FrancigenAmica

FrancigenAmica: Walking the Via Francigena in Camaiore

FrancigenAmica is a non-competitive walking event that, every autumn, invites thousands of people to explore the Versilia section of the Via Francigena in the municipality of Camaiore, in the province of Lucca, Tuscany. Launched in 2016, the event has become a highly anticipated highlight in Versilia: over its first ten editions, it has brought together more than 23,000 walkers across 39 different routes, covering nearly 500 kilometers of trails through hills, olive groves, and ancient villages.

Three loop routes for everyone

The heart of the event lies in its three loop itineraries, which are refreshed every year. All routes start and finish in the historic center of Camaiore, in Piazza XXIX Maggio:

• Short route (approx. 5 km): Designed for families and children, featuring entertainment along the way and activities tailored for the little ones.
• Medium route (approx. 12 km): A perfect balance of nature and culture, ideal for those seeking an adventure without excessive difficulty.
• Long route (approx. 20 km): Reserved for more experienced hikers, offering challenging elevation gains and breathtaking views over the hills of Camaiore and the Versilia coast.

Refreshment stations are set up along all routes, allowing participants to refuel with local specialties. The traditional backpack provided upon registration includes a map of the routes and tokens for tastings.

A celebration for the whole community

FrancigenAmica is more than just a walk: the historic center of Camaiore transforms into a vibrant event village, featuring information points, exhibitor stalls, local food tastings, and free admission to the Civic Archaeological Museum. For children, there is The Little Pilgrim's Passport, complete with costumed characters, storytelling, wooden games, and face painting. Upon returning, the Pasta Party welcomes participants to share a well-deserved lunch after the walk.

FranciDog: An event designed for dogs

FrancigenAmica has always welcomed four-legged friends. The FranciDog section involves hundreds of dogs every year, with activities and professional dog trainers accompanying participants and their canine companions along the trails.

Camaiore and the Via Francigena

Camaiore is one of the historic stops on the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route that led from Northern Europe to Rome. Walking these paths means immersing yourself in a landscape of villages, Romanesque parish churches, and olive groves, rediscovering the most authentic identity of the Tuscan Versilia. The event is organized by SEI Versilia APS in collaboration with the Municipality of Camaiore, the European Association of the Via Francigena, and the Tuscany Region.