Bourg-Saint-Pierre on the Via Francigena
Via Francigena · ostelli & pilgrim stays, accommodation, baggage transport & pilgrim guide
Everything you need for Bourg-Saint-Pierre on the Via Francigena: ostelli, gîtes and pilgrim stays, hotels and private rooms, where to eat, baggage transport between stages, what to see, weather and practical tips for pilgrims walking to Rome.
About this town
Bourg-Saint-Pierre is a historic Swiss mountain village at the base of the Great St Bernard Pass and has been a key stop for pilgrims crossing the Alps for centuries. The village is closely tied to the presence of the hospice and routes leading to the pass, offering alpine hospitality and panoramic mountain views. Its compact centre provides essential services and a sense of continuity with medieval pilgrimage traditions.
Where it's located
Perched high in the Val d'Entremont in Canton Valais, Switzerland, set on steep alpine slopes below the Great St Bernard massif.
Points of interest
- • Mountain trails to the Great St Bernard Pass
- • Great St Bernard Hospice (nearby)
- • Church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption
- • Great St Bernard Hospice
Holy & Religious Sites
Eglise Saint-Pierrechurch
This historic parish church features a Romanesque bell tower dating back to the 11th century. It served as a vital spiritual waypoint for pilgrims traversing the treacherous Great St Bernard Pass.
Chapelle Notre-Dame de Lourdeschapel
Located near the center of the village, this small chapel provides a quiet space for travelers to offer prayers for a safe journey through the Alps. It is a traditional site of reflection before beginning the ascent toward the hospice.
Hospice du Grand-Saint-Bernardmonastery
Situated at the summit of the pass, this historic institution has offered shelter, food, and spiritual comfort to Via Francigena pilgrims for over a millennium. It remains the most significant religious refuge on this stretch of the route.
Pilgrim hostels (ostelli)
Traditional pilgrim hostels — not bookable on Booking.com. Call or email to reserve, or arrive early (first-come, first-served).
Maison St Pierre
€25
per night
0A beautiful historic hostel featuring stone floors and traditional wood-paneled walls and ceilings. It offers a full kitchen for self-catering but does not provide meals and accepts cash only.
Au Village, 1946 Bourg-Saint-Pierre, Switzerland
Reservations accepted
Auberge du Petit Vélan
€20
per night
0A simple and budget-friendly inn located in the heart of the village offering dormitory accommodation for pilgrims. It is known for its traditional atmosphere and is one of the most affordable options in town.
Rue du Bourg 6, 1946 Bourg-Saint-Pierre, Switzerland
Reservations accepted
Hôtel du Crêt
€30
per night
0Located just outside the village on the main road, this hotel provides dormitory beds specifically for pilgrims. It features an excellent restaurant specializing in local dishes and offers free WiFi access.
Route du Grand-Saint-Bernard, 1946 Bourg-Saint-Pierre, Switzerland
Reservations accepted
Recommended restaurants
- • Hôtel du Grand St-Bernard — mountain inn offering hearty alpine meals to travelers
- • Restaurant Le Relais — local specialties and panoramic terrace seating
Frequently asked questions
What is the historical significance of Bourg-Saint-Pierre for pilgrims on the Via Francigena?
Bourg-Saint-Pierre is a historic Swiss village that has served as a vital stop for travelers crossing the Alps for centuries. It remains a key location where pilgrims can connect with medieval pilgrimage traditions while preparing for the challenging ascent.
Which religious sites should I visit in Bourg-Saint-Pierre before heading to the pass?
You can visit the Eglise Saint-Pierre, which features an 11th-century Romanesque bell tower, or the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Lourdes for a quiet moment of prayer. Both sites offer a space for reflection before continuing the journey toward the Great St Bernard Pass.
Where can I find food in Bourg-Saint-Pierre?
Pilgrims can dine at the Hôtel du Grand St-Bernard, which offers hearty alpine meals, or visit Restaurant Le Relais, known for local specialties and a terrace with panoramic mountain views.
How does Bourg-Saint-Pierre relate to the Great St Bernard Hospice?
Bourg-Saint-Pierre sits at the base of the Great St Bernard Pass and serves as a traditional gateway for those heading toward the historic hospice at the summit. The hospice itself is a significant refuge that has provided food and spiritual comfort to pilgrims for over a millennium.
What is the geography like in and around Bourg-Saint-Pierre?
The village is situated high in the Val d'Entremont on steep alpine slopes. It offers spectacular mountain views and access to numerous trails leading directly toward the Great St Bernard massif.
💼 Baggage Transport
Use our baggage transport service or contact a Via Francigena luggage transfer operator below →SloWays
Via Francigena — Lucca to Rome (€15–22 per bag per stage)
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