Via Francigena

Hellur all! Thank you so much for watching my pilgrimage document, titled as ‘Step by step, all the way to Rome/Myself’. Feel more than free to ask questions about what’s on your mind, to give feedback, to share your pilgrimage recommendation/story or to send this video to family members, friends and strangers. Keep in mind, I am only sharing my experience and do not say this is the perfect way to get the most out of your pilgrimage. Take the information of what you think is useful for YOU. Let go of what’s not helpful. Just so you know, I’m not sponsored by whoever. If you are open to collaborate next time, hit me up by sending a message in Instagram;) I appreciate you all and truly hope this video is helpful or just inspiring to all the ones who will pave their way after me. Buen cammino!

Find me on Instagram:   / semvloon_  
Shout out to my dear friend Mika (  / mikadewit_dp  ) whom nailed the final touch in color grading.

About the way:
I followed the historical way named ‘Via Francigena’, known as ‘GR145’ in France, ‘Route 70’ in Switzerland, and just ‘Via Francigena’ in Italy, from Reims to Rome (1892 km).

France
The first weeks were extremely silent and filled with endless agricultural fields. I could count my pilgrim encounters on one hand but luckily I have been welcomed by inhabitants in the small villages. Because of the rare pilgrim accommodations, it forced me to get in contact with the real french culture. I wish I felt more comfortable in the French language but happily, I payed enough attention in class which resulted that I could safe myself. I slept in plenty of gardens and shared dinners with beautiful people. These were my, as I call it, ‘trail magic-moments’ and this made France unbelievable special to me.

Switzerland
The three days along Lake Geneva were busy due to the many trolley tourists. With leaving the Lake behind, the Swiss landscape found their way more going up-and-down. May 24th, I made it to the summit of Grand-Saint-Bernard. Officially, the asphalt road was publicly closed but was well-enough paved. The official VF road was untraceable ‘cause of the covered inches of snow. Pilgrims crossed the Pass a week before me but I also met pilgrims who took the tunnel apparently after me.

Italy
Right after Grand-Saint-Bernard I jumped into the Aosta valley what was pretty boring and mentally challenging. It was getting warm quickly too. My Italian started from scratch and I’ll do this differently next time. After three weeks I slowly started to fall in love with Italy and I found myself more around temporary pilgrims. Toscany was stunning in its core and the Apennines were, along with Grand-Saint-Bernard, my highlights. The road I’ve walked wasn’t easy going but incredible well worth it. I’ve been deeply scared, physically exhausted, and incessantly proud of myself!

Used resources:
Books of VIA FRANCIGENA, Cicerone
Part 1: https://www.cicerone.co.uk/walking-th...
Part 2: https://www.cicerone.co.uk/walking-th...
Part 3: https://www.cicerone.co.uk/walking-th...

VF app for GPS-tracking (free): https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/via-fra...

My gear:
Tent (Naturehike Cloud-Up 2): https://www.amazon.nl/Naturehike-Clou...
Sleeping bag (Cumulus LITE LINE 400): https://cumulus.equipment/eu_en/down-...
Sleeping mattress (Exped Ultra 3R M): https://www.bever.nl/p/exped-ultra-3r...
Backback (Deuter Futura Vario 45 + 10 SL): https://www.snowcountry.nl/deuter-fut...
Campingaz (Twister Plus): https://www.amazon.nl/CAMPINGAZ-20418...
Drone: DJI Mini 2 SE Fly More Combo: https://www.amazon.nl/DJI-cameradrone... + hardcase: https://www.amazon.nl/Mavic-Draagtas-...

#viafrancigena #pilgrimage #camino #rurallure