EV5 Via Romea Francigena

EuroVelo 5 (EV5), named the Via Romea Francigena, is a 3,900 km (2,400 mi) long EuroVelo long-distance cycling route running from Canterbury to Rome and ending at the Italian port of Brindisi. The route crosses Europe passing successively through six countries: UK, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, France again, Switzerland and Italy.

The EV5 is named the Via Romea Francigena after the ancient road from France to Rome that passed over the high Alps: this is reflected in the old road's Latin name, Via Romea Francigena, which means "the way to Rome that comes from France". This route was notably documented by Archbishop of Canterbury, Sigeric the Serious who made the trip to Rome and back again in the 10th century.

Note that there is also a walking trail called the Via Francigena which follows Sigeric's route from Canterbury to Rome more closely. It is important to realise that the EuroVelo route does not in any way follow the walking route; the two are very different. For instance, the Via Francigena walking trail does not pass through Belgium or Luxembourg.