The French Way

During this 28-kilometer stage, the pilgrim says goodbye to Navarre and enters La Rioja, famous land of wine. The route is demanding due to its length but quite comfortable in terms of profile, with g...

During this 28-kilometer stage, the pilgrim says goodbye to Navarre and enters La Rioja, famous land of wine. The route is demanding due to its length but quite comfortable in terms of profile, with gentle undulations and long flat stretches. The path traverses a vineyard landscape and fields of cereal, passing through small towns like Sansol and Torres del Río, the latter featuring an enigmatic Romanesque church of the Holy Sepulchre with an octagonal plan. The most notable landmark before Logroño is the city of Viana, Navarre's last town on the Camino, boasting an impressive historic quarter. Arrival in Logroño, capital of La Rioja, crossing the Puente de Piedra over the Ebro, is an exciting moment and the entrance to one of Spain's best gastronomies.

Leaving behind the vibrant Logroño, this 29.2 km stage fully enters the heart of La Rioja. The route is a delight for the senses, winding its way through a sea of vineyards that define the landscape. ...

Leaving behind the vibrant Logroño, this 29.2 km stage fully enters the heart of La Rioja. The route is a delight for the senses, winding its way through a sea of vineyards that define the landscape. The first part is an enjoyable stroll through the Park of la Grajera, with its reservoir. The road passes through villages with a strong vitivinicultural flavor such as Navarrete, famous for its ceramics and its church of the Assumption. The profile is undulating, with an ascent to San Antón Hill that offers magnificent views of the vineyards before descending towards Nájera, ancient capital of the kingdom and cradle of kings, with its impressive Monastery of Santa María la Real as its main attraction.

This 20.7 km stage is one of the most comfortable and flat in La Rioja, allowing for a relaxed and constant walk. The landscape changes progressively, and extensive vineyards begin to share the spotli...

This 20.7 km stage is one of the most comfortable and flat in La Rioja, allowing for a relaxed and constant walk. The landscape changes progressively, and extensive vineyards begin to share the spotlight with cereal fields, announcing the proximity of Castile's lands. The path passes through small agrarian villages with much charm, such as Azofra and Cirueña, which offer services to pilgrims. This stage is ideal for reflection and enjoying the vastness of Rioja's landscape before arriving at the iconic city of Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

This 22.1 km stage marks the transition between La Rioja and Castile and León, entering Burgos province. The landscape continues to be dominated by cereal fields on a terrain of gentle undulations wit...

This 22.1 km stage marks the transition between La Rioja and Castile and León, entering Burgos province. The landscape continues to be dominated by cereal fields on a terrain of gentle undulations with no major difficulties. The route passes through a series of small Castilian towns with charm, such as Grañón, the last Riojan town and famous for its parochial hostel's hospitality, Redecilla del Camino, the first Burgalian town, and Viloria de Rioja, the birthplace of Saint Dominic. The journey is tranquil and allows the pilgrim to fully immerse themselves in the rural atmosphere of Castile before arriving at Belorado, an animated village with a beautiful main square and complete services for rest.

This 23.9 km stage immerses the pilgrim fully in the Oca Mountains, a landscape of oak and pine forests that represents an enjoyable change from the plains. The route is of medium difficulty, with a p...

This 23.9 km stage immerses the pilgrim fully in the Oca Mountains, a landscape of oak and pine forests that represents an enjoyable change from the plains. The route is of medium difficulty, with a progressive ascent to the Alto de la Pedraja, at 1,150 meters. The route passes through small villages with charm such as Tosantos, with its cave monastery excavated in the rock, and Villafranca Montes de Oca, an important historical stronghold. The final stretch, after reaching the top, is a peaceful stroll through the forest to reach the solitary and mystical Monastery of San Juan de Ortega, a place of great importance for pilgrims and an ideal retreat for reflection and rest.

This 25.8 km stage brings the pilgrim to the monumental city of Burgos. The first part runs through a low mountain landscape and forests, passing by the small town of Agés. The route crosses the Sierr...

This 25.8 km stage brings the pilgrim to the monumental city of Burgos. The first part runs through a low mountain landscape and forests, passing by the small town of Agés. The route crosses the Sierra de Atapuerca, a place of immense value for humanity due to its paleontological deposits, declared World Heritage Site. From the top of the mountain, the first views of Burgos are obtained. The final stretch is a long descent and an approach to the city that runs along its industrial and residential periphery, an effort that is widely rewarded with entry into the historic center and the view of its majestic Gothic Cathedral, one of the universal art's jewels.

As he left behind the monumental Burgos, the pilgrim dives headfirst into the essence of the Castilian Plateau. This 20.6 km stage is one of the most representative of the steppage landscape: endless ...

