"The Camino is like life: full of experiences."

Complete French Way on foot from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Santiago: 36 stages - 38 days

Information about the trip: Complete French Way on foot from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Santiago: 36 stages - 38 days

This is the most comprehensive route of the Camino de Santiago and is perfect for those that are looking for a complete pilgrim experience.
The route starts out in France and then continues across the north of Spain. This route starts in St Jean Pied de Port on the French side of the Pyrenees and finishes about 780km later in Santiago.
It is perfect for discovering local customs, food and wine, meeting other pilgrims and enjoying the unique atmosphere.
For many, the essence of the Camino de Santiago is about enjoying the journey and not just the destination.

The stage from St Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles is very difficult. The walk is physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness, as it takes you across the Pyrenees.

Travel itinerary (Summary)

  • DAY 1: Arrival to Saint Jean Pied De Port
  • DAY 2: Stage 1, Saint Jean Pied De Port, Valcarlos  11,4 km 4/5
  • DAY 3: Stage 2, Valcarlos, Roncesvalles  12 km 4/5
  • DAY 4: Stage 3, Roncesvalles, Zubiri  21,4 km 3/5 
  • DAY 5: Stage 4, Zubiri, Pamplona  20,4 km 3/5
  • DAY 6: Stage 5, Pamplona, Puente La Reina  23,9 km 3/5
  • DAY 7: Stage 6, Puente La Reina, Estella  21,6 km 3/5
  • DAY 8: Stage 7, Estella, Los Arcos  21,3 km 3/5
  • DAY 9: Stage 8, Los Arcos, Logroño  27,6 km 2/5
  • DAY 10: Stage 9, Logroño, Nájera  29 km 2/5
  • DAY 11: Stage 10, Nájera, Santo Domingo De La Calzada  20,7 km 1/5
  • DAY 12: Stage 11,Santo Domingo De La Calzada, Belorado  22 km 1/5
  • DAY 13: Stage 12, Belorado, San Juan De Ortega  24 km 2/5
  • DAY 14: Stage 13, San Juan De Ortega, Burgos  25,8 km 2/5
  • DAY 15: Stage 14, Burgos, Hornillos Del Camino  20,3 km 1/5
  • DAY 16: Stage 15, Hornillos Del Camino, Castrojeriz  19,9 km 1/5
  • DAY 17: Stage 16, Castrojeriz, Frómista  24,7 km 1/5
  • DAY 18: Stage 17, Frómista, Carrión De Los Condes  18,8 km 1/5
  • DAY 19: Stage 18, Carrión De Los Condes, Calzadilla De La Cueza  16 km 1/5
  • DAY 20: Stage 19, Calzadilla De La Cueza, Sahagún  22 km 1/5
  • DAY 21: Stage 20, Sahagún, Burgo Ranero  18 km 1/5
  • DAY 22: Stage 21, Burgo Ranero, Mansilla De Las Mulas  19 km 1/5
  • DAY 23: Stage 22, Mansilla De Las Mulas, León  18,5 km 1/5
  • DAY 24: Stage 23, León, San Martín Del Camino  24,6 km 1/5
  • DAY 25: Stage 24, San Martín Del Camino, Astorga  31,4 km 2/5
  • DAY 26: Stage 25, Astorga, Rabanal Del Camino  20,2 km 3/5
  • DAY 27: Stage 26, Rabanal Del Camino, Molinaseca  24,7 km 3/5
  • DAY 28: Stage 27, Molinaseca, Cacabelos  23,1 km 2/5
  • DAY 29: Stage 28, Cacabelos, Ambasmestas   22,4 km 2/5
  • DAY 30: Stage 29, Ambasmestas, O Cebreiro  13,2 km 4/5
  • DAY 31: Stage 30, O Cebreiro,Triacastela  20,6 km 3/5
  • DAY 32: Stage 31, Triacastela, Sarria  24,7 km 3/5
  • DAY 33: Stage 32, Sarria, Portomarín  22,2 km 3/5
  • DAY 34: Stage 33, Portomarín, Palas De Rei  24,8 km 2/5
  • DAY 35: Stage 34, Palas De Rei, Arzúa  28,5 km 3/5
  • DAY 36: Stage 35, Arzúa, Rúa  17,7 km 2/5
  • DAY 37: Stage 36, Rúa, Santiago De Compostela  21 km 2/5
  • DAY 38: Return

