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France Stage 4

Via Francigena – Laon to Reims- 4 Nights

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, July, Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov £699 pp

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SUMMARY

Via Francigena – Laon to Reims- 4 Nights

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TOTAL £999

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Experience the historic Via Francigena from Laon to Reims, following this ancient pilgrimage route through the peaceful landscapes and rich heritage of northern France. Leaving the spectacular hilltop city of Laon, the trail winds through rolling countryside, open farmland, quiet country lanes and traditional French villages as you make your way south towards Reims.

Combining peaceful walking, fascinating history and authentic French charm, this section offers a wonderful insight into the rural landscapes of the Champagne region. Along the way, discover historic villages, beautiful countryside and centuries-old landmarks before arriving in Reims, a magnificent city renowned for its impressive Gothic cathedral and long association with Champagne. This rewarding stage offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, history and the timeless spirit of the Via Francigena.

Quick Facts

  • 4 nights’ accommodation
  • 3 days’ walking
  • 5 days’
  • Walk from Laon to Reims 
  • Approximate walking distance 70km (44 miles)
  • Difficulty: Moderate 
  • Follow the stunning second stage of the Via Francigena
  • Enjoy comfortable daily walking distances
  • Stay in charming towns and hand-selected accommodations
  • Luggage transfers included

About & Details

The next stage of the Via Francigena takes you from the spectacular hilltop city of Laon to Reims, continuing your pilgrimage through the peaceful landscapes of northern France. Leaving Laon and its magnificent Gothic cathedral behind, the route winds through rolling countryside, open farmland, quiet lanes and charming French villages as you journey south towards the Champagne region.

Combining scenic walking with fascinating history and authentic French character, this stage offers a rewarding continuation of your Via Francigena adventure. Discover tranquil rural landscapes, historic villages and centuries-old landmarks before arriving in Reims, a city renowned for its magnificent cathedral, rich heritage and famous Champagne tradition. It is a memorable section of the pilgrimage, blending beautiful countryside, culture, history and the timeless spirit of the Via Francigena.

Inclusions

  • 4 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected hotels, guesthouses and pilgrim-friendly accommodation with private facilities where available
  • Daily luggage transfers between accommodations
  • Comprehensive route notes and navigation resources
  • Detailed pre-departure information pack
  • Expert local knowledge and 24-hour emergency assistance during your trip
  • Professional event organisation and itinerary planning

Exclusions:

  • Travel to the start and finish points of the trip
  • Lunches and evening meals
  • Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects)
  • Airport transfers
  • Tourist taxes where applicable
  • Guiding services (available on request)

Optional extras

  • Single room supplement £100 per person per night (subject to availability)
  • Solo traveller supplement £100 per person per night
  • Odd group supplement £100 per group per night may apply if a single room is required.
  • Extra night prior to start (single room) £200 per person
  • Extra night prior to the start (twin room, needs 2 people) £100 per person
  • Extra night at the end of the event (single room) £200 per person
  • Extra night at the end of the event (twin room, needs 2 people) £100 per person

 

Please select from Optional Extras at checkout.

Getting there and back

Getting There

The easiest way to reach Laon is by train. Laon has regular rail connections from Paris Gare du Nord, with the journey taking approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

For international travellers, fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and continue to Laon by train. You can also travel via Paris, with onward rail connections making Laon easy to reach from across France and Europe.

Getting Away:

The easiest way to leave Reims is by train. Reims has frequent high-speed TGV services to Paris, with the journey taking around 45 minutes, as well as regular connections to other destinations across France.

For international flights, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is the most convenient major airport and can be reached by direct train from Reims in around 30–45 minutes.

Evening meals and lunches

You can purchase evening meals either at the accommodation or nearby. When our event planners send you the schedule with itinerary you could prearrange directly with the accommodation or during the walk.

For lunches we would suggest bringing some of your own favourite snack bars and then asking the accommodation for a packed lunch for the following day and also supplementing that at stops en-route.

Accommodation

Accommodation is generally in a mixture of family-run hotels, guesthouses, rural inns and carefully selected pilgrim-friendly accommodation. Private ensuite facilities will be provided wherever possible, although in some smaller villages facilities may occasionally be shared.

