Need Advice on 18-21-day (ish) walk across part of Italy or France

You don't want to do the Camino de Santiago in Spain? It would meet all of your requirements perfectly…

I don't know a ton about it but didn't want to do one that is super highly traveled.
I just read I can bike the Via Francigena, wondering if that makes more sense (though bikini in the alps might be a bit ambitious)

Was just researching it–sounds interesting. Never been to spain. Sounds like it might be too long though–most of the people who wrote about it said they were gone a good deal longer. Though perhaps can truncate it. thanks for the suggestion!

Google the GR-10. A member on here section hiked it with his toddler and wife. Looks gorgeous and is now on my bucket list.

Edit http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/babyonboard.html#.UYcKCysjoU4

thank you–will check it out now (what a cute baby in that picture!)

You might consider the Alta Via 1 or 2 in the Dolomites region of Italy. It's entirely on marked trails with accommodation in mountain 'huts' being the norm, so no shelter or food to carry. Altho' it's thru' the mountains I don't remember the trail being steep – my wife came with me. Spectacular scenery and easily done in 14 days. I think there is a Cicerone guide. Oh, the huts may not be open in April, not sure.

thanks for that!

I did the Alta Via 1 in 2011, and it was one of the most beautiful treks I've been on. Though you're surrounded by steep, rugged peaks, the actual walking isn't overly strenuous (unless you decide to climb some of those steep, rugged peaks for fun). However, it will probably take much less time than your 18-21 day target.

If you decide to do the AV1, I should still have helpful links, notes, and my itinerary on file, and I'd be happy to do my best to answer any questions. Please feel free to PM me for my email address.

-David

This one is on my "bucket" list:
http://www.amazon.com/Trekking-Apennines-Escursione-Appenninica-Cicerone/dp/1852844167
http://www.traildino.com/trace/continents-Europe/countries-Italy/trails-Grande_Escursione_Appenninica

At 375 k, about right time frame for you if done at a steady pace.

The Appenines are little known outside of Italy. Not as tall as the Alps and definitely less crowded, but also looks beautiful.

I've only been to the Appenines once when I visited my grandfather's cousins a few years back, but definitely thought these mountains were beautiful.

If the trail goes through villages like I visited, a good chunk of the people do not speak English. Got to practice my bad Italian…and eat rather well. :)

Yes I've heard of them, nice that they're not as high as the Alps…I'll check that out. Prob have enough Italian to scrape by, but barely…thank you!

My Italian is not very good either: Two years in high. A year in college. and a smattering of a Neapolitan dialect.

Younger Italians, esp in urban areas, spoke English. The rural areas and/or older people, not so much.

A surprising amount of Italians thought I was Spanish (Probably due to a combo of my bad accent, Mediterranean looks, conservative dress of long sleeves and long pants and where I went off the beaten path at times).

Some American tourists in the Roman Forum complimented me on my English. :)

Until I spoke my bad Italian, the locals, again esp when off the tourist path, just assumed I was Italian and spoke Italian to me in train stations ,restaurants, grocery stores and so on. I remember one gentleman going "Americano? No! ". When I said my last name he smiled and said something along the lines of "Ah! Naturalmente!"

In any case, I wouldn't be afraid of not being able to speak Italian fluently. Even a little bit goes a long way, perhaps I have some ancestral bias, but I thought the Italians were beyond friendly and helpful.

If you can't tell, I'm envious. If you decided to do the GEA, should be a nice mix of beautiful mountains, warm people, wonderful culture and great food. Did I mention the food??? :)

EDIT: I went to the Appenines south of Rome. Northern Italy is a different culture..but I suspect the mountain cultures have more similarities than differences! :)

I'm also contemplating biking the Via Francigena–I *think* it's doable in 3 weeks though biking the Swiss part in the Alps sounds a bit hellacious uphill…
But it would be cool to get the cultures of several countries and end up in Italy, my favorite country…
though reading about the Spanish pilgrimage route, it sounds fun, convivial, so maybe going alone that would be a good one to do as I'd meet a lot of people…
decisions decisions…

It's been mentioned in a post above, but I'd recommend having a good look at the Cicerone Press website, which offers plenty of info. Many good ideas to be gleaned…Too many good choices.