Via Francigena. The cycling route in Switzerland. Part 18. Martigny - Saint Oyen (I)

Part 18

From Martigny you can follow the international road, but the stretch to the tunnel entrance is dangerous because of the many trucks. To cover the 47 kilometers one has to count on a duration of 4 hours and a killer climb to bridge the height difference of 2155 meters.

If you want to avoid freight traffic, it is advisable to take the train in Martigny to Orsières and then the bus to Bourg – Saint Bernard. From there the climb is about 1 hour for 6 kilometers and the ascent is 550 meters.

For cyclists who like a challenge and don't like the hassle of the bus, the recorded route follows secondary roads where possible.

From Martigny, follow the main road to Sembrancher, Orsières, Liddes and Bourg Saint Pierre.

Just after Bourg Saint Pierre, you leave the road that leads to the tunnel.

Then the strenuous climb to the Col Grand Saint Bernard begins. Difficult but beautiful.

In the villages you can rest and have a drink. There is plenty of drinking water to be found along the way.

After the Col the bike changes into a moped. Be careful because the descent via the Strada Stradale 27 gives such high speeds that you often have to rely on good brakes.

The campsites in Saint Oyen are at a fairly high altitude so it can be cold there. Those who can muster the courage descend further in the direction of Aosta to camping Europe, address Frazione Le Plan Du Chateau, 11010, Gignod AO, Italy

District: Valais (Valais), Aosta (I)

Landscape : mountainous and steep slopes. The climb to the Col Grand Saint Bernard is extremely strenuous. The descent after the col is very fast but the environment is great.

Campsites in: Martigny, Bourg Saint Pierre, St. Oyen (I), Gignod(I) (see POIs and waypoints on the map)

Lodging in: Martigny, Chamolles, Orsières, Chex les Addy, Chandonne, Bourg Saint Pierre, Saint Rhemy (I) (see POIs and waypoints on the map)

Pilgrim hostel in: Orsières, (see POIs and waypoints on the map or see: https://www.viefrancigene.org/fr/fiches-des-structures-daccueil/ )

Hospitality in: Martigny, Valettes, Orsieres, Liddes, Saint Rhemy (I), Saint Oyen (I)

Along the way, use Google maps, Open cycle maps, or other detailed topographical maps showing cafes and restaurants.

Groceries : Martigny, Orsieres, Liddes.

General.

The Via Francigena by bike in Switzerland follows the hiking route as much as possible, but is mainly about the official cycling routes of Switzerland. After passing the French/Swiss border and the Pre-Alps, you arrive at the Swiss plateau and finally in the capital of the canton of Vaud, Lausanne.

The route then follows the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) to Montreux and then follows the Rhone towards Martigny.

The climb begins in this city.

The last stretch from Bourg Saint Bernard to the Great Saint Bernard Pass is the most difficult but also the most beautiful. After the pass you are in Italy and you descend towards Aosta and finally .... Rome.

(Source: Viefrancigene.org)

direction change.

For the gpx file with waypoints at the points where the route changes direction, see: https://www.gps-tour.info/nl/tracks/download.178172.html