French Way from Astorga to Santiago de Compostela

French Way from Astorga to Santiago de Compostela - Paquete turístico

Attention: Route not available for walking between November 1 and January 15.
Astorga appears at the confluence of two important routes: the oldest of them, the Vía de la Plata route, dates back to Roman times. Following this route (Gijón-Seville), metals extracted from the mines in the north of the peninsula were transported to the commercial ports in the south. During the Middle Ages, it was crossed by Arab and Christian troops during times of conquest and reconquest. An excellent communication route for centuries, it eventually became a pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.
This Camino is undoubtedly one of the richest in gastronomic offerings. The regions of Maragatería and Bierzo serve as perfect appetizers for the excellent Galician gastronomy. It's a perfect Camino for those with a sweet tooth and those who want to enjoy copious and delicious delicacies as a well-deserved reward for some stages that are not far behind. The natural wealth of the northwest of the peninsula will leave no one with a bad taste in their mouth.

Photos

Accommodations

Services

Included in all our routes

  • Accommodation

    13 days / 12 nights

  • 13 days / 12 nights accommodation

  • Complete documentation (Dossier and material for the Camino)

  • Luggage transfer during the stages. (1 piece per person max 15 kgs)

  • On-the-road emergency telephone assistance

  • Pilgrim's Credential

  • Travel insurance

Optional

  • Supplement for single room
  • Extra night in Santiago de Compostela
  • Breakfast
  • MP (Breakfast and dinner)
  • Cancellation Insurance

Map of the French Way from Astorga to Santiago de Compostela

Mapa Astorga Santiago Jpg WvcLc

Stages

  • day 1

    Arrival at Astorga

    We leave the village of Villadangos del Páramo towards Astorga, crossing San Martín del Camino, where there are several establishments where we can have breakfast or take provisions for today's route. We will take the N-120 for the last time, which will guide us for 8 kilometres until we reach Hospital de Órbigo and admire the Paso Honoroso Bridge.

    Just at the exit of the village we will find a fork that gives us a choice. We can continue straight on along a monotonous road next to the national road or turn right towards Villares, a much more interesting route. The two routes coincide at the Crucero de Santo Toribio.

    If we choose the second option, we will go to Villares de Órbigo where we will be able to find enough services to stop and stock up. A path leads us to Santibañez de Valdeiglesias, where every summer a race is held in one of the largest corn mazes in the world.

    We leave Santibañez by an ascending path and arrive at the House of the Gods, where we can eat and drink something in exchange for a donation. We continue with few slopes until we reach the cross of Santo Toribio, from where we can see Astorga and the Montes de León with the summit of Teleno rising. We descend and enter San Justo de la Vega through Calle Real.

    We cross San Justo de la Vega, cross the river Tuerto and pass behind a factory. After a small Roman bridge we return to the national road. At a roundabout we turn left and take a steeply ascending street that leads us to the Plaza de San Francisco. End of the stage.

    To consider

    This stage still continues along the N-120, but its detour through the town of Villares de Órbigo gives us a break from the asphalt we already know so well. This will add a couple of kilometers to the counter, but will make the experience much more enjoyable.

    Places of interest

    • Órbigo Bridge
    • Church of San Juan Bautista - Hospital de Órbigo
    • Church of Santiago - Villares de Órbigo
    • Cathedral of Santa María - Astorga
    • Episcopal Palace - Astorga

    Typical dishes

    • Maragato stew
    • Conger eel in ajoarriero sauce
    • Garlic soup
    • Sausages (cecina, chorizo, lomo, salchichón...)
    • Mantecadas
    • Puff pastry from Astorga
  • day 2

    Stage 1. Astorga - Rabanal del Camino (20.2 km)

    We leave the beautiful Astorga in the direction of Rabanal del Camino along the street of Los Mártires where we will find the hermitage of Ecce Homo. We leave the church behind and cross the A-6 motorway to continue along the road to Murias de Rechivaldo. At the entrance of the village we turn off to the left of the road, but we have the alternative of visiting Castrillo de los Polvazares. It is a beautiful village and an excellent example of Maragata architecture, declared a Historic-Artistic Site. The detour is less than a kilometre further and links up again in Santa Catalina de Somoza.

    If we do not take the detour, we continue through Murias leaving the church of San Esteban on the right and a long straight road leads us to cross the road. About half an hour later we arrive at Santa Catalina de Somoza, an old village of muleteers and sturdy houses with gates. Here we find several bars that are a good place to make our first stop.

