French Way on foot in group from León to Santiago: 5 + 1 stages
Information about the trip: French Way on foot in group from León to Santiago: 5 + 1 stages
New for 2027: French Way from León in a group. A less crowded route to earn the Compostela,
For those who wish to obtain the Compostela by following a less-travelled route, we are pleased to present a different and exclusive itinerary.
We will begin walking from León to Cacabelos, covering part of the historic French Way (Camino Francés). Afterwards, we will transfer by coach to Pedrouzo, from where we will complete the final stage to Santiago de Compostela.
Why this is the perfect route for you:
- Discover historic cities such as León and Santiago de Compostela.
- Enjoy traditional local gastronomy.
- Experience the excitement of the final stages before arriving in Santiago.
This itinerary has been designed for those seeking a more relaxed Camino experience, with approximately 116 km of walking (97 km + 19 km) over 8 days and 7 nights, including the coach transfer from Cacabelos to Pedrouzo.
Guaranteed departures, with immediate confirmation subject to availability.
Travel itinerary (Summary)
- DAY 1: Arrival to León
- DAY 2: Stage 1, León, San Martín del Camino 24,6 km 1/5
- DAY 3: Stage 2, San Martín del Camino, Astorga 31,4 km 2/5
- DAY 4: Stage 3, Astorga, Rabanal del Camino 20,2 km 3/5
- DAY 5: Stage 4, Rabanal del Camino, Molinaseca 24,7 km 3/5
- DAY 6: Stage 5, Molinaseca, Cacabelos 23,1 km 2/5
- DAY 7: Stage 6, Pedrouzo, Santiago de Compostela 19 km 2/5
- DAY 8: Return
Travel itinerary (Detailed)
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1
Arrival to León
Fill in your pilgrim’s passport (La Credencial) and discover the old quarter of León, that is well worth visiting.
León was the capital of the kingdom in the Middle Ages, and is a historic enclave on the pilgrim's route to Santiago de Compostela.
The city’s Gothic Cathedral and the Romanesque Basilica of Saint Isidore are well worth a visit as is the "Barrio Húmedo" (Wet District) which is filled with bars and restaurants.
Accommodation in León.
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2
Stage 1, from León to Villar de Mazarife
Distance : 24,6 km Difficulty : 1/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. As soon as we leave León via the San Marcos stone bridge, we will begin the first climb. The first town we encounter is Trobajo del Camino. From here, it is necessary to take the alternative route that ends in Villar de Mazarife. Following this quieter alternative path, immersed in nature, we will enter Villar de Mazarife, a welcoming town perfect for resting.
Transfer to the accommodation ate the end of the stage.
Accommodation in Oncina de la Valdoncina.
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3
Stage 2, from Villar de Mazarife to Astorga
Distance : 31,4 km Difficulty : 2/5
Breakfast, transfer back to the Camino and start of the stage. Today’s journey follows the script of the previous day with the endless plains of the wilderness for company.
When you reach Órbigo Hospital, the Camino gives us two alternatives. Instead of taking the path to the left, you can turn right along a marked path that runs across the fields. This is the pilgrim option which runs through two small villages and moves away from the heavy traffic.
Accommodation in Astorga.
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4
Stage 3, from Astorga to Rabanal del Camino
Distance : 20,2 km Difficulty : 3/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. The first village we come to after leaving Astorga is Murias de Rechivaldo.
The Camino starts a gradual and steady ascent to the intersection of Santa Catalina de Somoza before moving onto to El Ganso, after about an hour’s walk.
It’s now time for the last steep slope of the day before we reach the end of the stage, Rabanal del Camino. After hiking through an oak forest with its huge Pilgrim's Oak, that provides a resting point for travellers.
Accommodation in Rabanal del Camino.
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5
Stage 4, from Rabanal del Camino to Molinaseca
Distance : 24,7 km Difficulty : 3/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. This stage is the highest on the entire route and is one of the most picturesque routes on the Way.
The road out of Rabanal climbs to a mysterious landscape wrapped in clean mountain air.
The Camino leads to the Iron Cross at an altitude of 1,500 metres, which is marked by a simple tall cross on a large wooden mast. The route continues onto El Acebo, another famous hamlet and essential stop on the Camino which welcomes us to the Bierzo region. Then it moves onto Riego de Ambrós and returns to the 21st century in Molinaseca.
Accommodation in Molinaseca.
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6
Stage 5, from Molinaseca to Cacabelos
Distance : 23,1 km Difficulty : 2/5
Breakfast and start of the stage. This is one of the most beautiful stages on the pilgrim route which ends in Ponferrada.
Ponferrada is the last major urban area before Santiago. You will cross the Bierzo region, a sunken plain nestled within a ring of mountains before arriving in Ponferrada, where the Templar Castle is well worth a visit.
Accommodation in Cacabelos.
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7
Stage 6,
Distance : 19 km Difficulty : 2/5 from Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela
Picnic breakfast early in the morning and transfer by bus to Pedrouzo.
Here we will leave our luggage and we will start of the stage.
The last stage on your Camino de Santiago. The proximity of your goal will bring mixed feelings. On one hand, you will be eager to reach the desired end of the journey, yet on the downside, the feeling that comes to every pilgrim is that the journey is over.
A stage of anxiety and joy, where distance does not matter, because you are “already there”.
The route today is flat, except for the climb to San Marcos, from Lavacolla, passing Monte do Gozo and down to Santiago de Compostela.
The entire city of Santiago de Compostela is magical, but especially its Cathedral, which deserves a special visit.
Accommodation in Santiago de Compostela.
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8
Return
After breakfast, go to exchange your pilgrim’s passport, if you haven’t already done it. Alternatively, we suggest you visit the cathedral and the surrounding areas or attend a pilgrim mass.surrounding areas or attend a pilgrim mass.
Included
- 7 nights in handpicked hotels and inns, all with en-suite accommodation, on a bed and breakfast basis.
- Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel: 1 bag max. 20kg/ 44 lbs per person.
- Travel insurance.
- Credencial (Pilgrim's passport).
- Maps and tracks of the stages.
- Telephone assistance (English-speaking)
- Lunches.
- Flights or trains.
- Guide during the Camnino.
- Bus support.
- Single room supplement: € 300.
- Dinners supplement: € 240.
Not included
Accommodations
All accommodations have rooms with en-suite facilities.Conditions
Price per person based on double room.
Departures while places remain available:
8 - 15 April 2027
10 - 17 May 2027
7 - 14 June 2027
30 August - 6 September 2027
20 - 27 September 2027
(The dates shown indicate the arrival day in León and the check-out day in Santiago de Compostela.)
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