As he left behind the monumental Burgos, the pilgrim dives headfirst into the essence of the Castilian Plateau. This 20.6 km stage is one of the most representative of the steppage landscape: endless plains, infinite horizons and a dirt road that gets lost in the distance. It's a day of great introspection, with few intermediate towns and scarce shade, which requires good preparation for the sun and wind. The route passes through small localities like Tardajos and Rabé de las Calzadas, the last town before a long stretch without services. The arrival at Hornillos del Camino, a small Jacobean village nestled in a valley, is an authentic oasis and perfect refuge after being immersed in the vastness of Castile.

Continuing through the heart of the Burgalesian tableland, this 21-kilometer stage offers a similar landscape to the previous day, with plains and open horizons. The road passes through the small vill...

Continuing through the heart of the Burgalesian tableland, this 21-kilometer stage offers a similar landscape to the previous day, with plains and open horizons. The road passes through the small village of Hontanas, which appears suddenly in a valley, a true oasis of greenery and hospitality in the midst of the steppes. A little later, the route goes along the ruins of the Convent of St. Anthony, with its Gothic arch under which the Way still passes today. The main difficulty of the day is the ascent to Mostelares Hill, a short but intense climb that offers breathtaking views of the region and the village of Castrojeriz, with the silhouette of its castle on top, the final destination of the stage.

This 25.2 km stage departs from the province of Burgos to enter Palencia Province. The journey begins with a demanding ascent at Mostelares, leaving Castrojeriz, before entering completely flat terrai...

This 25.2 km stage departs from the province of Burgos to enter Palencia Province. The journey begins with a demanding ascent at Mostelares, leaving Castrojeriz, before entering completely flat terrain that defines the Palentine Campos land. The route is a long straight path inviting meditation. The most important milestone of the stage is crossing the Castile Canal in Boadilla del Camino, an impressive 18th-century engineering work. The final stretch, following the canal's riverbank, is a pleasant stroll leading to Frómista, famous for housing one of Europe's Romanesque jewels: San Martin de Tours Church.

This 19.3 km stage is one of the most representative of the Palatine Tableland. It characterizes itself as a practically flat and straight route that often runs parallel to the road, through the vastn...

This 19.3 km stage is one of the most representative of the Palatine Tableland. It characterizes itself as a practically flat and straight route that often runs parallel to the road, through the vastness of the Land of Fields. It's a journey that puts the pilgrim's mental strength to the test, with a monotonous but inviting landscape for deep meditation. The path passes by small agricultural towns such as Población de Campos and Villalcázar de Sirga, the latter having an imposing temple-fortress of Santa María la Blanca that well deserves a visit. The final stage ends in historic Carrión de los Condes, a town of great importance to Jacobean pilgrimage with a rich monumental heritage, ideal for rest.

A peaceful stage through the Palatine plain, crossing characteristic agricultural landscapes of the Meseta. It may follow ancient paths linked to the Order of the Temple, offering a path of reflection...

A peaceful stage through the Palatine plain, crossing characteristic agricultural landscapes of the Meseta. It may follow ancient paths linked to the Order of the Temple, offering a path of reflection and simplicity.

This stage continues across the vast horizons of the Meseta, entering into rural landscapes of cereal fields. The route is mainly flat and exposed, ideal for introspection, and can approach areas with...

This stage continues across the vast horizons of the Meseta, entering into rural landscapes of cereal fields. The route is mainly flat and exposed, ideal for introspection, and can approach areas with remnants of ancient royal roads that connected to El Bierzo.

Last stage of this stretch through the Meseta, leading to the historic walled town of Mansilla de las Mulas. The road remains predominantly flat, offering a peaceful closure to the journey across the ...

Last stage of this stretch through the Meseta, leading to the historic walled town of Mansilla de las Mulas. The road remains predominantly flat, offering a peaceful closure to the journey across the Castilian plains and preparing the pilgrim for arrival in León.

This 18.5 km stage marks the end of the Meseta and the expected arrival at one of the major capitals on the Camino Francés: León. The route is predominantly flat, but the landscape changes dramaticall...

This 18.5 km stage marks the end of the Meseta and the expected arrival at one of the major capitals on the Camino Francés: León. The route is predominantly flat, but the landscape changes dramatically as you leave the rural area to enter the urban and industrial periphery of the city. Despite the last few kilometers being tedious due to asphalt and traffic, the reward is immense. Entering the historic center of León and viewing its majestic Gothic cathedral, "The Beautiful Leonine", with its incomparable stained glass, is one of the most exciting moments of the entire pilgrimage.

