French Way Camino de Santiago
33 Stages| 477 Mi
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The French Way of the Camino de Santiago, spanning 768 km (477 mi), is the most popular of all the Camino routes. Pilgrims who start in Saint Jean Pied de Port typically finish their journey about a month later in the city of Santiago de Compostela.
Saint Jean Pied de Port, located in southern France, is the main starting point for many pilgrims. This small trading town is nestled in the Pyrenees, making the first day challenging due to the steep slopes.
Some pilgrims prefer to begin the Camino further along; one of the most popular starting points is the town of Sarria. Other significant starting locations on the French Way include Roncesvalles, Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos, León, Ponferrada, and O Cebreiro.
Many pilgrims choose to start in Sarria as it is just 115 km from Santiago de Compostela, meeting the minimum distance required to earn the Compostela. Remember, to receive this certificate, you must walk at least 100 km.
The most iconic towns and cities along the French Way are:
- Saint Jean Pied du Port
- Roncesvalles
- Pamplona
- Logroño
- Burgos
- León
- Ponferrada
- Santiago de Compostela
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Routes of the Camino de Santiago French Way
Stages of the Camino de Santiago French Way
The complete French Way of the Camino de Santiago begins in Saint Jean Pied de Port and is typically completed in 33 stages, covering approximately 770 km (477 mi) before reaching Santiago de Compostela. Other popular starting points include Sarria, Burgos, León, or Logroño.
Stages of the Camino de Santiago French way from Saint Jean Pied du Port
Stage 1: Saint Jean Pied du Port – Roncesvalles
15 Mi
Stage 2: Roncesvalles – Zubiri
13,2 Mi
Stage 3: Zubiri – Pamplona
12,6 Mi
Stage 4: Pamplona – Puente la Reina
14,8 Mi
Stage 5: Puente la Reina – Estella
13,4 Mi
Stage 6: Estella – Los Arcos
13,2 Mi
Stage 7: Los Arcos – Logroño
17,1 Mi
Stages of the Camino de Santiago French Way from Logroño
Stage 8: Logroño – Nájera
18 Mi
Stage 9: Nájera – Santo Domingo de la Calzada
12,8 Mi
Stage 10: Santo Domingo de la Calzada – Belorado
13,7 Mi
Stage 11: Belorado – San Juan de Ortega
14,8 Mi
Stage 12: San Juan de Ortega – Burgos
16 Mi
Stages of the Camino de Santiago French Way from Burgos
Stage 13: Burgos – Hornillos del Camino
13,1 Mi
Stage 14: Hornillos del Camino – Castrojeriz
12,3 Mi
Stage 15: Castrojeriz – Frómista
15,3 Mi
Stage 16: Frómista – Carrión de los Condes
11,6 Mi
Stage 17: Carrión de los Condes – Terradillos de los Templarios
16,3 Mi
Stage 18: Terradillos de los Templarios – Bercianos del Real Camino
14,4 Mi
Stage 19: Bercianos del Real Camino – Mansilla de las Mulas
16,3 Mi
Stage 20: Mansilla de las Mulas – León
11,4 Mi
Stages of the Camino de Santiago French Way from León
Stage 21: León – San Martín del Camino
15,3 Mi
Stage 22: San Martín del Camino – Astorga
14,7 Mi
Stage 23: Astorga – Foncebadón
16 Mi
Stage 24: Foncebadón – Ponferrada
16,6 Mi
Stages of the Camino de Santiago French Way from Ponferrada
Stage 25: Ponferrada – Villafranca del Bierzo
15 Mi
Stage 26: Villafranca del Bierzo – O Cebreiro
17,2 Mi
Stage 27: O Cebreiro – Triacastela
12,9 Mi
Stage 28: Triacastela – Sarria
11 Mi
Stages of the Camino de Santiago French Way from Sarrria
Stage 29: Sarria – Portomarín
13,7 Mi
Stage 30: Portomarín – Palas de Rei
15,4 Mi
Stage 31: Palas de Rei – Arzúa
17,7 Mi
Stage 32: Arzúa – O Pedrouzo
11,9 Mi
Stage 33: O Pedrouzo – Santiago de Compostela
12 Mi
History of the Camino de Santiago French Way
The French Way of the Camino de Santiago was the route used by French pilgrims during the Middle Ages. By the late 11th century, thanks to the efforts of monarchs like Sancho III el Mayor and Sancho Ramírez of Navarra and Aragón, the French Way gained significant popularity among pilgrims. The main routes of the Camino were meticulously described around 1135 in the Codex Calixtinus, an essential work of Jacobean cultural tradition. This medieval guidebook details the pilgrimage to Santiago.
This literary gem outlines the different sections of the French Way starting from France, offering detailed information about the shrines, hospitality, people, food, natural springs, and local customs encountered along the way.
Attributed to the French cleric Aymeric Picaud, the Codex Calixtinus also highlights the political and religious interests behind promoting the sanctuary of Santiago de Compostela.
Over the centuries, various events in Europe caused the French Way to lose much of its prestige and popularity. However, by the late 19th century, a renewed interest in the Jacobean routes emerged. This interest continued into the second half of the 20th century, with the progressive restoration of the ancient itinerary and its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site during the Holy Year of 1993.
FAQ
The weather on the Camino Francés in May is ideal for walking, with mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) during the day and cooler nights around 7°C to 12°C (45°F to 54°F). Rain is possible, especially in regions like the Pyrenees and Galicia, so packing a light rain jacket is essential. Long daylight hours (14-15 hours) provide plenty of time to complete stages, and the lush, green landscapes after spring rains make for beautiful scenery. It’s a popular month for walking, with comfortable conditions and vibrant camaraderie among pilgrims.
The Camino Francés typically consists of 33 stages, covering a total distance of approximately 780 km (485 miles) from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. These stages are generally completed over the course of 30 to 35 days, depending on individual pace and rest days. Some common starting points like Sarria (for the last 100 km) or other cities along the route, such as Burgos, León, or Logroño, can reduce the number of stages significantly.
The French Way of the Camino de Santiago is moderately challenging, with sections like the steep climb over the Pyrenees from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles and the ascent to O Cebreiro being particularly tough. Covering 770 km (478 miles) over about a month, it requires walking 20-25 km (12-15 miles) daily, which can be demanding, especially for beginners. Weather conditions, such as fog, rain, or heat, can add difficulty, but with proper preparation, training, and good equipment, most pilgrims adapt within the first week and enjoy this iconic route.
Otros related Caminos
Camino de Santiago English Way
Camino de Santiago Primitive Way
Camino de Santiago to Finisterre and Muxía