Travel itinerary (Detailed)

  • 1

    Arrival to Saint Jean Pied De Port


    780 km/ 480 mi separate the start of this itinerary from Santiago de Compostela, the final destination.
    Fill in your pilgrim’s passport and enjoy this picturesque French Basque village.

  • 2

    Stage 1, from Saint Jean Pied De Port to Valcarlos


    Distance : 11,4 km Difficulty : 4/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. From Saint Jean Pied de Port, there are two ways to reach Roncesvalles, either by the called Napoleon Route across the mountains, or by the hamlet of Valcarlos, down in the valley.
    Taking the Valcarlos route will mean your ascent will be more gradual and the highest point will be Roncesvalles.
    This day is one of the most challenging on the Way as the route crosses the Pyrenees.

  • 3

    Stage 2, from Valcarlos to Roncesvalles


    Distance : 12 km Difficulty : 4/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage.
    The Valcarlos Camino mainly follows the road which runs through the valley alongside the Nive and Valcarlos rivers.
    Don't miss the Collegiate Church in Roncesvalles.

  • 4

    Stage 3, from Roncesvalles to Zubiri


    Distance : 21,4 km Difficulty : 3/5 

    Breakfast and start of the stage. From Roncesvalles, the route continues through beech and oak woods, before reaching Espinal taking in two mountain passes: Alto de Mezquiriz and Alto de Erro.
    The trail then descends towards the town of Zubiri and its medieval “Puente de la Rabia” (Rabies Bridge) over the river Arga.

  • 5

    Stage 4, from Zubiri to Pamplona


    Distance : 20,4 km Difficulty : 3/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. Today, the Camino follows the river Arga to the hamlet of Larrasoaña, which was an important stop for pilgrims in Medieval times.
    The second half of the day gets busier, as you approach the bustling city of Pamplona.
    Although it is famous for its Saint Fermin bull-running festival, there are many other attractions to visit in Pamplona. Such as exploring the city’s medieval streets, visiting the cathedral, tasting some of the local food and wine, or, for Hemingway fans, sampling a coffee in one of the writer’s favourite haunts in the Plaza del Castillo main square.

  • 6

    Stage 5, from Pamplona to Puente La Reina


    Distance : 23,9 km Difficulty : 3/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. As you leave Pamplona behind you, you will start your ascent towards the “Alto del Perdón” (Hill of Forgiveness).
    Get your picture taken with the photogenic pilgrim sculpture at the top and enjoy the views of Pamplona and the valley beyond. From there, you will begin your descent towards Puente la Reina with its medieval alleys and impressive 11th century bridge over the river Arga.

  • 7

    Stage 6, from Puente La Reina to Estella


    Distance : 21,6 km Difficulty : 3/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. The route to Estella is very uneven and quite agricultural. Small towns and villages are dotted amongst cereal fields, vineyards and olive trees.
    Perched on a hilltop, Cirauqui is a pretty little village with winding medieval streets where you will find one of the best-preserved stretches of Roman road.

  • 8

    Stage 7, from Estella to Los Arcos


    Distance : 21,3 km Difficulty : 3/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. Today’s stage moves towards the Rioja region with its olive trees, cereal fields and, most importantly, its vineyards.
    From Villamayor do Monjardin to Los Arcos, you will cover 12 km without coming across a single village. Ensure that you have plenty of water and use sun protection.

