome, crosses five countries and immerses hikers and pilgrims in an experience of history, culture and nature. On the mainland, it is the Notre-Dame de Calais church, a jewel of heritage, which marks the beginning of the adventure. From this founding stage, the route runs along the coast of the Opal Coast towards the majestic Cap Blanc-Nez.
Access the Via Francigena App
©Calais XXL From Sigeric to the present day
Sigeric became Archbishop of Canterbury in 990. He had to go to Rome to receive liturgical vestments. He took the long road to Rome to meet Pope John XV. Using Roman roads, this route became both a pilgrimage and a major communication route between Northern and Southern Europe. It would gradually fall into oblivion. At the end of the 1994th century, enthusiasts rediscovered the Via Francigena and worked to have it recognised. In XNUMX, the Council of Europe certified it as a "Cultural Route of the Council of Europe", thus marking its heritage importance. Today, the path is marked, increasingly popular and offers a safe environment for hikers.
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©Nohcab Since 2018, the entire route has been marked in France and officially recognized by the French Hiking Federation as part of the GR 145 long-distance hiking trail, recognizable by its white and red signs. From Canterbury Cathedral to the gates of the Vatican, the path connects heritage cities such as Reims, Besançon, Lausanne, Pavia, and Siena.
Calais, a key stage
Following the Via Francigène route also means discovering the wonders of the local heritage. Arriving in Calais marks a transition between England and the continent. The crossing of the Channel is much quicker than in Sigeric's time. After disembarking at Dover, the travellers reach the church Our Lady of Calais, the official starting point on French soil. This masterpiece of English perpendicular style, surrounded by Tudor Gardens, proudly displays the pilgrim symbol.
Discover the history of Calais
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©Nohcab What to see in Calais on the Via Francigena route?
Before embarking on the adventure to Rome, enjoy Calais XXL and its treasures: The belfry of the town hall, listed by UNESCO, offering breathtaking views of the coastline. The City of Lace and Fashion, a showcase of unique textile know-how. The Fort Risban and the Pluviôse submarine memorial, witnesses to the city's maritime past. The Calais Lighthouse and we have the Watchtower, or even the famous Calais Dragon and the seafront which make our seaside resort famous.
The route then leaves Calais along the coast of the Opal Coast. Pilgrims discover Blériot-Plage, where aviation wrote its history, and Sangatte, essential landmarks before Cape Blanc-NezAt its summit, the Dover Patrol Monument and its panoramic area offer a clear view of the English cliffs on a clear day.
Visiting Calais: the must-sees
©Nohcab Where to get your pilgrim passport validated in Calais?
The Calais XXL Tourist Office is a must-see for pilgrims. They can validate their passage there or obtain an official Via Francigena credential. Other sites welcome you to stamp your passport:
- All Notre-Dame Church (during opening hours).
- Au Calais Museum of Fine Arts, 25 rue Richelieu.
- At the Calais XXL Tourist Office, 12 boulevard Georges Clemenceau.
- Au Belfry of the Town Hall, Place du Soldat Inconnu.
- At the City of Lace and Fashion, 135 Quai du Commerce.
- Le Calais LA Plage campsite, 275 Rue d'Asfeld.
- La Dragon Company, 201 Winston Churchill Avenue.
Crossing the Pas-de-Calais, from north to south
Before heading towards Italy, the Via Francigena also allows you to cross the department in its entire length: 245 kilometers separate Calais from Bapaume on the GR 145. A demanding route which, once you leave the coast, offers a condensed history and landscape through the Audomarois, the mining landscapes and the plains of South Artois.
In about a dozen stages, the walker goes from the English Channel to the gates of the Aisne. After Wissant, the path already leaves the coast to reach Guînes and its hilly landscapes, where the dunes give way to undergrowth.
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©Timothé Lovergne A 3000 kilometer adventure
From Calais begins the full crossing of the Pas-de-Calais department. The route continues in the Grand-Est region before passing into Switzerland. The pilgrimage route enters Italy via Aosta to reach the majestic Saint Peter's Square in Rome. Walking nearly 3000 kilometers between England and Switzerland is a sporting, scenic and human adventure. Calais is an ideal place to stay and enjoy this time, whether for a meeting with yourself, or in a spiritual or religious process.