Leaving León, this 24.3 km long stage enters the Leonese Páramo, one of the flattest and most exposed areas on the entire Camino Francés route. The path advances along a dirt road that runs parallel t...

Leaving León, this 24.3 km long stage enters the Leonese Páramo, one of the flattest and most exposed areas on the entire Camino Francés route. The path advances along a dirt road that runs parallel to the highway, through a monotonous agricultural landscape that invites reflection. The lack of shade is constant, so it's essential to bring sun protection and water. The stage passes by towns like Trobajo del Camino, La Virgen del Camino, with its modern basilica, and Valverde de la Virgen. The final stage ends in San Martín del Camino, a small village on the banks of the River Órbigo, offering a peaceful rest after traversing the páramo.

This 23.7 km stage departs from the Páramo's plain to venture into a terrain of gentle undulations that anticipates the arrival at the mountain. The most notable landmark of the day is crossing the im...

This 23.7 km stage departs from the Páramo's plain to venture into a terrain of gentle undulations that anticipates the arrival at the mountain. The most notable landmark of the day is crossing the impressive medieval bridge of Hospital de Órbigo, scene of legendary tournaments of chivalry. After crossing the bridge, the road ascends a small ferry where one can see nearby Astorga. The route traverses a transition landscape, with fields of cultivation and small forests. Arrival in Astorga, a 2,000-year-old city that is the crossroads of the Via de la Plata with the Camino Francés, is a great reward, with its imposing Cathedral and Gaudí's Episcopal Palace as main monumental jewels.

Leaving Astorga, this 25.8 km stage marks the beginning of the ascent to the León Mountains, a drastic change in landscape and a new challenge for the pilgrim. The path enters the Maragatería region, ...

Leaving Astorga, this 25.8 km stage marks the beginning of the ascent to the León Mountains, a drastic change in landscape and a new challenge for the pilgrim. The path enters the Maragatería region, famous for its stone villages and traditional architecture, such as Castrillo de los Polvazares (although it requires a small detour). The route is a continuous but generally gentle ascent, passing through villages like Murias de Rechivaldo, Santa Catalina de Somoza, and Rabanal del Camino, the latter an important Jacobean enclave with great hospitality traditions. The stage ends in the village of Foncebadón, recovered from abandonment thanks to the Camino, a mystical and rest place at 1,430 meters altitude, just before the Iron Cross.

This 26.8-kilometer stage is one of the most symbolic and spectacular parts of the French Way. It begins with a short ascent from Foncebadón to Iron Cross, the highest point on the Camino (1,500 m), w...

This 26.8-kilometer stage is one of the most symbolic and spectacular parts of the French Way. It begins with a short ascent from Foncebadón to Iron Cross, the highest point on the Camino (1,500 m), where pilgrims fulfill the tradition of placing a stone brought from their place of origin. After this mystical moment, it passes through the small village of Manjarín. From here, a steep and technically demanding descent of almost 20 kilometers begins, testing the knees and skill of walkers. The mountain landscape gives way to the fertile El Bierzo region. The route passes picturesque villages such as El Acebo and Molinaseca, with its beautiful Roman bridge, before arriving in Ponferrada, capital of Bierzo, dominated by its imposing Templar Castle.

This 23.2 km stage is an enjoyable and smooth walk through the fertile El Bierzo region. The profile is mainly flat with some undulations, allowing for a relaxed walk. The landscape is dominated by vi...

This 23.2 km stage is an enjoyable and smooth walk through the fertile El Bierzo region. The profile is mainly flat with some undulations, allowing for a relaxed walk. The landscape is dominated by vineyards, fruit trees and orchards, offering a green and pleasant scenery. The route passes through numerous Berician villages such as Columbrianos, Camponaraya and Cacabelos, the last being an important town with a rich Jacobean heritage. The route offers the possibility of taking variations among vineyards. The final day ends in the noble Villafranca del Bierzo, known as "The Little Compostela", a monumental village with great charm, ideal for resting before tackling the tough climb to O Cebreiro.

This is one of the most difficult, mythical and beautiful stages of the Camino Francés. With 27.8 kilometers, the journey involves ascending from the Valcarce valley to the top of O Cebreiro, the entr...

This is one of the most difficult, mythical and beautiful stages of the Camino Francés. With 27.8 kilometers, the journey involves ascending from the Valcarce valley to the top of O Cebreiro, the entrance to Galicia. The first part is a gentle stroll along the river, but the last eight kilometers from Herrerías are an unrelenting and grueling climb, especially the final stretch from La Laguna. The effort is extreme, but the reward is immense: a spectacular mountain landscape and the excitement of arriving at the magical village of O Cebreiro, with its pre-Romanesque pallozas, miraculous church, and atmosphere that transports you to another era. This stage leaves an indelible mark on every pilgrim.