    We cross the village along the Calle Real and return to the road, which takes us to the village of El Ganso, where we find a fountain and the church of Santiago with its chapel of Cristo de los Peregrinos (Christ of the Pilgrims).

    We continue our route past the bar La Barraca, which is sure to catch our attention because of its cowboy aesthetics. We leave along a dirt track, again parallel to the road, finding the first oak and pine forests.

    We pass by the monumental Roble del Peregrino (Pilgrim's Oak) and shortly after we see the Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz hermitage. At the next crossroads we follow the path that leads to the right to the cobbled Calle Real de Rabanal del Camino. End of stage.

    To consider

    Today we face a stage a little shorter and with few slopes. Many pilgrims spend the night in Foncebadón, although we recommend making a stop in Rabanal del Camino, where the end of the stage was located according to the Codex Calixtinus.

    Places of interest

    • Church of San Esteban - Murias de Rechivaldo
    • Church of Santa María - Santa Catalina de Somoza
    • Church of Santiago - El Ganso
    • Hermitage of the Blessed Christ of the Vera Cruz - Rabanal del Camino
    • Church of Our Lady of the Assumption - Rabanal del Camino

    Typical dishes

    • Maragato stew
    • Garlic soup
    • Sausages (cecina, chorizo, lomo, salchichón...)
    • Vegetables of the land for the preparation of different dishes
  • day 3

    Stage 2. Rabanal del Camino - Molinaseca (24.7 km)

    We start our walk leaving Rabanal del Camino, and, at the height of a washhouse, we join a dirt track that will take us to a small climb, the first of many on our way to Molinaseca. The road takes us to Foncebadón. After leaving the ruins of a sanctuary on the left, we continue along a path that runs along the mountainside. We gain altitude without realizing it until we reach the Cruz de Ferro, one of the most emblematic places of the French Way. It is a tradition to deposit here a stone brought from our place of origin.

    We continue along a path parallel to the road, along which we start to descend. The road narrows and moves away from the asphalt until it enters Manjarín, an abandoned village where only a shelter remains.

    After leaving the refuge behind, we continue on asphalt until we head downhill and then a steep slope on a winding road. We reach the road again and contemplate the impressive views of the mountains of El Bierzo. We take a track in the direction of an abandoned military base and start a vertiginous descent through a rocky path where we must be extremely careful. A stretch not suitable for cyclists.

    We approach Acebo, the first village of El Bierzo. At the entrance we find a cross, the hermitage of San Roque and the well known as Fuente de la Trucha. There is also a medieval smithy that works with water. The Way approaches El Acebo, the first village of the region of El Bierzo on the route.

    We leave Acebo on asphalt and descend to a big curve from where we take a detour to the left. We go back up a stony path to Riego de Ambrós. At this point cyclists must continue on the road.

    The Camino continues along the street Camino de Santiago, entering a shady path and starting a beautiful descent. We reach the small stream of Prado, where the path can be a bit muddy. The path takes us through a beautiful forest of centenary chestnut trees. We reach the road again and pass by El Jardín de Anduriña inn. We go down again, the descent is complicated so we must take extreme precautions. In the distance we can already see Ponferrada, the last big city until we reach Compostela.

    We continue along a path on the edge of a ravine and several bends, and we see the roofs of Molinaseca, closer and closer. The last stretch of the descent is along a path indicated on the ground with an arrow made of stones. We passed a cross and reached the sidewalk. Finally we arrive at Molinaseca.

    To consider

    This stage has a steep climb up to the Cruz de Ferro, but we recommend that you be more careful on the descent, as it is much steeper than the climb. At this point we have perhaps the steepest descent of the entire French Way of St. James, going through an uninterrupted descent of about 900 meters from the Cruz de Ferro to Molinaseca. Be careful and take your time. It's better to be a little later than not being able to walk tomorrow.

