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Via Francigena - Section 2
From Wisques to Arras - ""
Walking: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - Guided: 16 - Cycling: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8
The second section of the Via Francigena is crossing the north of the France, from Wisques/St Omer to Arras, in the department of “Pas de Calais”. In this quiet area, you route will meander through a rural landscape scattered with villages and woodlands. Even if the north of France is known as a very plane place, you will have to climb short but steep hills during this section. You will finally come back to an urban atmosphere at the end of your holiday in the beautiful city of Arras, whose impressive main square is the perfect example of the beauty and the uniqueness of the old North of French architecture style. Highlights of this trip are the Coupole of Wizernes, the open-cast mines& Museum of Mining in La Buissiere and the Grand Place of Arras.
Your way on the Via Francigena is made easy by sign posting, the red and white strips. Also, in our holiday pack is included detailed walking notes and maps making navigation even easier.
Following the footsteps of centuries of pilgrim, you will stay in 1,2,3 star hotel, and farmstay accommodation all en-suite. We transfer your luggage from hotel to hotel so you can travel comfortably with just a small backpack.
How to get there? Click here
Day by Day & Hotels
Hotels & country cottages have been carefully selected for their location, comfort, character, food, and friendliness of the staff. They are subject to availability and if the hotel described is not available, we will provide you with one of the same standard of comfort & price. Please click on hotel information below.
There are 7 days
Day 1: Wisques/St Omer
Wisques is a village situated at the actual start of the Via Francigena. There you can see ... .. read more >
Meals: N/A Luggage Transfer: No
Wisques is a village situated at the actual start of the Via Francigena. There you can see the 19th century Notre Dame Abbey. However, only 4km away from Wisques there is St Omer, a beautiful small town where you can enjoy the 17-18th century’s architecture style, and also where you can find all the facilities you may need. Highlights in St Omer are the Town Hall and the Notre Dame Cathedral, recognised as the most beautiful intact example of gothic architecture in the north of Paris.
Day 2: Wisques to Therouanne
14km, +160 m / -217 m: Today you will mainly follow routes departmentales. Even if they ar ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
14km, +160 m / -217 m: Today you will mainly follow routes departmentales. Even if they are short, the hills you will meet are quite steep. Only few steps after your start, you will reach Wizernes and La Coupole, a Second World War V-2 rocket base with a huge concrete dome, which is now a museum. In Therouanne you will see the beautiful Church of St Martin, dating from the 19th century, and also the archaeological site over the remains of the medieval city.
Day 3: Therouanne to Amettes
19km, +235 m / -195 m: In this part of the way, you will walk off-road, in open farmland o ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
19km, +235 m / -195 m: In this part of the way, you will walk off-road, in open farmland on tracks with good signage. This part is really typical of the region, with a lot of farm and small rural villages, like your stage arrival, Amettes. In there you should take some time-out to visit the 16th century church of St Sulpice
Day 4: Amettes to Bruay-la-Buissiere
20.5km, +231 m / -276 m: Today, after few kilometres on country tracks, you will start to ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
20.5km, +231 m / -276 m: Today, after few kilometres on country tracks, you will start to meander through former mining villages and open-cast mines. The area was indeed the leading place of mining industry in the 19th and the early 20th century. In La Buissiere you will find a Museum of mining, among a full range of facilities.
Day 5: Bruay-la-Buissiere to Acq
21km, +254 m / -193 m: Your route today begins with off-road tracks, first along a disused ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Luggage Transfer: Yes
21km, +254 m / -193 m: Your route today begins with off-road tracks, first along a disused railway and then along the historic chaussée Brunehaut. You will finish your walking day on country roads until you reach Acq.
Day 6: Acq to Arras
13km, +101 m / -123 m: Your walking day is not long, and you will shortly see the first ho ... .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast Luggage Transfer: Yes
13km, +101 m / -123 m: Your walking day is not long, and you will shortly see the first houses of the urban area of Arras. Approaching Arras, you will meander through the France of windmills and canals. In Arras, you can’t miss the Flemish influence, especially on architecture. You have to see the Town Hall, rebuilt in the Flamboyant Gothic style, the site of the Abbaye de Saint-Vaast and of course the main square “Grand Place”.
Town Facilities: ATM, Internet, shops, all facilities. Lodging: An en suite room http://www.hotel-univers-arras.com/
Day 7: Arras
This is the end of your holiday after breakfast. .. read more >
Meals: Breakfast Luggage Transfer: No
This is the end of your holiday after breakfast.
Prices & Booking
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There is no intermediaries when booking with us, so feel free to contact us for advice, customisation or if you wish to combine several sections together. If you just wish to make a quick payment, submit your credit card and reference on our booking page. |
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Classic |
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Note:
Options: We can upgrade your holiday in 4, 5* and Paradors. We can also offer extra nights and airport transfers. Ask us!
