French Camino de Santiago
Request a budget!The French Way
The French Way is the most busy and known Santiago road. With almost 800 kilometers from Saint Jean Pied de Port (France) to Santiago de Compostela, it crosses four Spanish autonomous communities: Aragon, Navarra, La Rioja, Castilla y León and Galicia.
This millenary route, declared World Heritage by UNESCO, offers a tour full of history, Romanesque art, unique gastronomy and spectacular landscapes that vary from the Pyrenees to the green Galician valleys.
Outstanding routes
French Way from St Jean Pied de Port
The complete 800 km route, a transformative experience through northern Spain.
French Way From Sarria
The last 100 km to obtain the compostela, an authentic and accessible experience for all.
All sections of the French road
The full French road consists of 33 stages, although you can start from various points:
French Way from St Jean Pied de Port
The complete 800 km route, a transformative experience through northern Spain.
French Way from Roncesvalles
775 km from the Spanish border, touring the landscapes of northern Spain to Santiago.
French Way from Pamplona
700 km from the Navarre capital, crossing some of the most emblematic cities in the north.
French Way from Logroño
600 km from the Rioja capital, enjoying its vineyards and wine culture to Santiago.
French Way from Burgos
500 km from the city of Cid, touring the wide Castilian plateaus and its monuments.
French Way from León
310 km from the Leonese city, crossing the mountains of Bierzo until reaching Galicia.
French Way from Ponferrada
200 km from the capital of Berciana, with its famous Templar Castle to the Compostela Cathedral.
French Way From Sarria
115 km from Sarria, the most popular section to obtain the compostela in 5 days.
French Way from Sahagún
367 km from the historic medieval village of Sahagún, known as the "Spanish Cluny" for its heritage.
John Doe
Very good experience. It is the third way we make and the last two organize them with Good Way Santiago. The truth is that everything went perfect: without setbacks, with an impeccable luggage transfer and good management even before last -moment changes. The only thing I would like for next time is to have the option to choose accommodations from different categories
Marcos Gallardo
I hired the services of Good Way Santiago to facilitate my experience, and fulfilled exactly that. The transfer of backpacks was always punctual, and even on several occasions the backpacks arrived earlier than expected, which was a great relief if you finished the early stage. The accommodations were comfortable and the breakfasts, abundant. At all times they were aware of us and very attentive to any need
María José González
All the support from Good Way Santiago was punctual and reliable. The accommodations and breakfasts were excellent. Living this experience surrounded by such beautiful landscapes, and finally reaching the waters of the Cantabrian Sea, it was really exciting. Along the way, the warmth of people was constant: always willing to greet, wish us good and guide us. In short, a truly unforgettable experience
What is the French Way?
The French road is, without a doubt, the most emblematic and popular route of the Camino de Santiago. Declared World Heritage for UNESCO, this millenary tour crosses northern Spain from Saint Jean Pied de Port, in the heart of the French Pyrenees, to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of the apostle Santiago rest.
With more than 760 kilometers divided into 33 stages, the French road offers a deep and transformative experience. Although many pilgrims choose to start in Saint Jean or Roncesvalles, it is also usual to start at intermediate points such as Burgos, León, or Cebreiro or Sarria, depending on the time available or the physical level.
Why choose the French road?
The French road offers multiple advantages for pilgrims:
- Connection with other pilgrims It is the busiest route, ideal for those who want to share the experience with people around the world.
- Best infrastructure It has the most extensive hostels, hostels and services.
- Diversity of landscapes and culture From the Pyrenees to Galicia, through historical cities, Templar Castles, monasteries and charming peoples.
- Options for all You can customize your route by choosing specific sections or alternative routes that further enrich the way.
Main start points of the French road
In Good Way Santiago we offer tours from different cities, adjusting to your interests and availability:
- From Saint Jean Pied de Port
- From Roncesvalles
- From Pamplona
- From Logroño
- From Burgos
- From León
- From Ponferrada
- From Sarria (the most popular section to get the Compostela in 5 days)
French road tour
The French road crosses 9 provinces: Navarra, La Rioja, Burgos, Palencia, León, Lugo and A Coruña. Throughout the route you will discover places full of history, Gothic and Romanesque art, impressive natural landscapes and endless stories.
In addition, there are recommended variants and deviations, such as San Millán de la Cogolla (by Cirueña), Olmos de Atapuerca or the Trajana road in Mansilla de las Mulas.
French road stages
The full path is divided into 33 stages of about 20-28 km per day. Here we show you an example with some prominent:
- Stage 1: Saint Jean Pied de Port - Roncesvalles (24 km)
- Stage 4: Pamplona - Puente la Reina (24 km)
- Stage 12: San Juan de Ortega - Burgos (24 km)
- Stage 20: Mansilla de las Mulas - León (18 km)
- Stage 26: Villafranca del Bierzo - O Cebreiro (27.8 km)
- Stage 33: O Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela (19.4 km)
If you need it, at Good Way Santiago we can adapt the stages so that they conform to your rhythm and preferences.
How long do you need?
It will depend on the starting point and walk rhythm. On average, completing the full French path takes between 30 and 35 days. But if you start from Sarria, you can do it in 5 or 6 days and still obtain the compostela, the official certificate of the pilgrim.
What is the best time to do it?
Each season offers a unique experience on the French road:
- Spring (April-June) Flower landscapes, pleasant climate.
- Summer (Julio-August) High influx of pilgrims, long days, but heat in some areas.
- Autumn (September-October) Spectacular colors and soft climate.
- Winter Quiet path, although more demanding for the weather.
Places you can't miss
The French road is full of treasures to discover:
- La Reina bridge Historical crossing of medieval roads.
- Estella City with great historical legacy and natural beauty.
- Astorga Visit for its cathedral and the Palace of Gaudí.
- Ponferrada Impressive Templar Castle.
- Or Cebreiro Mountain town with strong Celtic tradition.
Where to sleep and eat
In Good Way Santiago we select the best local accommodations and restaurants to rest and enjoy the gastronomy of the road.
- Sabina house in Roncesvalles
- La Peseta Restaurant in Astorga
- Chelo Casa in Arzúa
We also offer personalized options: from charming shelters to boutique hotels. We manage everything for you.
Your French path with Good Way Santiago
In Good Way Santiago we take care of all the details: accommodation reserves, transport of luggage, maps, credentials and assistance during the way. You just have to walk, enjoy and let the road transform you.
Ready to live this unique experience?
Discover our packages or contact us and design yours to measure.