ViaFrancigena, Stage 1/10

The Via Francigena is one of the great European cultural routes of the Council of Europe. It starts in Canterbury, crosses the English Channel, reaches France near Calais and continues to Switzerland via Reims, Besançon and Pontarlier. After crossing the border, the first leg follows the River Orbe to the village of the same name, which is known for its Roman mosaics.

The starting point near Ballaigues is not served by public transport; the nearest stop, Vallorbe, Le Creux, is around 550 m away. Right from the start, the trail climbs to its highest point at around 910 m near Le Montagnat. It then returns to Ballaigues and descends through the forest, with views towards Lac du Day.

At Saut du Day, the route passes very close to the waterfall. The trail then continues downhill through the forest for long stretches towards Les Clées, interspersed with open meadows and pastures. Château des Clées lies a little off the route. After the village comes a peaceful stretch of forest, where Grotte de l’Espoir lies directly beside the trail.

In its final third, the hike approaches Orbe. Nearby stand Château d’Orbe, which has been remodelled several times, and the Reformed Church of Notre-Dame, a cultural property of national significance. The route continues between the houses to the destination at Orbe, gare. After 19 km and just over four hours, the hike ends directly at the railway station.