    Places of interest

    • Tavern of Gaia - Foncebadón
    • Cruz de Ferro - Foncebadón
    • San Miguel Church - El Acebo
    • Parish church of Riego de Ambrós
    • St. Nicholas of Bari - Molinaseca

    Typical dishes

    • Fruits of the Bierzo (reineta apple, pear conference)
    • Bierzo Pepper
    • Botillo from El Bierzo
    • Cherries and sour cherries
    • Wines D.O.El Bierzo
    • Honey from Bierzo
  • day 4

    Stage 3. Molinaseca - Villafranca del Bierzo (31.9 km)

    We say goodbye to Molinaseca with our minds set on Villafranca del Bierzo along a path that leads us to the village of Campo, where we find picturesque ancestral homes and the church of Nuestra Señora de la Encina. We cross the river Boeza and arrive at the city of Ponferrada, capital of the region of El Bierzo. It is well worth a stop to visit the Templar Castle, the main tourist attraction of the city.

    We skirt the castle and leave the city. We pass a sports site and take a track that leads us to the Church of San Esteban de Columbrianos. We meet again with the vegetation, saying goodbye definitively to the Castilian farmland. The route continues through Fuentes Nuevas, which has services, and the town of Camponaraya.

    A little further on we see a fork that leads us to Carracedo del Monasterio, a variant that adds up to a couple of kilometres and that takes us to an important Benedictine abbey, nowadays in a state of abandonment.

    We continue along the original route for almost 6 kilometres until we reach Cacabelos, where we can have a drink and rest. The Camino leads us to Pieros, which shows us a crossroads with two alternatives. A shortcut takes us along stretches of road shoulder, while the official route through Valtuille de Arriba passes through comfortable vineyards and is only 2 kilometres longer. We recommend the official route, as walking on the hard shoulder is always more dangerous.

    After choosing one of the two options, we arrive at Villafranca del Bierzo. We will enjoy a relaxing afternoon admiring the Puerta del Perdón, the church of Santiago and, why not, taking a dip in the river beach.

    To consider

    Easy stage that goes along good asphalt and dirt tracks, through vineyards. In summer it is advisable to protect yourself from the sun and heat, as temperatures tend to be very high in this area.

    Places of interest

    • Castle of the Templars - Ponferrada
    • Basilica of the Encina - Ponferrada
    • Church of San Esteban - Columbrianos
    • Hermitage of the Divine Christ - Fuentes Nuevas
    • Church of San Ildefonso - Camponaraya
    • Convent of San Francisco - Villafranca del Bierzo
    • Main Square -Villafranca del Bierzo

    Typical dishes

    • Trout
    • Sausages from Bierzo
    • Empanada
    • Bierzo Peppers
    • Chestnuts
    • Botillo
  • day 5

    Stage 4. Villafranca del Bierzo - O Cebreiro (27.8 km)

    We leave Villafranca del Bierzo towards O Cebreiro crossing the river Burbia and we find a fork with two options: The historical road or the mountain road, both of them join in Trabadelo.

    Option A) Historic route: We continue straight on along a secondary road that leads to the national road, with hardly any traffic. We go along the hard shoulder next to the river Valcarce and we reach Pereje by a detour on the right. We cross Pereje by the main street and continue without complications until Trabadelo.

    Option B) Mountain path: We continue to the right and start a steep climb. This path has 400 meters of positive slope and is 1.5 km longer than the historical route. Before starting the steep descent to Trabadelo, we pass through the small village of Pradela. This option is not suitable for cyclists.

    We leave Trabadelo and pass several times over the gigantic viaducts of the A-6. After 2 kilometres the Camino ends, in a very dangerous way, right at one of the exits of the busiest motorway. We recommend extreme caution. In Portela de Valcarce, we find a service station with cafeteria where we can make the first stop of the day. It also has a small supermarket where they sell typical products from El Bierzo.

    We leave Portela behind us and after a long stretch walking along the left-hand side of the N-VI, we reach a crossroads where we must turn off towards Ambasmestas, from where we continue straight on to Vega de Valcarce, where we find all the services.

    The path continues gently uphill until it reaches the villages of Ruitelán and Las Herrerías. At the latter, we pass the fountain and come to a fork that leads either to the Molino Verde or to La Faba, which is the option we should take. As soon as you cross the wooden bridge the climb becomes steeper and steeper. We leave the road and turn off onto a path that gives us a break as we cross the Refoxo stream. Now we start an important zigzagging ascent that leads us to the next high point, we arrive at La Faba.

    We leave the village along an ancient Roman road and contemplate the beautiful landscape of Atlantic forests in the distance. We continue along a mountainous stretch where there is hardly any vegetation and we approach Laguna de Castilla, the last village in Castilla y León on the French Way. Here there is a restaurant and a hostel where we can stop. We leave La Laguna and continue in the same direction, advancing halfway up the slope of a mountain range and slowly gaining altitude.