  • 9

    Stage 8, from Los Arcos to Logroño


    Distance : 27,6 km Difficulty : 2/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. It’s time to leave Navarra and move into La Rioja. Expect a pleasant hike through undulating countryside.
    On this route, you will pass the little town of Viana before coming to the town of Logroño, capital of the world-famous wine-producing region of La Rioja.
    This stage can be split into two, staying overnight in the village of Viana (17km + 10km).

  • 10

    Stage 9, from Logroño to Nájera


    Distance : 29 km Difficulty : 2/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. Today is an easy stage through a vineyard-dominated landscape.
    You will come to the village of Navarrete after 12 km and you will have a chance to stop for some refreshments and visit the fabulous Baroque church of La Ascension.
    You will reach Nájera in the afternoon, where you can enjoy panoramic views from this hill-top town.
    This stage can be split into two, staying overnight in the village of Navarrete (12km + 17km)

  • 11

    Stage 10, from Nájera to Santo Domingo De La Calzada


    Distance : 20,7 km Difficulty : 1/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. Country roads dominate this stage, which runs through the Cantabrian mountain range to the north, and the La Demanda mountain range to the south, perfect for enjoying a shorter walking day with great views.
    Later today, you will arrive in Santo Domingo de la Calzada; another milestone on the road to Santiago.

  • 12

    Stage 11, from Santo Domingo De La Calzada to Belorado


    Distance : 22 km Difficulty : 1/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. After a brief walk through a wooded area, the Camino takes us through crop fields, interspersed with small brooks and oak woods. This landscape warns us of the approaching mountain range and, indeed, you will soon see the Oca mountains looming on the horizon.
    This afternoon, you will have the chance to relax in the lovely main square of Belorado.

  • 13

    Stage 12, from Belorado to San Juan De Ortega


    Distance : 24 km Difficulty : 2/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. This stage is similar to the previous one until you get to Villafranca Montes de Oca (14km).
    However, as you go deeper into the woods, you will soon discover the beautiful Oca mountains.
    In San Juan de Ortega, have a look at the Gothic mausoleum.

  • 14

    Stage 13, from San Juan De Ortega to Burgos


    Distance : 25,8 km Difficulty : 2/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. Today’s walk is mostly across mountainous terrain on the Sierra de Atapuerca with spectacular views of the Burgos region.
    You will pass the town of Atapuerca, known for its UNESCO World Heritage prehistoric caves. Where the earliest ever human remains have been discovered (3km off the Camino trail).
    As you begin to descend, you will reach the flat river valley taking you to the suburbs of the city of Burgos, home to one of Spain’s most beautiful cathedrals.
    Burgos was the capital of the unified kingdom of Castile-Leon for five centuries and its Cathedral is a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
    In addition to a visit to the historic quarter, go for a walk along the banks of the Duero and Arlanza rivers or discover the delicious and varied local cuisine in one of the city's restaurants.

  • 15

    Stage 14, from Burgos to Hornillos Del Camino


    Distance : 20,3 km Difficulty : 1/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. From Burgos, the route goes through the crop fields that are typical of the region.
    Then through some small Holm oak and conifer woods, which serve as a reminder of the time when one of the largest forests in Europe existed on these lands.

  • 16

    Stage 15, from Hornillos Del Camino to Castrojeriz


    Distance : 19,9 km Difficulty : 1/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. Today’s stage heads towards Castrojeriz, upwards to another plateau and then down towards the river Bol valley.
    A pleasant day spent between pasture and crop fields.

  • 17

    Stage 16, from Castrojeriz to Frómista


    Distance : 24,7 km Difficulty : 1/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. After Castrojeriz, situated on the hillside between the valleys of the Odrilla and Pisuerga rivers, comes Alto Mosterales.
    This is the highest point on the Meseta, and the last plains in the Burgos region.
    The River Pisuerga brings you into the province of Palencia and on into the "Tierra de Campo".