Once your booking is confirmed, your event planner will provide details of your accommodation and discuss any preferences or special requirements.

Dog friendly

Due to accommodation restrictions and the logistics, this trip is generally not recommended for travellers with dogs.

 

Need a guide?

If you would prefer to have a guide for your walk, even just for one day, then we are happy to help. We can provide a qualified leader (also first aid qualified) to lead your trek or on just one of the sections. Just ask us.
A guide can not only take the stress out of navigation, but you will also find them a great asset in terms of providing an insight into all things environment and nature.

Dates and prices

For available dates please see the ‘build your trip’ option on the left hand side on desktops or at the bottom on mobiles. You can reserve your space via this route.

After you book

After placing your booking with us, you will in the first instance receive an automated email from our system confirming receipt of your reservation. If you don’t receive it, it is worth checking your spam/clutter folder.

In the process of placing your booking, you will generally set up an access password to our online gateway where you can review the details of the booking.

Your personal event planner will then be in touch with you to start to confirm the details. This contact will usually be taken up in the working day after receipt of your booking, but may, in busy times, take a little longer. The event planner will then liaise with you regarding the details of the course. If you have any specific requirements, please do mention it at this stage.

At the end of your trip

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end at some point. Luckily you have one of several options. If you have not booked additional tour plans have a look at our other offerings and extend your holiday.

You can arrange this as an optional add on with your adventure travel planner.

 

Book your adventure

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Arrive in Laon

    Arrive in the remarkable medieval city of Laon, perched high above the surrounding French countryside. Take the afternoon to explore the historic old town, wander through its medieval streets and visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral before preparing for the next stage of your Via Francigena journey.

     

  • Day 2 – Laon to Corbeny

    Begin your walk by leaving the hilltop city of Laon and descending into the peaceful countryside. Follow quiet lanes, farmland and rural trails through the rolling landscapes of the Aisne region. Along the way, pass traditional villages before reaching Corbeny, a small historic village with strong connections to French pilgrimage traditions.

    14 miles (22km) and 650ft (200m) of ascent

  • Day 3 - Corbeny to Hermonville

    Continue south through the peaceful countryside, walking through open farmland and small French communities. As you approach Hermonville, the landscape begins to take on the character of the Champagne region, with vineyards and rolling hills becoming increasingly prominent.

    14 miles (23km) and 840ft (260m) of ascent

  • Day 4 – Hermonville to Reims

    Your final walking day takes you from the peaceful village of Hermonville towards the historic city of Reims. Enjoy your final views across the countryside before arriving in the city centre and completing this stage of your Via Francigena pilgrimage.

    Take time to visit the spectacular Notre-Dame Cathedral of Reims, explore the historic streets or celebrate your achievement with a glass of locally produced Champagne.

    10 miles (16km) and 600ft (180m) of ascent

  • Day 5 – Depart Reims

    After breakfast, spend some additional time exploring Reims before beginning your onward journey, or extend your stay to discover the city’s famous Champagne houses and historic landmarks.

     

Notes:

We will always endeavour to accommodate you in the locations detailed in the above itinerary. Due to very high demand, some accommodation providers may occasionally have limited availability and so we may need to accommodate you in an alternative location, nearby. In this case, we will arrange a taxi transfer for you to take you from the trail to your accommodation and back again the following morning. An additional charge may be payable. We will notify you of this when confirming your booking.

Please note: This itinerary is a guide only. Timings and mileages are approximate.

The Route
Reviews

Find some of the reviews our wonderful customers have left for us below, or read them all here!

Heather Parr
3 months ago

Maximum Adventure exceeded expectations, planning a trip for me last minute and off season through the glorious Lake District. The hotels were top rate, as was the food and my daily gluten free sandwich. Nathalie got the route guide sent to me in a couple of days and the baggage service was impeccable. It was the only tour guide company that responded immediately to my last minute request. Looking forward to more adventures with your company!!!

Chris Evans
3 months ago

David and I walked the Speyside Way in September 2023 and very much enjoyed the adventure. Maximum Adventure Ltd organised our nightly accommodation and uplifting of our luggage in a seamless manner, which made the whole trip so easy with no stress. This is the second time that I have personally used Maximum Adventures Ltd and I would recommend them to others as they offer a friendly and efficient service.

