Via francigena 2017 - Page 3

Gignod - Nus (23,7 km)

After a hearty breakfast, we tackled the road to Aosta, the region's capital. Somewhat road-heavy it went further downhill, through small suburbs of Aosta. Once there, we strolled all the sights before I then made myself comfortable in the shade of a street cafe. Manu wanted in the time again properly stroll through the stores, which was impossible with me 😉.

Over the old Roman bridge we left Aosta, the further way led us up and down along the mountain flank, partly on paths, often on small roads. At the Monasterio Mater Misericordiae we first asked for water, the sultry weather in the blazing sun needed our water reserves. On the way we saw some forts, among others the ancient Castello di Quart. In the meantime it rained, but that was a very warm, rather pleasant downpour. Finally we went down to the town of Nus, a rather listless man welcomed us at the hotel, which was also located on a busy main road.

The hotel pool was unfortunately also not useful as refreshment for us in rainy weather. But we were less impressed by such trivialities, sleeping and eating was primary for us and that was given. Until dinner Manu walked again through the rather monotonous place while I watched the finish of the Tour de France. The pizza in the evening was in any case of the finest.

Nus – Saint-Vincent (22,3 km)

Breakfast was also rather modest here, but nevertheless we continued well rested. The Via francigena continues to follow the Aosta Valley, on the left along the flanks of the Mountains, it went partly steeply up and down. Mostly on quiet roads we crossed some small villages. At a very colorful house asked us the owner, probably a Francigena fan, into the house to fill up our water and to exchange a few words.

In very sultry weather we reached Chatillon. We strolled through the town and paused in the bar of a boules court before we tackled the steep climb past the Chiesa di Chatillon. However, it was not far to Saint-Vincent, which is known for its thermal baths. Arrived there, we moved into our our accommodation. Manu went again on a stroll through the city, I chilled a round.

In the evening we ate, as usual, in the pizzeria. Here was a massive storm that even the power from the pizza oven failed. A treat after such a sultry day, so you like to wait longer for the food.