  • 18

    Stage 17, from Frómista to Carrión De Los Condes


    Distance : 18,8 km Difficulty : 1/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. Before you start, take time out to visit the beautiful 11th century Church of St Martin in Frómista.
    Today’s route takes you along a track parallel to the road, but if you prefer, you can take a more scenic route at Población de Campos, by Villovieco. This path goes along the peaceful banks of the Ucieza river and rejoin the Camino at Villalcazar de Sirga.

  • 19

    Stage 18, from Carrión De Los Condes to Calzadilla De La Cueza


    Distance : 16 km Difficulty : 1/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. This stage includes 13km of the historical "Via Aquitania" (another famous route to Santiago which begins in Bayonne, France) taking in isolated countryside and poplar woods, crossing several irrigation channels.
    The stretch between Carrión de los Condes and Calzadilla de la Cueza is the longest on the French Way without any villages in between.

  • 20

    Stage 19, from Calzadilla De La Cueza to Sahagún


    Distance : 22 km Difficulty : 1/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. Expect hilly terrain as you cross some "cuezas", or little valleys. This part of the Camino leaves the road and heads through oak woods, before coming back to familiar cereal fields and crossing the river Valderaduey, on route to the countryside of Leon.
    In Sahagun, the Church of St Lawrence is certainly worth a look.

  • 21

    Stage 20, from Sahagún to Burgo Ranero


    Distance : 18 km Difficulty : 1/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. Today we will leave behind the vast "Tierra de Campos" and continue through cereal crops, reaching the León plateau.

  • 22

    Stage 21, from Burgo Ranero to Mansilla De Las Mulas


    Distance : 19 km Difficulty : 1/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage.
    Today’s stage takes in the pretty village of Reliegos on your way to León and the chance to follow the “Via Traiana” (another route to Santiago, starting in Bordeaux, France).

  • 23

    Stage 22, from Mansilla De Las Mulas to León


    Distance : 18,5 km Difficulty : 1/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. This stage runs parallel to land that has been set aside for irrigated crops.
    Later, the first signs of industrial activity become visible. From Portillo Hill you will be able to make out the beautiful city of León.
    The old quarter of Leon is well worth visiting. León was the capital of the kingdom of Leon 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 full of bars and restaurants.

  • 24

    Stage 23, from León to San Martín Del Camino


    Distance : 24,6 km Difficulty : 1/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. The route out of Leon takes you right through the city to the village of Virgen del Camino, where legend has it that the Virgin appeared to a shepherd in 1506 and asked him to build a shrine. This stage is quite exposed as you cross the barren plains.
    There are two alternatives for this stage, either to Villar de Mazarife which is a longer more scenic route to Astorga or a shorter route to Villadangos which runs closer to the main road.

  • 25

    Stage 24, from San Martín Del Camino to Astorga


    Distance : 31,4 km Difficulty : 2/5

    Breakfast 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.

  • 26

    Stage 25, Astorga, 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.

  • 27

    Stage 26, 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.

  • 28

    Stage 27, 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.

  • 29

    Stage 28, from Cacabelos to Ambasmestas


    Distance :  22,4 km Difficulty : 2/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. You will first cross the small village of Pieros to reach Villafranca del Bierzo, where you will be rewarded with a visit to the famous Puerta del Perdón (Door of Forgiveness) in the church of Saint James.
    The route moves onto the small village of Pereje and then Trabadelo, La Portela and Ambasmestas. Part of the route runs parallel to the road.
    Tomorrow will bring the ascent of O Cebreiro.

  • 30

    Stage 29, from Ambasmestas to O Cebreiro


    Distance : 13,2 km Difficulty : 4/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. The Camino runs parallel to the road and then goes through the villages of Ruitean and Las Herrerias. This is when the climb really begins, with a short but very difficult ascent. There are now only 150 kilometres to go before you reach Santiago.