Families: We are now offering 40% off prices for children aged between 3-9 years old, and 20% off prices for children aged between 10-17 years old. Children under 3 come free.
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Price € pps |
Single Room |
Extra Nights |
Split Walking |
Airport Transfer |
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High Season |
679 |
839 |
Single: 95 |
N/A |
Ask us |
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Mid Season |
659 |
799 |
Single: 90
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N/A |
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Low Season |
579 |
699 |
Single: 90 |
N/A |
Note: N/A
Currency Converter by OANDA |
General details
Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5 What is this?
Distance: 90Km
Duration: 6 Nights
Activity: 
Walking
Comfort: In Style
Meals: Half Board
Available: All year round
Price: From €579
10 reasons to book with us
Smartphones & Tablets
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(1,2) Leisurely (3,4) Stimulating (5) A Challenge
Our holidays are graded by 3 categories of difficulty: Leisurely, Stimulating and A Challenge. This grading system will allow you to select the ideal holiday for yourself or your group. We aim to offer you the best experiences and unforgettable memories on a holiday where your desire for a challenge, comfort and safety are our priority. As the abilities of everybody are different, it’s important that you decide on a holiday which best suits your own needs and capabilities. You should take some time to look over our grading system so you can decide which holiday is best for you!
How do we grade?
When grading our holidays we take 3 main factors into consideration: Distance, Gradient and Trail Type (i.e. mountain track, forest road, surfaced road, etc.)
Our Easy walking and cycling holidays are best for families with young children. With older children, experience and fitness level should be considered when deciding on a holiday.
Leisurely(1,2)
• Time: Under 5 hours per day on average.
• Gradient: Gentle, no steep climbs
• Trail Type: Walking path, easily accessible
• Suitable for: Everybody. Some easy preparation walks should increase your enjoyment.
Stimulating(3,4)
• Time: 5 to 7 hours / less than 20km per day on average
• Gradient: Up to 1000m ascent per day on average, possibility of some steep climbing
• Trail Type: Walking paths, mountain trails, not technically difficult
• Suitable for: Moderate level of fitness required. Some weekend walks of around 3-4 hours should help your preparation.
A Challenge (5)
• Time: Days can be over 7 hours / 20km
• Gradient: Days can be more than 1000m, some steep climbing
• Trail Type: Walking paths, mountain trails, can be technically difficult
• Suitable for: Good level of fitness required. Previous experience would be best. Regular weekend walks of 4-5 hours or more are advisable in the months leading up to your holiday. These should include some mountain walks.
Wisques
Wisques doesn't have a train station itself, so it is necessary to travel via Saint Omer. Well-served bus routes do not exist. It is recommended to take a taxi to the station in Saint Omer (approx. 6km).
Best option: Paris airports (230km)
The 2 airports in Paris (Charles de Gaulle [CDG] and Orly) belong to the major hubs in Europe and many airlines operate in Paris. See www.skyscanner.com.
The way between Saint Omer and Paris ("Gare du Nord") can be taken by train with a change in Lille (please note: The change in Lille sometimes means a change of the stations, too: On the one hand, there is "Lille Flandres" for the regional trains, and on the other hand, there is "Gare de Lille Europe", used for international and TGV trains! The stations are just a 1km far apart). See www.voyages-sncf.com.
Both airports are well-linked with the north station ("Gare du Nord") with the RER B (regional train). For the route from/ to CDG-airport (Terminal 1 and 3, the frequency is approx. every 15min, 25 min travel time), see www.aeroportsdeparis.fr.
The way between Orly and Gare du Nord is indirect: In Anthony (name of the stop), the Orlyval shuttle is provided for the way from/ to the airport. See www.aeroportsdeparis.fr.
Other option: Brussels International airport (170km)
Brussels international airport provides many routes all over the world. Continental flights are available from/ to all major airports, while intercontinental flights are available e.g. from/ to the USA, Canada, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Thailand or China. See www.skyscanner.com.
The way between Saint Omer and Brussels ("Bruxelles Midi" - the southern train station) can be taken by train with a change in Lille (please note: The change in Lille sometimes means a change of the stations, too: On the one hand, there is "Lille Flandres" for the regional trains, and on the other hand, there is "Gare de Lille Europe", used for international and TGV trains! The stations are just a 1km far apart). The route is served at least every 2 hours and will take approx. 2h30-3h. See www.voyages-sncf.com.
Between "Bruxelles Midi" and the airport, it is possible to take a direct train (4 times/ hour, 20min travel time). See www.belgianrail.be.
Included:
Luggage transferred from hotel to hotel
Rooms en-suite in nice hotel with character
Half Board during the hike
Holiday Pack: inc. notes & map(s) & pilgrim passport, what to bring, language book
Emergency number 24/7. On the ground support
Not Included:
Flights
Insurance (recommended)
Drinks
Dinner first and last nights
Transfer from/to airport