A prolonged descent through Galicia's rural green landscapes, crossing native forests and small villages with charm. This stage is a relief after the challenge of O Cebreiro, offering panoramic views ...

A prolonged descent through Galicia's rural green landscapes, crossing native forests and small villages with charm. This stage is a relief after the challenge of O Cebreiro, offering panoramic views and the characteristic tranquility of the Galician entrance, up to Triacastela.

This stage offers the pilgrim the option to choose between two variants. The northern route, shorter (18.3 km) and mountainous, passes by San Xil and offers beautiful rural landscapes of Galicia. The ...

This stage offers the pilgrim the option to choose between two variants. The northern route, shorter (18.3 km) and mountainous, passes by San Xil and offers beautiful rural landscapes of Galicia. The southern route, longer (25 km), is flatter and has the great advantage of passing through the impressive Monastery of Samos, one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in Spain. Both routes are of great beauty and run through a "corridoirs", forests and villages. The two variants converge at Sarria's entrance, one of the most important towns on the Camino, and the starting point for most pilgrims who complete the last 100 kilometers.

This 22.2 km stage is one of the most popular on the Camino, as it's the first full day for those starting in Sarria. The route is a continuous up and down through rural Galicia at its most typical, a...

This 22.2 km stage is one of the most popular on the Camino, as it's the first full day for those starting in Sarria. The route is a continuous up and down through rural Galicia at its most typical, along "corredoiras" shaded by oaks and chestnuts. The path is dotted with countless small villages, horreos, and crossroads, offering total immersion into Galician culture. An important milestone is the milestone of the 100th km to Santiago. The stage ends with a descent to the Miño River and crossing its long bridge to enter Portomarín, a rebuilt village in a new location after the construction of an embankment, and featuring a singular church-fortress.

This stage is a clear example of the characteristic "rocky terrain" of Galicia. After leaving Portomarín, the path begins a continuous but gentle ascent to Ligonde Mountain Range. Along the way, numer...

This stage is a clear example of the characteristic "rocky terrain" of Galicia. After leaving Portomarín, the path begins a continuous but gentle ascent to Ligonde Mountain Range. Along the way, numerous pine and eucalyptus forests are crossed, as well as small villages with deep rural charm. The pilgrim will pass by landmarks such as the Lameiros Crossroads. Although it does not present great technical difficulties, the constant up and down requires sustained effort. Arrival in Palas de Rei, a town with all services, offers a well-deserved rest and serves as an important logistical hub in the heart of Galicia.

This is one of the longest stages of the Galician stretch, with continuous ups and downs. The path traverses a mosaic landscape of meadows, forests and small villages, crossing numerous streams. The k...

This is one of the longest stages of the Galician stretch, with continuous ups and downs. The path traverses a mosaic landscape of meadows, forests and small villages, crossing numerous streams. The key point of the journey is arriving at Melide, a bustling town where the Primitivo Way meets the French Way. Melide is an obligatory stop to taste its famous "á feira" octopus. After a well-deserved rest, the route continues with a similar profile until Arzúa, another important Jacobean town known for its exquisite cheese with Designation of Origin. This stage is demanding but very rewarding, filled with pilgrim life.

Known as the "pilgrim's anxiety" stage, this journey is the precursor to Santiago. It is a relatively short and gentle route with soft undulations that mostly follow forest trails through eucalyptus f...

Known as the "pilgrim's anxiety" stage, this journey is the precursor to Santiago. It is a relatively short and gentle route with soft undulations that mostly follow forest trails through eucalyptus forests. The atmosphere is one of pure emotion and camaraderie, with pilgrims sharing the anticipation of their imminent arrival. The path passes by small villages such as Calzada, Salceda or A Brea. The destination is O Pedrouzo (Arca, O Pino), a modern town that has grown in sync with the Camino and offers all necessary services for the final night before the final stage.

The last and most magical stage of the Camino Francés. It is loaded with emotion and symbolism. The first part unfolds in a rural environment similar to that of previous days. The first major moment a...

The last and most magical stage of the Camino Francés. It is loaded with emotion and symbolism. The first part unfolds in a rural environment similar to that of previous days. The first major moment arrives in Lavacolla, where pilgrims used to purify themselves at the river. Shortly after, one faces the ascent to Monte do Gozo, from which the first and eagerly awaited views of Santiago's Cathedral towers are obtained. From then on, a descent and an urban walk lead the pilgrim through the historic quarter to the final apotheosis: entry into the Praza do Obradoiro and contemplation of the cathedral façade.