From 13 to 15 June 2025, the European Association of the Via Francigena Ways will be taking part in the new edition of the Grandes Heures Nature Festival in Besançon. This must-attend event dedicated to outdoor sports will be held in the Parc Chamars, in the heart of the city, and will offer a rich programme combining sporting competitions, events, beginners’ courses and new experiences. Eight major sporting events are on offer, ranging from trail running to paddle boarding, climbing, mountain biking and even a gourmet walk.

In this dynamic and festive setting, the Via Francigena will be taking place in a space dedicated to the exploration of long-distance hiking trails, cycling adventures and slow tourism. The EAVF will have a stand there and will be promoting the route to the public with a very special feature: a major competition to win a Ferrino hiking bag, one of the EAVF’s sporting partners. 

Last year, almost 22.000 visitors took part in the Festival, and visitors are becoming increasingly familiar with the route. We hope that this new edition will bring back even more participants, nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.

For more information on the Festival visit www.grandes-heures-nature.fr/festival-2025/

photo credits www.grandes-heures-nature.fr/festival-2025/