The crossing of the Channel sea is swifter today than at Sigeric's time. Boarding in Dover and landing in Calais, we quickly see the gorgeous belfry classified by the UNESCO and various other monuments. Don’t hesitate to visit the city, its museum of and fashion, and climb the belfry to discover terrific views over the coastline.
Read MoreAfter having crossed Wissant, charming former village of fishermen with their "flobarts", it's time to left the coast aside to get into the inner lands.
Read MoreWhen you enter the domanial forest of Guînes, pay attention to the column Blanchard, conmemorative monument to the first crossing of the Channel sea by airship in 1785.
Read MoreAfter having left Licques, you'll start seeing many windmills. On the territory of the commune of Guémy, the ruins of St. Louis' chapel culminate at 121m on the chalky hillsides, from where the view is panoramic.
Read MoreIn the surroundings, the route called "Leulène" passes. It's also old, like the Via Francigena, but that one isn't a religious pilgrimage way but rather military, from the time when Julius Caesar gathered his troops in Sangatte to prepare the conquest of Britannia, the antique Britain.
Read MoreTwo abbeys in Wisques will capture your attention: the one dedicated to St. Paul of the 15th century, and the one of Our Lady of the 19th century.
Read MoreAt the end of Delettes, overlooking the Lys valley, there are the ruins of the old Nielles mill. A few kilometers further hence, Thérouanne was capital city of Morinie and historical halt on the route from Arras to Boulogne.
Read MoreStarting from Amettes, you will reach Ferfay. It's the place where St. Lugle and St. Luglien's stele, Irish martyrs, is located. In Marles-les-mines, not far from the GR route, there is the mine museum.
Read MoreIn Rebreuve-Branchicourt, you could see an old mill over the river Brette and a castle of the 18th century. The departemental nature and leisure park of Olhain is located in a domanial forest where it's possible to practise various outdoor sports like golf and horse riding.
Read MorePassing through Mont-Saint-Eloi, you will see the majestic ruined towers of an old abbey for canons, classified as historical monument en 1921 and that can be easily seen from 20km around on a clear day.
Read MoreIn Arras, the belfry is classified by the UNESCO as part of World Heritage. At its base, two large squares with original houses hide an underground treasure: the "Boves", former stone quarries, publicly reachable through the city hall or through cellars of surrounding buildings.
Read MoreDuring this 31.3 km long stage from Bapaume to Péronne, you will cross the villages of Beaulencourt, Riencourt, Villers-au-Flos, Barastre, Rocquigny, Sailly, Rancourt, Bouchavesnes and Allaines.
Read MoreDuring this 17.5 km long stage from Péronne to Trefcon, you will cross the communes of Doingt, Cartigny, Bouvincourt, Vraignes and Tertry. The landscape remains very agricultural, but it is more punctuated by small bodies of water near rivers.
Read MoreThe Via Francigena continues its crossing of cultural Picardy by the Pays du vermandois, punctuated by swamps and hills covered with scattered fields and groves.
Read MoreYou will quickly reach Clastres, where you can see the light-colored Saint-Sulpice church, made of bricks and concrete, a former public well, and a fringe of wind turbines on the horizon. In Montescourt-Lizerolles, the red neo-Gothic church is imposing.
Read MoreDuring this stage, you will first pass through villages such as Beautor and then Deuillet. In the latter, the Calvary-Oratory is noteworthy. In Saint-Nicolas-aux-Bois, several ancient monuments will also hold your attention.
Read MoreAlong this stage, the terrain becomes a little flatter. You will pass by Juvincourt-and-Damary to arrive in Berry-au-bac.
Read MoreLeaving the "Chemin des Dames", the Via Francigena enters Champagne. The Massif de Saint-Thierry is one of the four champagne production areas.
Read MoreAfter an inevitable passage to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Via Francigena drives the walker across the vineyards of Champagne and Montagne de Reims park towards the strange Faux de Verzy.
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