Highlights
- Montreux lakefront
- Chillon Castle
- Aigle Castle
- Rhone Valley vineyards
Stage conditions
| Section | Switzerland |
|---|---|
| Water on route | Abundant |
| Shade | Full |
Practical notes
Getting there and away
Vevey is on the Simplon line with half-hourly InterRegio trains between Geneva Airport and Brig and RER Vaud services, so you can start from anywhere on Lake Geneva. Aigle, at the end, is also on the Simplon line: half-hourly InterRegio between Geneva Airport and Brig, RegioExpress trains to Lausanne, Martigny, St-Maurice and Annemasse, RER Vaud, and the three narrow-gauge Transports Publics du Chablais lines to Leysin, Les Diablerets and Champéry. Montreux and Villeneuve have stations on the same line if you want to split the day.
What the season does
Best months are May to October. The lakeside promenade past Montreux and Chillon is busy all summer and can be hot, but once you turn inland up the Rhône valley the stage is marked full shade and abundant water. Spring gives snow on the peaks above a green valley floor; autumn is vintage time in the Aigle and Yvorne vineyards. The Rhône valley funnels wind, and in winter fog and cold sit on the flat floor for days.
Safety on this stage
A long but easy 24 km with only 245 m of ascent. The risks are traffic and crowds: the Montreux lakefront is thick with people in summer, and after Villeneuve you follow lanes and cycle paths across the flat valley floor, sharing them with bikes and farm vehicles. Keep to the waymarked route where it leaves the road. Sun exposure is real on the lake promenade, so wear a hat. Aigle is a small town with an easy arrival.
Water and food
Water is marked abundant. Vevey, Montreux and Villeneuve all have public fountains on the municipal supply, safe unless signed otherwise, and cafés line the lakefront. After Villeneuve the villages are further apart, so fill a bottle before the valley section; Yvorne and Aigle have fountains and shops at the far end. In summer you will want more than you expect on the open promenade, so do not skip the lakeside refills.
Where pilgrims sleep
Our directory has no listing yet at Aigle, so book ahead. The Swiss Via Francigena association's list names Hôtel du Nord and two B&Bs (chez Viviane, du Château) in Aigle, the Camping de la Piscine as the budget option, and a pilgrim welcome at LS Fontaine in Ollon and the Abbaye de Salaz just beyond; back along the route the Montreux youth hostel and a private pilgrim address in Montreux, and hotels and a campsite in Villeneuve, let you shorten the day.
Sources: Wikipedia — Vevey railway station · Wikipedia — Aigle railway station · Via Francigena Suisse — Hébergements sur la Via Francigena suisse (PDF) · Umweltcheck — Drinking fountains in Switzerland · Montreux Riviera — Via Francigena 070
Common questions
How long is the Vevey to Aigle stage?
It is 24.0 km (14.9 mi) and takes about 6 hours of walking, from Vevey to Aigle.
How hard is Vevey to Aigle?
It is rated moderate with 280 m of ascent and 250 m of descent over mixed terrain.
Is there water on the Vevey to Aigle stage?
Water is abundant along this stage.
How do I get to Vevey and away from Aigle?
Vevey is on the Simplon line with half-hourly InterRegio trains between Geneva Airport and Brig and RER Vaud services, so you can start from anywhere on Lake Geneva. Aigle, at the end, is also on the Simplon line: half-hourly InterRegio between Geneva Airport and Brig, RegioExpress trains to Lausanne, Martigny, St-Maurice and Annemasse, RER Vaud, and the three narrow-gauge Transports Publics du Chablais lines to Leysin, Les Diablerets and Champéry. Montreux and Villeneuve have stations on the same line if you want to split the day.
Where do pilgrims sleep in Aigle?
Our directory has no listing yet at Aigle, so book ahead. The Swiss Via Francigena association's list names Hôtel du Nord and two B&Bs (chez Viviane, du Château) in Aigle, the Camping de la Piscine as the budget option, and a pilgrim welcome at LS Fontaine in Ollon and the Abbaye de Salaz just beyond; back along the route the Montreux youth hostel and a private pilgrim address in Montreux, and hotels and a campsite in Villeneuve, let you shorten the day.
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.