Todays itinerary since ancient times (Celts, Romans)already belonged to the most important traffic routes in this area. Until the 14th century, it represented the only Jura-Crossing (1008 m.o.s.) hikeable at all seasons. The Jura mountain range between Basel and Geneva forms the watershed between the Rhine (North Sea) and the Rhône (Mediterranean Sea). On Charlemagne’s road map (9th century), this connection between Pontarlier across the Jougne pass to Italy is mentionned as the shortes connection, and it still is.
The «Via Francigena» is one of the 3 main christian pilgrimage trails of the Middle Ages, the main axis leading from Canterbury to Rome. This documentation currently covers the stretch from Pontarlier close to the F/CH border across Lausanne to Rome.
Following stage: Via Francigena: Jougne - Orbe
Places along the route: Pontarlier - Sandon - La Cluse - Le Frambourg - GR5 - Montpetot - Les Fourgs - Chapelle de Tourillot - La Béridoles - Les Hôpitaux Vieux - Les Hôpitaux Neufs - Col de Jougne - Jougne
First published: Freitag, 9. August 2013
Last updated: Samstag, 20. Juni 2015
Tour published by: GPS-Tracks.com powered by Outdooractive GmbH