French Camino de Santiago

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The French Way

The French Way is the most popular and well-known Camino de Santiago route. With almost 800 kilometers from Saint Jean Pied de Port (France) to Santiago de Compostela, it crosses five Spanish autonomous communities: Aragon, Navarra, La Rioja, Castilla y León and Galicia.

This thousand-year-old route, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, offers a journey full of history, Romanesque art, unique gastronomy and spectacular landscapes that range from the Pyrenees to the green Galician valleys.

Featured Routes

French Way from St Jean Pied de Port
More reserved

French Way from St Jean Pied de Port

The complete 800 km route, a transformative experience through northern Spain.

4-5 pilgrimage days
68 kilometers
French Way From Sarria
More popular

French Way From Sarria

The last 100 km to obtain the compostela, an authentic and accessible experience for all.

6-7 pilgrimage days
111 kilometers
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What is the French Way?

The French Way is, without a doubt, the most emblematic and popular route of the Camino de Santiago. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this millenary journey 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 Saint James rest.

With more than 760 kilometers divided into 33 stages, the French Way offers a deep and transformative experience. Although many pilgrims choose to start in Saint Jean or Roncesvalles, it is also common to start at intermediate points such as Burgos, León, O Cebreiro or Sarria, depending on the time available or physical fitness level.

Why choose the French Way?

The French Way 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 from around the world.
  • Best infrastructure It has the most extensive network of hostels, accommodations, and services.
  • Diversity of landscapes and culture From the Pyrenees to Galicia, through historical cities, Templar Castles, monasteries and charming villages.
  • Options for all You can customize your route by choosing specific sections or alternative routes that further enrich the way.

Main starting points of the French Way

At 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 Way route

The French Way 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 detours, such as San Millán de la Cogolla (via Cirueña), Olmos de Atapuerca or the Trajana road in Mansilla de las Mulas.

French Way stages

The full route is divided into 33 stages of about 20-28 km per day. Here we show you some of the most notable stages:

  • 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 needed, at Good Way Santiago we can adapt the stages to match your pace and preferences.

How long do you need?

It depends on the starting point and walking pace. On average, completing the full French Way 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 Way:

  • Spring (April-June) Flowering landscapes, pleasant climate.
  • Summer (July-August) High influx of pilgrims, long days, but heat in some areas.
  • Autumn (September-October) Spectacular colors and mild climate.
  • Winter Quiet path, although more challenging due to weather conditions.

Places you can't miss

The French Way is full of treasures to discover:

  • Puente la Reina Historical crossing of medieval routes.
  • Estella City with great historical legacy and natural beauty.
  • Astorga Visit for its cathedral and the Palace of Gaudí.
  • Ponferrada Impressive Templar Castle.
  • O Cebreiro Mountain town with strong Celtic tradition.

Where to sleep and eat

At Good Way Santiago we select the best local accommodations and restaurants to rest and enjoy the cuisine of the Way.

  • Sabina house in Roncesvalles
  • La Peseta Restaurant in Astorga
  • Chelo Casa in Arzúa

We also offer personalized options: from charming accommodations to boutique hotels. We manage everything for you.

Your French Way with Good Way Santiago

At Good Way Santiago we take care of all the details: accommodation reservations, luggage transport, maps, credentials and assistance along the Way. All you need to do is walk, enjoy and let the journey transform you.

Ready to live this unique experience?

Discover our packages or contact us and design yours to measure.