EuroVelo 5 Via Romea (Francigena)

Crossing the Channel

Download developed parts

Contains only parts of the stage which are either developed, developed with signs or certified – i.e. sections that are ready to cycle.

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License & Disclaimer

These EuroVelo GPX tracks are made available under the Open Database License. While ECF and National EuroVelo Coordination Centers and Coordinators (NECCs) make every effort to ensure the tracks and their levels of development are both current and accurate, errors or outdated information can occur. The user is fully responsible for his or her own safety when making use of the tracks and for following national traffic rules and signing.

Please download and read the complete How to use gpx tracks and License and disclaimer documents before using the tracks.

The first stage of the Route goes from Canterbury to Brussels. Starting in Canterbury, with its unmissable cathedral, the route makes its way to the port of Dover along pleasant rural lanes through the Kentish countryside. A ferry will then take you across the channel and the border. Once in France, you will also have the chance to visit Lille, with its attractive city centre featuring an impressive Grand Place and a wonderful art deco City hall. In Belgium, the route follows canals and former railway lines, passing through Flemish and Walloon towns. You will discover the Pays des Collines natural park, before reaching Brussels, the capital of Europe.

Stages

Countries

Legend

Development status

Certified These sections were awarded the official EuroVelo Certification label, ensuring high-quality cycling conditions.They were surveyed in the field by EuroVelo Route Inspectors to respect minimum requirements for motorised traffic levels, surface quality, EuroVelo signage, and access to services as defined by the European Certification Standard (ECS) methodology. EuroVelo Certified routes are the best options for beginners!
Developed + Signed These sections offer generally good cycling conditions, with limited motorised traffic, rideable surfaces, and EuroVelo signs along the route. Developed routes with signs are suitable for most cyclists. However, short stretches with lower-quality conditions may occur, and it is recommended to bring a map or navigation app as signs can have defects.
Developed + Not Signed These sections offer generally good cycling conditions, with limited motorised traffic and rideable surfaces, but without EuroVelo signs. Developed routes without signs are suitable for most cyclists. However, short stretches with lower-quality conditions may occur, and it is warmly recommended to bring a map or navigation app.
Partially Developed + Signed Cycling is possible here, but conditions vary. Some stretches may have high motorised traffic or poor surfaces, even though EuroVelo signs are in place. Partially developed routes with signs are suitable for experienced cyclists only, and it is recommended to bring a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. ECF and National EuroVelo Coordination Centres are working on improvements.
Partially Developed + Not Signed Cycling is possible here, but conditions vary. Some stretches may have high motorised traffic or poor surfaces, and EuroVelo signs are not in place. Partially developed routes without signs are suitable for experienced cyclists only, and it is warmly recommended to bring a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. ECF and National EuroVelo Coordination Centres are working on improvements.
Undeveloped / Unknown These sections do not meet minimum requirements for motorised traffic levels or surface quality – or their conditions are currently unknown. They may include dangerous stretches. Cyclists choosing to cycle there should use a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. It is recommended to use public transport to skip these areas where possible.
Public transport link These sections include continuity across seas or rivers and undeveloped parts of the network that can be skipped with a reliable public transport connection allowing bicycle transport.

Markers

Natural Heritage
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cultural Heritage
Culinary Delights
Maritime Heritage / The Rhine / The Meuse
Other Point of Interest
Service
Bus station
Train station
Mobility info center

Select country

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Services

Accommodations for holiday cyclists

Belgium

regional

In the region of Flanders, there is currently no specific label but the welcome of cyclists is very natural. However, you can find 'Accommodations for holiday cyclists' (or "Logies op maat van vakantiefietsers" in Flemish) where cyclists are welcomed with open arms. The hosts know what it means to be the perfect stopping place for holiday cyclists and offer the following services: one-night stay, a safe and dry bicycle shed, the possibility to dry and air clothes, a basic bicycle repair kit and bicycle pump, a first aid kit. The following website provides a routeplanner with bicycle-friendly services accomodations. Those accommodations were selected – by self-assessment – for the Flemish iconic cycle routes (see logo).

Accueil Vélo (Cyclists Welcome)

France

national

Along the French cycle routes France Vélo Tourisme offers a wide range of services with Accueil Vélo, a national accreditation scheme guaranteeing a high quality of welcome and services for cyclists. This includes accommodations, restaurants, places to visit, tourist offices as well as bike rental and repair companies, all available to be explored on an interactive map. The “Accueil Vélo” brand is used in various regions in France, such as along the La Loire à Vélo (EuroVelo 6) as well as in the region of Alsace. (EuroVelo 5, 6 and 15).

Bed+bike East Belgium

Belgium

regional

In East Belgium, the bed+bike label highlights certified accommodations especially tailored to the needs of cyclists. Hotels, campsites and holiday apartments carrying the Bed+Bike certification offer cycle-friendly services such as secure bike storage, drying facilities, repair equipment and information on local cycling routes. Whether travelling along the Vennbahn, or discovering the region’s varied landscapes, cyclists can rely on bed+bike partners for a comfortable and welcoming stay.

Bike friendly accommodation

Belgium

regional

In the capital of Belgium, Brussels, visit.brussels offers a list of bike friendly labeled accommodations with certain services and facilities that cater for the needs of cyclists and clients.

Welcome Cycling

Belgium

regional

In the region of Wallonia, Belgium, the "Bienvenue Vélo" label offers a list of accommodations, restaurants, tourist organizations, tourist attractions and museums, producers and artisans - all suitable for cyclists.