Göte Fredriksson
4 months ago

We realy appreciated the tour we did on Hadrians Wall path in May. Beautiful scenery, decent weather, god arrangements including lodging, transport, bagagehandling etc. We came well prepared . In this preparation Maximum adventures gave us great support, as we are coming from abroad with no knowledge of conditions on the path. We had great BnBs and could concentrate on de daily walks that gave us great pleasure. Thank you England and Hadrians Wall path for your friendly reception and well mantained walking path. Thank you Maximum Adventures for your good service. We would love to come back in the future.

Jerry Kashinski
4 months ago

Maximum Adventure did a great job for us. With less than a month's notice, it set up an itinerary, lodging and luggage porterage for a walk from Carlisle to Newcastle, England along Hadrian's Wall. The lodging was fantastic, as was the itinerary and support during the walk. We'd definitely use Maximum Adventure again and would recommend them without reservation!

Fiona Reilly
5 months ago

I was part of a climb on 23/09, didn't think I would make ut, but I did. The descent was a different story.. I got jelly legs and lost my confidence. If it wasn't for James, my Sherpa would never have made it. Can't thank him enough, Will, met you briefly. Both of them were very knowledgeable, we had the most amazing views at the summit...the pain is still worth it and

Tom Graham
5 months ago

I walked the West Highland Way with my dad and brother. The organisation was excellent by Samantha. Itinerary and instructions were clear and all the bookings and luggage transfers went smoothly. As a result we were able to ensure the fantastic walk and not worry about anything. I would happily recommend Maximum Adventure to others.

Sarah Bracken
5 months ago

Absolutely brilliant guide - knowledgeable, interesting and humorous in addition to looking after our safety so well - making sure we ate and suggesting when to layer up! Would highly recommend!

Diana Straub
6 months ago

We just got home from our 8-days Hadrian's Wall hike and we just loved it! Everything was perfectly organized! We had great B&Bs and hotels with very friendly, welcoming and helpful staff. Our favorite was the Dacre House with Clare. But then again, all were great! The luggage was always at the day's destination, no matter how early we got to the accommodation. The description of how to get to the accommodations were clear and precise. The road map and the guide book were waiting for us as we got to the first B&B and were very helpful and interesting Thanks, Maximum Adventure!

Kristin Hentschel
6 months ago

Praise for the West Highland Hike and the Maximum Adventure planners, esp. our planner Samantha. Great experience in every regard.

Simon Bradish
6 months ago

Booked for the 3 UK Peaks adventure, it was organised perfectly and everything when to plan. Accommodation was good, transport excellent, our guide (Patrick) brilliant, so cannot fault the trip and adventure. I personally expected too much from myself and was unable to fully summit as this adventure is not for beginners, I climbed Kilimanjaro in 2003 when I was 42 and twenty years later, although relatively fit, my endurance didn't last. So I did a half summit for Ben Nevis & Scafell, thanks to Patrick for letting go back down on my own, it was brilliant. With Snowdon, a half summit is tricky as you can't descend the way you go up, so I decided to do some hiking in the area while the rest of the group did the climb. I took a chance and went to the ticket office and managed to get a single return ticket up to the summit of Snowdon at 9am which returned down by 11.30am. I was hoping to see my group on top and spring a surprise but the weather was terrible. I highly recommend the trip but make sure you are fit enough otherwise as there is an emphasis on time, so a slow walk up is going to slow everyone down and really delay the trip. Have Fun, Simon Bradish

Why book with us

We know you have a choice of companies providing trips for your next adventures. Here are some of the reasons you should choose to travel with Maximum Adventure:

  • We are an established adventure travel business
  • We have been trading since 2002
  • We are financially protected in accordance with the 1992 travel regulation
  • Knowledgeable and available office staff
  • Qualified leaders and guides with ascents ranging from Ben Nevis to Mount Everest
  • All activities are risk assessed
  • We will provide you with the best service available
  • We are aware this is your holiday/your challenge and will do our best to make it an enjoyable and rewarding experience
  • We have many repeat clients stretching back over a number of years
20+ years adventure organisation experience
Full liability & financial protection
Leading provider of high quality adventure challenges
Great team of staff to support you

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