Huguenot and Waldensian Trail

In short: Huguenot and Waldensian Trail: from Dauphiné to Bad Karlshafen. Length: around 1,800 km, duration: in sections. Best time: April to October.

Overview

This long-distance trail follows the escape route of the Huguenots and Waldensians, who had to leave France after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in the 17th century. Around 1,800 kilometres lead from the Dauphiné via Geneva and through Baden-Württemberg and Hesse to Bad Karlshafen on the River Weser.

It is a trail of remembrance of faith and flight, more than a pilgrimage route in the classic sense. That makes it a special route for Protestant walkers in particular. Along the way you will find the Huguenot villages with their French place names.

Most people walk only single sections, and in Hesse there are extra loops around the settlements.

Planning your stages

How long you need depends on your daily distance. The table works this out for 1800 kilometres, with one rest day a week.

Who is this route for?

With some hiking experience this route is very manageable. Expect climbs and keep your days from getting too long.

What does the route cost?

With an albergue or simple guesthouse and one hot meal, 90 to 120 euros a day is usually enough. Over about 105 days that comes to roughly 9,450 to 12,600 euros, plus travel and gear. This is a guide figure.

You can find more routes under Pilgrimage routes in Europe, Pilgrimage in Germany, sorted by religion under Christian pilgrimage routes.