From 19 to 21 March 2025, students from the Emilia-Romagna town of Calendasco had the opportunity to take part in an intercultural exchange along the Via Francigena in France. Organised under the Erasmus Young Pilgrims programme, part of the broader PNRR project “Transitare, cultural landscapes” (2022–2026)—funded by the European Union to support the regeneration of the villages of Calendasco and Berceto along the Via Francigena in Emilia-Romagna—the initiative brought together students, local officials, mayors, and citizens for a three-day visit to Champlitte, a French commune in the Haute-Saône region. The visit featured cultural activities, walking along the historic route, and institutional meetings.
The Programme
The exchange began on Wednesday 19 March with the students’ departure from Calendasco and their arrival in Champlitte in the early afternoon. There, French and Italian students took part in an “Explor Game”—an innovative and interactive way to discover the town’s local heritage. The day continued with an official meeting at the Town Hall, where the Mayor of Champlitte and the municipal team welcomed the students, school representatives, and delegations from Calendasco. The gathering, accompanied by a reception offered by the local authority, highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation and the educational value of the pilgrimage route.
On Thursday 20 March, the experience continued with a visit to the middle school in Dampierre-sur-Salon, where the Italian students were greeted by their French peers, the two mayors, and school staff. After a shared lunch in the canteen, the group returned near Champlitte and set off on foot along a 10-kilometre stretch of the Via Francigena, passing through Montot. The walk was led by Mayor Degrenand, Vice-President of the CC4R (Community of Communes of the Four Rivers), who, along with other guides, shared insights and local stories throughout the route. The day concluded with a visit to the Departmental Museum of Arts and Techniques in Champlitte, followed by a convivial dinner at Café des 3 Rois, in a spirit of friendship and exchange.
Friday 21 March was devoted to the discovery of Besançon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the final stop of the initiative. After leaving Champlitte in the morning, participants joined a guided tour of the historic centre, renowned for its Roman remains and fortified architecture. Free time over lunch offered a chance to explore the city at their own pace before returning to Calendasco in the afternoon. All cultural and leisure activities were organised in collaboration with the CC4R Tourist Office.
These three days served as a bridge between cultures and territories, with the Via Francigena as the connecting thread—not just a physical path, but a tool for education, intercultural dialogue, and European citizenship. The initiative strengthened the bond between Champlitte and Calendasco, two communities united by the same historic route, today more than ever a symbol of shared heritage and future cooperation.
