On Friday and Saturday 11 – 12 March 2022, the EAVF (European Association of Via Francigena ways) and the FFVF (Fédération Française de la Via Francigena) were invited to present the Via Francigena during the Destination Marne Fair in Châlons-en-Champagne.
Jean-Claude Paperin, Vice-President of the FFVF, Pascale Fleuriot, member of the Voie de Sigéric association (affiliated with FFVF) and Jacques Chevin, EAVF’s representative in charge of the development of the French and Swiss sections of the Via Francigena, presided a shared stand displaying information on the itinerary. They had a chance to meet the public as well as many of the 170 exhibited stands in the fair.
The FFVF is a federation of associations among pilgrims in France who work to support pilgrimages along the Via Francigena, mostly by continuously updating the list of available hospitality locations. The Via Francigena stand at the fair was situated beside the stand of the FFRandonnée from the Marne Department, an important partner for the EAVF and for the development of the Via Francigena GR®145 in France. The FFRandonnée, indeed, is responsible for the maintenance of signage and walkability of the Via Francigena GR®145 route in France.
On behalf of the EAVF, Jacques Chevin met more actors who develop the territory and are important for the development of the route, such as hoteliers, tourist offices, and even the Marne Tourist Development Agency.