    We enter, at last, in Galicia. A stone cairn marks the entrance to the Autonomous Community and indicates that we only have 152 km to Santiago de Compostela.

    The last effort takes us past an uninhabited stone house. And so we arrive at the Gaiteiro monument, which recalls a medieval legend that tells of a German pilgrim who got lost in the mountains and was able to reach this place guided by the sound of a bagpipe.

    Once at the top, the views are spectacular. We pass in front of a crossroads, constructions that once marked the crossroads and with which we must become familiar from now on.

    The path takes us to the end of the stage at the back of the church of Santa María la Real. We arrive to O Cebreiro and we enjoy a magical day among pallozas, and cobbled streets that keep secrets of important legends and miracles.

    To consider

    The stage between Villafranca del Bierzo and O Cebreiro has several points to take into account when preparing the stage. On leaving Villafranca del Bierzo, we find the Pradela variant, also known as the "mountain road", well signposted. Despite being 1.5 km longer, it is a perfect option for pilgrims seeking solitude and silence. The path crosses spectacular Atlantic forests and gives us beautiful panoramic views of the Valcarce valley. This option is not recommended for cyclists.

    In O Cebreiro accommodation is scarce and is usually full in high season. We recommend getting information in advance or spending the night in one of the villages along the way, such as Las Herrerías or Laguna de Castilla, which has a hostel.

    Places of interest

    • Church of San Juan Bautista - La Portela de Valcarce
    • Church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen - Ambasmestas
    • Castle of Sarracín - Vega de Valcarce
    • Church of San Julián - Las Herrerías
    • Pallozas de O Cebreiro - O Cebreiro
    • Church of Santa María la Real - O Cebreiro

    Typical dishes

    • Cheese D.O. O Cebreiro
    • Chestnuts
    • Galician stew
    • Slaughter by-products
    • Galician Empanada
    • Meat from autochthonous livestock
  • day 6

    Stage 5. O Cebreiro - Triacastela (20.8 km)

    We leave O Cebreiro towards Triacastela, leaving behind the hostel and we follow a dirt path that goes up the Pozo de Area mountain, until we gain 100 metres of height difference and reach 1,332 metres. From the top we can contemplate the spectacular panoramic view: to the north we can see the beautiful Navia valley and the imposing Picos de Ancares, to the south the extraordinary Sierra de O Courel.

    We continue along a forest track until we reach Liñares, where we come across the church of San Esteban, a pre-Romanesque church dating back to the 15th century. VIII. From here the path begins to ascend over Os Ancares, taking us through a succession of ups and downs through forests. After reaching the Alto de San Roque (1,270 m) we can admire the bronze statue of a pilgrim fighting against the wind, created by the sculptor José María Acuña as a tribute to all the pilgrims who have overcome these passes.

    After this ascent, we continue parallel to the road and reach the village of Hospital da Condesa. We continue our route through a complicated stretch due to the steep slopes until we reach Padornelo, where we find the church of San Xoán (15th century).

    We leave the church behind and take strength for the hard ascent of the Alto do Poio which, at 1,337 metres, is the highest peak of the Way of St. James in Galicia. The ascent is hard, but it is compensated by the extraordinary views that give us strength to reach the top. Once we reach the top, we can take a well-deserved rest in the Albergue del Puerto bar.

    We continue our stage descending along a dirt track to Fonfría, which preserves the old hospital for pilgrims Santa Catalina and in its parish church there is a 17th century gilded silver chalice.

    We continue descending until we reach the villages of O Biduedo and Fillobal and As Pasantes in the municipality of Triacastela. We advance quickly, but not before stopping at an imposing centenary chestnut tree. We arrive at the small village of Triacastela and put an end to our first fully Galician stage.

    To consider

    If we do the stage in winter, we must be attentive to the weather, as we are in an area of frequent snowfalls that make it impossible for pilgrims to pass through. In case of snow it is recommended to follow the road to avoid getting lost.

    Places of interest

    • Church of San Estevo de Liñares
    • High of San Roque
    • Church of San Xoán do Hospital
    • Alto do Poio
    • Chapel of San Mamede - Triacastela

    Typical dishes

    • Cheese D.O. O Cebreiro
    • Meat from autochthonous livestock
    • Slaughter by-products
    • Galician stew
    • Chestnuts from Os Ancares
    • Typical homemade sweets from Os Ancares
  • day 7

    Stage 6. Triacastela - Sarria (17.9 km)

    We leave Triacastela and on our way to Sarria we are presented with two well signposted options: Samos or San Xil? Both options are of great interest, so the decision is yours.

