Hint

Intro

From Yverdon, the route follows the River Orbe, sometimes high up as in Chamblon, sometimes alongside the river. Then via Boscéaz with its impressive Roman mosaics to the village of Orbe.

Detour / Closure

There are detours or closures along this route, for more information see https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/wanderland/etappe70.03

Description

Even after the fall of the Roman Empire, the Via Francigena remained one of the most important long-distance roads. Traders, soldiers and crowned heads used the route of approximately 1,700 kilometres, which runs from Canterbury to Rome.

The stage described here starts on the plateau of Cossonay, above the Venoge river. Even in the High Middle Ages, the town was owned by an important noble family and was even granted a city charter in 1264. The urban landscape is characterised by the 19th century town hall with its classical façade, the late Gothic Café des Bains and other well-preserved town houses and patrician houses from the 17th to 19th centuries.

From the plateau, the trail descends more than 100 metres in altitude to Cossonay Penthalaz. You continue hiking through the hilly landscape, forest and pasture sections. Finally, you walk along the banks of the Venoge to the scattered village of Vufflens-la-Ville. After that, around two and a half hours further along the road, comes Bussigny.

After crossing under the motorway, there is an idyllic one-hour section that follows the Venoge river. The trail meanders along the river, which is partly still and partly fast-flowing, towards Lake Geneva. The trail branches off to the left at the estuary. You reach St. Sulpice along the shore of Lake Geneva, and one and a half hours sees the end of this stage at Lausanne Ouchy. This final part represents an extreme contrast to the first five hours of hiking: it goes from dreamy, secluded, natural and quiet to fast-paced, hectic, modern and noisy.

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Cossonay
Destination
Lausanne
Direction
One way
Altitude (meter above sea level)
700 m
Ascent
300 m
Descent
480 m
Distance
26 km
Duration
6 h 20 min
Duration back
6 h 35 min
Technical requirements
Easy
Physical requirements
Difficult
Season
April - October
More information https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/wanderland/etappe70...

Route

ViaFrancigena

(Canterbury)–Ballaigues - Col du Gd St-Bernard–(Rom)
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All stages

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

Stage: 3/10

Distance

26 km

Duration

6 h 20 min

Ascent

300 m

Travel information: Orbe

Current Offers

  • Eclépens Spring Flowers Outing

    The explanationsThe discoveriesThe guidance during the journey from CHF 25
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    valid: 22.03.2025 - 30.03.2025

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  • Sainte-Croix Les Rasses Arc Jurassien, 4 days

    Included: Overnight stays as listed incl. breakfast Daily luggage transfers Costs for luggage... from CHF 685
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    valid: 19.04.2025 - 26.09.2025

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  • Yverdon-les-Bains Via Francigena North, 5 Tage

    Included: Overnight stays as listed incl. breakfast Daily luggage transfers Pilgrim's Pass Costs for... from CHF 15
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    valid: 22.03.2025 - 26.09.2025

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  • Yverdon-les-Bains Via Francigena, 11 days

    Included: Overnight stays as listed incl. breakfast Daily luggage transfers Pilgrim's Pass Costs for... from CHF 19
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    valid: 14.06.2025 - 28.09.2025

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  • Grand Hôtel des Rasses & Wellness, Sainte-Croix Les Rasses Wellness in Sainte-Croix Les Rasses

    4 nights, 4 Nights in Double room, Breakfast, Welcome drink per person per stay, Use of the wellness... from CHF 506.60
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    Double room
    valid: 15.03.2025 - 31.03.2025

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  • Cossonay-Ville Visit the Temple of Cossonay

    A guided tour and access to the bell tower from CHF 10
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    valid: 10.05.2025 - 04.10.2025

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