Search

Camino de Santiago

Viae Turonensis

The Way of Tours (Via Turonensis) is the westernmost Jacobean route in France. From Paris (or Tours) to the Pyrenees, joining the French Way at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port or Roncesvalles.

Organize your Viae Turonensis

Origin

París

Destination

Ostabat

Distance

913 km

Days

38

Difficulty

Media

Last updated: 21/05/2025

route.the_route

General Description of Viae Turonensis

The Way of Tours, known in France as the Via Turonensis (Voie de Tours), is the longest and westernmost of the four main Jacobean routes in France. Traditionally considered to start from Paris (although the city of Tours is an emblematic point and gives its name), it heads southwest, passing through regions such as the Loire Valley, Poitou, and Aquitania, until reaching Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, where it joins the French Way. The route from Paris spans approximately 900-1000 km. It is a route with an important monumental heritage, including numerous churches and cathedrals, and varied landscapes. Although less crowded than the Via Podiensis, it has a long historical tradition.

route.variants

Connections of Viae Turonensis

Vézelay (Via Lemovicensis)
870 km 35 Media

The Way of Vézelay, known in France as the Via Lemovicensis (Voie de Vézelay), is one of the four historic Jacobean routes that cross France. It begins at the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene of Vézelay, in Burgundy, a major medieval pilgrimage center, and heads southwest, crossing central France (the Limousin region, hence its name) until Ostabat, near Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, where it converges with other French routes before crossing the Pyrenees. With a 900 km journey, it is a long and diverse route that passes through cities like Limoges and Périgueux. It offers an experience of rural and monumental pilgrimage in France.

Stages of this variant:

Etapa 1
Stage 1: Vézelay - Saint-Germain-des-Bois (Nievre)
22.00 km 7.33h Media
Etapa 2
Stage 2: Saint-Germain-des-Bois (Nièvre) - Champlemy
22.00 km 7.33h Media
Etapa 3
Stage 3: Champlin - Charity, Illinois
24.00 km 8.00h Alta
Etapa 4
Stage 4: Charity-on-the-Loire - Baugy
25.00 km 8.33h Alta
Etapa 5
Stage 5: Baugy - Bourges
21.00 km 7.00h Alta
(33) more
The Puy (Via Podiensis)
733 km 30 Media

The Way of Le Puy, known in France as the Via Podiensis (Voie du Puy), is the most famous and traveled of the four main Jacobean routes that cross France. It begins in Le Puy-en-Velay, in the Auvernia region, and covers approximately 750 km southwest to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, in the Pyrenees Atlantics. At this point, it crosses the border and joins directly the Camino Francés. It is a route of great scenic beauty, which traverses regions such as Aubrac, Quercy, and Gascony, and boasts a rich monumental heritage and excellent infrastructure for pilgrims.

Stages of this variant:

Etapa 1
Stage 1: Puy-en-Velay - Saint-Privat-d'Allier
45.00 km 15.00h Alta
Etapa 2
Stage 2: Saint-Privat-d'Allier - Saugues
33.00 km 11.00h Alta
Etapa 3
Stage 3: Saugues - Wild Domain
36.00 km 12.00h Baja
Etapa 4
Stage 4: Domain of the Wild - Aumont-Aubrac
43.00 km 14.33h Alta
Etapa 5
Stage 5: Aumont-Aubrac - Nasbinals
22.00 km 7.33h Alta
(24) more

Your trip with Ourway

Everything you need for your Camino

No hassle. Your perfect route, from start to finish.

Accommodation

Selected hotels and hostels at every stage

Luggage transfer

Your backpack travels from stage to stage

Camino Guide

Detailed map with directions and services

24h Support

Team available for any unforeseen event

Pilgrim credential

Official documentation included

No commitment

Free personalized consultation

Stages

Stages of Viae Turonensis

Stage 1

París La Ville-du-Bois

36.00 km 12.00h Media -80m

This stage culminates in the monumental city of Tours, the heart of the Via Turonensis and Loire Valley. The route is long and demanding, but the profile eases as it approaches the Loire Valley. Arriv...

Stage 2

La Ville-du-Bois Étampes

22.40 km 7.47h Alta -100m

This is one of the most emblematic stages of the French Way, the starting point for many pilgrims seeking to obtain the Compostela. The route is a continuous up and down through rural Galicia, with a ...

Stage 3

Étampes Angerville

25.00 km 8.33h Baja +200m

This stage continues through rural Galicia, with a profile that includes the ascent to the Ligonde Mountains, the highest point on the Camino in Galicia. It is a beautiful day that crosses forests and...

Stage 4

Angerville Artenay

29.00 km 9.67h Alta -170m

This is one of the longest stages at the end of the Camino Francés, an authentic nightmare with continuous ups and downs. The path traverses a beautiful landscape, with forests, rivers, and villages. ...

Stage 5

Artenay Orleans

19.00 km 6.33h Baja -90m

The penultimate stage of the Camino Francés. The route is smoother than before, a pleasant stroll through eucalyptus forests and meadows. Emotion grows as you approach Santiago. It's a day to enjoy th...

Stage 6

Orleans Beaugency

20.00 km 6.67h Media -30m

The last stage. Emotion is the protagonist of this journey. The path crosses the last forests before arriving at Monte do Gozo, from where you see the cathedral of Santiago for the first time. The ent...