  • 31

    Stage 30, from O Cebreiro to Triacastela


    Distance : 20,6 km Difficulty : 3/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. You are now in Galicia, and O Cebreiro offers us one of the most beautiful landscapes on the Way, as a place of great tradition and mysticism , with its emblematic Romanesque church of Santa María de O Cebreiro.
    Then you will start the climb towards the Alto de San Roque and later to the Alto de O Poio (1,335 m), which is the highest point in Galicia on the French Route, offering spectacular views.
    After crossing the Alto do Poio, the descent to the hamlet of Triacastela begins.

  • 32

    Stage 31, from Triacastela to Sarria


    Distance : 24,7 km Difficulty : 3/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. From Triacastela, there are two ways to reach Sarria, via San XiI or via Samos, (the latter crosses Samos, with its beautiful Benedictine monastery but is more dangerous).
    The path to San Xil is well signposted and runs through a mainly hilly landscape. Initially, you will be walking on a road, but this soon changes into forest bridleways. The next village is Fonte dos Lameiros, with its large pilgrim shell monument, and then after some undulating hills, you will reach San Xil, before continuing onto Sarria through different villages.
    Sarria is the main town between Ponferrada and Santiago de Compostela. The Romanesque Church of Our Saviour, with its Gothic façade, and the convent of Magdalena are well worth a visit, as are the Rua Maior main street and the ancient medieval castle tower.

  • 33

    Stage 32, from Sarria to Portomarín


    Distance : 22,2 km Difficulty : 3/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. Expect a peaceful walk in shady oak woods through pretty villages on quiet country roads.
    The village of Barbadelo (580m) has a beautiful Romanesque church that is worth a visit. The village of Ferreiros is also on route. When you arrive in Portomarín, you can chill out at one of the numerous outdoor cafés in the main square.

  • 34

    Stage 33, from Portomarín to Palas De Rei


    Distance : 24,8 km Difficulty : 2/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. The day starts by crossing over the Belesar dam footbridge, followed by a gradual climb ending in the village of Ligonde.
    This stage runs mainly along andaderos (paths), next to the road, or in some cases along paved trails. There are many signs indicating that we are on a pilgrim route, including the famous "cruceiros" (crucifixes). Check out the Cruceiro of Lameiros and the Monastery of Our Saviour of Vilar de Donas (2 km detour off the Camino).

  • 35

    Stage 34, from Palas De Rei to Arzúa


    Distance : 28,5 km Difficulty : 3/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. On this stage, you will move into the province of Corunna, where you will find expanses of eucalyptus and pine trees and numerous medieval bridges, such as those in Leboreiro and Furelos, as well as one of the most idyllic locations on the Camino in Ribadiso do Baixo near Arzua. Melide, which is famous for its octopus, is an obligatory stop for pilgrims and lovers of good food, whilst Arzua is famous for its designation of origin cheese.
    This long walking day can be split into two with an overnight stay in Melide (15km + 14km).

  • 36

    Stage 35, from Arzúa to Rúa


    Distance : 17,7 km Difficulty : 2/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. Today’s route is a nice and easy walk over gentle slopes and through woodland, alternating with stretches near the road, which we will have to cross sometimes, before ending in Rua (500 m before the village of Pedrouzo).
    Don't miss the beautiful sculpture of Saint James the Pilgrim in the Church of the same name in Boente.

  • 37

    Stage 36, from Rúa to Santiago De Compostela


    Distance : 21 km Difficulty : 2/5

    Breakfast and 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.

  • 38

    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.

Included

  • 37 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)

    • Not included

    • Lunches.
    • Flights and trains.
    • Dinners supplement: ask us.
    • Single room supplement: € 960
    • Superior category accommodations supplement: € 610
    • Superior category accommodations single room supplement: € 1020
    • Tourist taxes.

      • Accommodations

      All accommodations have rooms with en-suite facilities.

      Conditions


      Price per person based on double room

      Daily departures form April to October

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