Via Francigena - Section 3

(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.

Please find below information on how to get to your destination and back. You can also look at our "Camino flight Finder" page, and our airport guide.

To Arras

1 - The best way to get to Arras is to flight to Paris, and then to take a train to Arras.  There is 3 main airports in Paris. If you fly with Ryanair, you will land in Paris Beauvais Airport, which is outside of Paris. You would have to take a shuttle to Paris (http://www.aeroportbeauvais.com/bus.php?lang=eng), and then the train to Arras (http://www.raileurope.com/index.html). If you are flying with EasyJet/Aer Lingus, or other companies, you will arrive in Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport. Both of them are really close to the capital and are served by public transports.

2 - You can also fly to Charleroi Airport, in Belgium, and then take a 2h train to Arras (http://www.raileurope.com/index.html)

From Laon

Once again, the best way is to fly from Paris. You can take the train from Laon (http://www.raileurope.com/index.html), the journey won’t cost take more than 2hours, and won’t cost more than 25€pp. Once you are in Paris, you can get public transports to get to your airport, and if you need to go to Paris Beauvais airport, you have to take a shuttle (http://www.aeroportbeauvais.com/bus.php?lang=eng).

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