Castuera de Campanario

This stage is one of the most symbolic and spectacular parts of the French Way. It begins with an ascent to Iron Cross, the highest point on the route, where pilgrims leave a stone. Following this mystical moment, it descends steeply and technically demanding, testing knees. The mountain landscape gives way to El Bierzo's fertile plain. The route passes through picturesque villages such as El Acebo and Molinaseca before arriving at Ponferrada, the capital of Bierzo, dominated by its imposing Templar Castle.