Eurovelo 5 cycling guides and maps
Eurovelo 5 – Via Romea Francigena
Over a thousand years ago, pilgrims walked from England to Rome. Today, EuroVelo 5 invites you to cycle this ancient route, spanning nearly 3,200 km between London and Brindisi, passing through Europe’s greatest capitals. From the medieval Via Francigena to modern-day Europe, this journey immerses you in history, spirituality, and unforgettable landscapes.
Eurovelo 5: a cycle route between history and culture
Also known as the Via Romea Francigena, EuroVelo 5 connects London to Brindisi, Italy, along a route inspired by ancient pilgrimages to Rome. This major route crosses seven European countries :
The route begins in London, crosses the English Channel to northern France. It passes through the cities of Calais, Amiens, and Reims, then continues into Belgium via Brussels. Then it goes to Luxembourg and Strasbourg in France, before entering Germany via the Rhine Valley. In Switzerland, the route reaches Basel, crosses the Alps, and continues into Italy via Milan, Siena, Rome, and Taranto, ending in Brindisi, the ancient embarkation point for Jerusalem via the Via Appia.
Currently, the best-equipped sections are:
- France, especially from Amiens to Strasbourg.
- Belgium
- Luxembourg
The sections in Germany and Switzerland are currently under development. In Italy, the signage remains incomplete, but many sections are still passable, particularly between Milan, Siena, and Rome. To help you navigate, we strongly recommend using Eurovelo 5 maps, detailed guides, or the Eurovelo 5 PDF file with itinerary, accommodation, and elevation profiles.
The must-see sites on the EV5
The Via Francigena is an exceptional route for discovering the major European institutions by bike: Strasbourg, Luxembourg, Brussels. It includes UNESCO-listed monuments (more than 20 sites), cathedrals, museums and cities of art, and varied landscapes, from the northern plains to Tuscany, via the Swiss Alps. Here is a short list of the must-sees:
- The Via Appia, the ancient Roman road to Brindisi
- Canterbury in the United Kingdom, the historic starting point for pilgrims
- Reims Cathedral, a jewel of French heritage
- Brussels, the European institutions and Art Nouveau
- Luxembourg, the fortified city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Strasbourg, the European capital and Gothic city
- The Swiss Alps, high mountain landscapes
- Milan, the capital of fashion and design
- Siena and Rome, cities of art and history
This historic route invites you to alternate between cycle touring in Italy, crossing wine-growing regions, mountain passages, and urban explorations.
Routes connected to Eurovelo 5
Eurovelo 5 crosses or runs alongside several other major European cycle routes, allowing you to combine or extend your trip:
- Eurovelo 15 – Rhine Route : From the Swiss Alps to the North Sea, Eurovelo 15 runs along some of Europe’s most beautiful rivers. In France, there is a junction in Alsace or Basel, to follow the river to the North Sea.
- Eurovelo 6 – From the Atlantic to the Black Sea : This Eurovelo route takes you through 10 countries. In France, there is a possible connection to Strasbourg or further south, to reach the Loire or the Danube.
- Eurovelo 8 – The Mediterranean by bike : By heading south from Italy, you can reach the Adriatic and Mediterranean coasts, and extend your route through southern Europe.
These connections allow you to create a tailor-made cycling trip, whether you’re drawn to nature, culture, spirituality, or a sporting challenge. For even more cycling destinations, explore our maps, guides, and atlases of Europe.