Italy is a country where every step tells a story, and along the Via Francigena, those stories are not only found in the ancient cobblestones and hilltop monasteries, but also in the kitchens, vineyards, and marketplaces that line the route.
For the traveller who loves to walk and truly savour the journey, the Via Francigena offers more than just scenic trails and spiritual reflection; it offers a taste of Italy in its most authentic form. From the earthy richness of Tuscan pecorino to the bold simplicity of Roman cacio e pepe, this pilgrimage is as much for the palate as it is for the soul.
Here’s a guide to some of the most iconic regional dishes and culinary traditions you can savour as you walk the Via Francigena, from the Alpine borders to the Eternal City.
1. Valle d’Aosta – Fontina and Mountain Fare
Your journey may begin in Italy’s northwestern corner, where the rugged peaks of the Alps cradle the small but mighty region of Valle d’Aosta. Here, the cuisine is hearty, shaped by centuries of mountain life.
Must-Try:
- Fontina cheese – A creamy, nutty cheese that’s the star of local dishes like Fonduta (a rich cheese fondue) and Polenta alla Valdostana.
- Carbonade – A slow-cooked beef stew made with red wine, garlic, and spices—perfect after a long day of walking.
2. Piedmont – Truffles, Hazelnuts, and Fine Wines
As the trail dips into Piedmont, the culinary traditions become more refined. This is the land of Barolo wine, prized white truffles, and hazelnuts that make their way into everything from sweets to sauces.
Must-Try:
- Tajarin al Tartufo – Thin, silky egg pasta topped with a generous shaving of white truffle.
- Gianduja – A creamy blend of chocolate and hazelnuts, often found in pastries or spread on fresh bread.
3. Emilia-Romagna – The Heart of Italian Comfort Food
Often referred to as Italy’s culinary heart, Emilia-Romagna is where simplicity meets perfection. As you walk through towns like Fidenza or Parma, you’re entering the home of many Italian classics.
Must-Try:
- Prosciutto di Parma – Air-cured ham, sliced paper-thin, best enjoyed with a chunk of local bread.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano – Aged for years and full of umami depth, this cheese is a flavour cornerstone of the region.
- Tortelli d’erbetta – Handmade pasta filled with ricotta and herbs, often served with melted butter and sage.
4. Tuscany – Pecorino, Pici, and Timeless Traditions
Tuscany is a feast for all the senses, and its food is as iconic as its rolling hills and Renaissance cities. Pilgrims walk through wine country, olive groves, and medieval towns like San Gimignano and Siena.
Must-Try:
- Pecorino di Pienza – A firm sheep’s milk cheese, often aged in oak barrels or ash.
- Pici all’Aglione – Thick hand-rolled pasta smothered in a garlicky tomato sauce made with local aglione, a mild, giant garlic.
- Ribollita – A rustic soup made from bread, beans, and vegetables; warming, filling, and deeply Tuscan.
5. Lazio – Roman Flavours and Culinary Heritage
As you make your final approach to Rome, the flavours get bolder, saltier, and satisfyingly simple. Lazio’s dishes are all about doing a lot with a little – peasant traditions elevated to iconic status.
Must-Try:
- Cacio e Pepe – Just three ingredients: pasta, pecorino, and pepper. But when done right, it’s magic.
- Saltimbocca alla Romana – Thin veal slices topped with prosciutto and sage, simmered in white wine.
- Maritozzi – Sweet buns filled with whipped cream, a Roman breakfast treat you won’t forget.
A Feast Woven Into Every Step
Walking the Via Francigena is a chance to slow down and reconnect; not just with the land, but with the cultural heartbeat of Italy. Food is one of the most intimate expressions of a region’s identity, and along this trail, you’ll encounter generations-old recipes passed down like heirlooms, family-run trattorias that welcome pilgrims with open arms, and flavours that linger long after the journey ends.
Whether you’re walking for spiritual reflection, cultural curiosity, or the sheer joy of adventure, the Via Francigena offers something more: a culinary pilgrimage, one plate at a time.
Ready to walk, taste, and explore your way through Italy?
Contact a travel advisor and book your Via Francigena walking or cycling tour today to experience a journey that feeds both the body and the soul.
