Highlights
- WWI battlefields and memorials
- Vimy Ridge nearby
- Commonwealth war cemeteries
Stage conditions
| Section | France |
|---|---|
| Water on route | Moderate |
| Shade | Minimal |
Practical notes
Getting there and away
Arras station has TGVs to Paris-Nord and TER trains to Lille, Amiens and Douai. Bapaume's station closed to passengers in 1969 and the building was demolished in 2015; the nearest open halt is Achiet, on the Paris–Lille main line about seven kilometres away, with daily TER trains between Arras and Amiens. The practical link is bus line 407 of the Hauts-de-France network, which runs between Bapaume (rue de la Gare) and the interurban bus station beside Arras railway station from Monday to Saturday; the timetable in force dates from June 2024, so check for changes.
What the season does
April to October, but the stage data calls this stage very exposed with little shade: the Artois–Somme plain has no trees to speak of, so July and August mean sun from the first kilometre and a hat is essential. Spring and autumn bring wind straight across the fields. The Commonwealth cemeteries and memorials along the way are open all year and give the only shade you will find, though not water. Hunting is open over these fields from mid-September to late February.
Safety on this stage
Very exposed with little shade, says the stage data, and it also notes an emotionally moving landscape: give yourself time at the cemeteries rather than pressing on. The route leaves Arras on suburban roads before farm tracks and D-roads take over; walk facing traffic, as these straight roads are fast. There is no shelter from thunderstorms on the plain, so watch the forecast in summer. Ordinary care in Bapaume, a small town.
Water and food
Water is moderate. Arras is the place to buy the day's food; the villages across the plain are small and shops are not guaranteed. Bapaume is a market town with bakeries and a supermarket, so you can restock for the equally open stage to Péronne. There are no fountains on the plain; carry at least two litres in summer. Cemeteries have no drinking water.
Where pilgrims sleep
Our directory lists the Maison des Pèlerins in Bapaume, a hostel-type pilgrim house. Pèlerinages de France adds that the Hôtel Le Gourmet welcomes pilgrims warmly, and the LightFoot guide recorded a parish welcome at Notre-Dame de Pitié on rue de l'Église as well as chambres d'hôtes in the villages of Favreuil and Biefvillers just outside the town. Ring ahead: this is a small town with a short list, and the credential is expected at the pilgrim house.
Sources: Wikipedia — Gare d'Arras · Wikipédia — Gare de Bapaume · Wikipédia — Gare d'Achiet · Communauté de communes du Sud-Artois — Ligne 407 Bapaume–Arras timetable (PDF) · Pèlerinages de France — Renseignements pratiques Via Francigena · LightFoot Guide to the Via Francigena, Canterbury to Besançon (PDF, 2014 edition) · Le Montagnard — Calendrier chasse France 2025-2026
Common questions
How long is the Arras to Bapaume stage?
It is 26.0 km (16.2 mi) and takes about 7 hours of walking, from Arras to Bapaume.
How hard is Arras to Bapaume?
It is rated easy with 200 m of ascent and 190 m of descent over mixed terrain.
Is there water on the Arras to Bapaume stage?
There is a moderate amount of water along this stage — carry enough between resupply points.
How do I get to Arras and away from Bapaume?
Arras station has TGVs to Paris-Nord and TER trains to Lille, Amiens and Douai. Bapaume's station closed to passengers in 1969 and the building was demolished in 2015; the nearest open halt is Achiet, on the Paris–Lille main line about seven kilometres away, with daily TER trains between Arras and Amiens. The practical link is bus line 407 of the Hauts-de-France network, which runs between Bapaume (rue de la Gare) and the interurban bus station beside Arras railway station from Monday to Saturday; the timetable in force dates from June 2024, so check for changes.
Where do pilgrims sleep in Bapaume?
Our directory lists the Maison des Pèlerins in Bapaume, a hostel-type pilgrim house. Pèlerinages de France adds that the Hôtel Le Gourmet welcomes pilgrims warmly, and the LightFoot guide recorded a parish welcome at Notre-Dame de Pitié on rue de l'Église as well as chambres d'hôtes in the villages of Favreuil and Biefvillers just outside the town. Ring ahead: this is a small town with a short list, and the credential is expected at the pilgrim house.
Walk this stage
Open the full stage list to plan the legs either side, browse heritage along the route, or get the free Via Francigena Walk app for offline maps and GPS on the trail.