Towns

Featured Towns of Viae Turonensis

Explore the key towns and cities of this route.

History

Millenary History of the Camino de Santiago: Origins and Evolution Viae Turonensis

Discover the origins and evolution of Viae Turonensis

The Via Turonensis, or the Way of Tours, is the westernmost, longest, and most regal of the four major pilgrimage routes to Santiago that cross France. Described in the Codex Calixtino of the 12th century, its history is deeply linked to two of the greatest centers of power and spirituality in medieval France: the capital city, Paris, and the devotional capital, Tours. It was the route of French kings and northern pilgrims, a long and monumental journey through the heart of French history.

The symbolic starting point of the route is the Tower of Santiago (Tour Saint-Jacques) in Paris. As the capital of the kingdom, Paris was an attraction that drew people from all walks of life, including pilgrims coming from northern France, Flanders, and England. From here, the route heads south, but its name, "Turonensis", does not come from Paris, but from its next major milestone: the city of Tours. During the High Middle Ages, Tours was one of the most important pilgrimage centers in Christendom, much earlier in popularity than Santiago. It housed the tomb of Saint Martin of Tours (died in 397), a saint whose fame was immense throughout Europe. For many pilgrims, the journey to Santiago was, in reality, an extension of their pilgrimage to Saint Martin. The Via Turonensis was, above all, the route to Tours.

After leaving Paris, the route passes through cities of great historical resonance such as Orleans, liberated by Joan of Arc, and ventures into the Loire Valley, a region of pleasant landscapes and unparalleled monumental wealth. After the obligatory stop at the Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours, the route continues south, passing through another important pilgrimage center, Poitiers, where relics of Saint Hilary were venerated. The route traverses the rich region of Aquitania, passing through Saintes, with its church of Saint Eutropius, and the great port city and wine-producing town of Bordeaux.

Unlike other French routes that are more mountainous, most of the Via Turonensis follows a relatively flat terrain, making it a less physically demanding option, although its length, over 900 kilometers, posed a challenge of endurance. It largely followed the route of ancient Roman roads, making it a principal means of communication, not just for pilgrims but also for travelers, armies, and merchants.

After crossing the vast forest of the Landes of Gascony, the pilgrim arrived at the Pyrenees. The Via Turonensis converged with those of Le Puy and Vézelay at Ostabat, to reach finally Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the last French village before facing the legendary Roncesvalles pass and joining the Navarro route, which is already the beginning of the great Camino Francés in Spain.

Although it is less traveled today than the Via Podiensis (Way of Le Puy), its revival as a long-distance hiking trail, GR®655, has revitalized this historical itinerary. Today, to walk it is an immersion in French history, a journey that connects the capital with the city of devotion, passing by the tombs of some of the most revered saints in Christendom and traversing landscapes that are the heart of French culture.

We answer your questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Viae Turonensis

How long is the Tours Way (Via Turonensis)?

The Tours Way, also known as Via Turonensis, measures approximately 913 km from Paris to the Pyrenees. At Ourway Travel, we offer detailed itineraries so you can prepare adequately.

How long does the Via Turonensis (Tours Way) take?

The full journey of the Via Turonensis from Paris to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port or Roncesvalles, where it joins the Camino Francés, typically takes around 35 to 40 days.

Which is the best time to do the Via Turonensis?

The medium season, from April to June and again in September and October, offers ideal conditions for undertaking the Via Turonensis. During this period there's a pleasant climate balance and fewer pilgrims compared to peak season (July-August). Ourway Travel recommends this time for its comfort and natural beauty.

How much does it cost to do the Via Turonensis with Ourway Travel?

The prices for undertaking the Via Turonensis with our agency vary depending on dates, included services, and trip duration. At Ourway Travel, we manage customized packages ranging from 1500€ to over 2000€ per person, based on selected additional services.

What does booking the Via Turonensis with Ourway Travel include?

With Ourway Travel, your reservation for the Via Turonensis includes accommodation in hostels or rural houses, luggage transfer between stages, personalized advice, and access to a 24/7 support service during your pilgrimage. Additionally, we provide you with informative material about the itinerary and useful tips to prepare.

How does the Via Turonensis compare to other Jacobean routes?

The Via Turonensis is a unique route offering exceptional monumental heritage, crossing historical regions of France such as the Loire Valley and Poitou. Unlike more popular routes like the Camino Francés, the Via Turonensis provides a deeper cultural and religious experience with fewer pilgrims. At Ourway Travel, we recommend this route if you wish to explore an alternative path rich in history.

Why choose the Via Turonensis instead of the French Way?

The Via Turonensis is perfect for those seeking a less crowded route rich in historical significance. It offers a more intense cultural experience, passing through iconic cities like Paris and Tours before joining the French Way near the Pyrenees. At Ourway Travel, we help you enjoy this alternative route with carefully designed itineraries.

How do I obtain a pilgrim's credential for the Via Turonensis?

To get your pilgrim’s credential, you can visit any post office in France or request it directly from Ourway Travel. In our full service package, we provide all necessary documentation including this important credential that you must carry throughout the journey.

route.organize_trip

Ready for this adventure?

Viae Turonensis

No commitment Response within 24h Camino Experts

Latest Blog Entries