The stage of the Via Jacobi that links Romont to Moudon has some beautiful viewpoints and no particular difficulties. Both little towns share the fact of having once belonged to the Duke of Savoy.
Romont is the starting point for this stage: a mediaeval town where glass has pride of place in many places, including the collegiate and other churches, in the streets and, of course, at the Swiss Museum of Stained Glass and Glass Art. As you leave Romont, you will quickly cross the border between the cantons of Fribourg and Vaud via a path along the ridge, with a delightful clear view on both sides. After the descent to Curtilles, the route follows a path along the Broye. The parish church in Moudon and its precious stalls are well worth the visit.
Tip: the Swiss Museum of Stained Glass and Glass Art in Romont presents a dazzling display of glass arts, with a large collection of stained glass and reverse glass painting.
Accessible by public transport: yes
Accessible by car: yes
A bit of history
The way of Saint James (Camino de Santiago) is a European walking itinerary that corresponds to the historic pilgrimage route to the tomb of Saint James in Spain. It crosses part of the canton of Fribourg.
It is said that the route begins on the threshold of your own home. There is therefore a multitude of itineraries. The Via Jacobi crosses Switzerland from East to West. Travellers generally journey on foot, but also by bicycle or on horseback. It takes several months to travel the 2,500 km to Santiago de Compostela.
The pilgrims traditionally brought scallop shells with them on their travels. They have become one of the symbols of the pilgrim, along with the staff, the saddlebag and the wide-brimmed hat. The scallop is the symbol found on the route's signposts. It can also often be found in the architecture. Sanctuaries dedicated to Saint James and representations of the saint abound on Via Jacobi. The Camino de Santiago was named the first European cultural route in 1987.
Saint James was one of the twelve apostles of Christ. According to tradition, his body was carried by boat to Galicia, where he was buried. A church was built there, which contained his remains and became a place of pilgrimage. Piety was a prominent feature of the Middle Ages. In the 12th century a monk described the routes in what became the earliest guidebook.
The Reformation brought this craze to an end. Later, the authenticity of the relics was questioned. The Church currently speaks prudently of the "Saint James memorial". The route, however, is becoming increasingly popular.
Every year, nearly 300,000 people are drawn to the journey. While everyone is looking for something, their motives are as varied as the walkers themselves. The hospitality service has established that 54% of visitors to the route have religious motives and 40% other spiritual motivations. People even talk of "Camino therapy"!
Properties of the itinerarie
Difficulty: Very easy
Duration: 03:35
Distance: 15 km
Ascent/Descent: +142m / -403m
Altitude min./max.: 497m / 809m