    Stage Triacastela - Sarria via San Xil (17.9 km)

    After crossing the avenue Camino José Cela we take the detour on the right, which takes us to a local road towards San Xil. After passing A Balsa, along a steep slope we arrive at the Fonte dos Lameiros, with a large shell.

    We continue up an asphalted track to San Xil, where we find a vending machine. We continue by road to the vicinity of the top of Riocabo, where we leave the asphalt to enjoy the most beautiful stretch of the stage. Lush forests of chestnut, oak and birch trees escort us down to the small village of Montán.

    We continue down to Fontearcuda and cross the road to take a path that avoids the long detour of the road. We cross a river and continue along a path that comes back to the road. The centenary forests give way to green meadows, a landscape that we will see until Furela, where we can regain strength in the bar at the roadside.

    We leave behind the village of Furela and enter, at last, the municipality of Sarria. We arrive at Pintín, where there is also a bar and a restaurant. We continue close to the road and we enter a wooded stretch that leads us to the public hostel of Calvor.

    After passing Aguiada, Airexe and San Mamede do Camiño we start to see Sarria in the distance. We continue the last stretch through small slides, we pass by a campsite and we arrive at Sarria.

    Stage Triacastela - Sarria through Samos (25 km)

    At the fork we turn left towards Samos. In this variant we will have to be guided by the arrows, since we will not see cairns. We leave following the road until we reach San Cristovo do Real, where we can see the pazo of Lusío and the Casa Forte. We continue past the village of Renche, walking through a beautiful natural environment on the banks of the river Oribio. We arrive at Lastres and Freituxe, from where we go up to the parish of San Martiño, with a Romanesque church.

    At the exit of San Martiño we cross the road through a tunnel and go straight down to Samos, enjoying an impressive panoramic view over the monastery. The spectacular Benedictine monastery of Samos is one of the oldest in Spain. It was founded in the 6th century and has 1500 years of almost uninterrupted monastic life. There are guided tours and you can get your credential stamped.

    After the usual visit, we leave Samos by road and arrive at Teiguín, where we cross the road to take a track that goes up by hand. From here the path alternates paths with asphalted tracks and enters the small villages of Gorolfe, Veiga and Sivil. In the latter, we cross the river Sarria over a medieval bridge with a chapel.

    We arrive at the concello of Sarria through the village of Perros, where we see a manor house. We cross the road to get to Aguiada, where we connect with the variant by San Xil and we do the last 4 kilometres to Sarria, our end of the stage.

    To consider

    The stage through San Xil is 6.6 kilometres shorter and crosses one of the most beautiful valleys of the French Way. If we decide to do this stage, it is advisable to leave with enough water and food, as we will not find many services where we can stock up.

    On the other hand, the Samos stage is a little longer and goes through spectacular oak and chestnut forests on the banks of the river Oribio. Undoubtedly the most interesting part of the stage is the visit to the Benedictine Monastery of Samos, one of the most impressive monuments in Galicia.

    Although it is a difficult decision, whichever path we take, we are sure to get it right.

    Places of interest

    • Church of San Cristovo do Real - Por Samos
    • Benedictine Monastery of Samos - Around Samos
    • Church of San Esteban - By San Xil
    • Church of San Salvador - Sarria

    Typical dishes

    • Porco Celta
    • Octopus á Feira
    • Galician Veal
    • Fried Milk
    • Roscones
    • Filloas of milk or blood
  • day 8

    Stage 7. Sarria - Portomarín (22 km)

    We say goodbye to Sarria, with our minds set on Portomarín, along the rúa Maior and follow the arrows until we reach a viewpoint adorned with a cross, from where we have an excellent panoramic view of the town.

    We pass by the Convent of La Magdalena and go down to the river Pequeño to cross the medieval bridge of Aspera. The path takes us through meadows and orchards, we cross the railway tracks and then a small stream over a wooden bridge. We climb up a steep slope to Paredes, where there is a pre-Roman fort.

    From Paredes we arrive at Vilei, where we find a fabulous rest area with all kinds of vending machines and a stamp with which we can decorate our credentials. We continue on asphalt to Barbadelo, where we must visit the Romanesque church, paying attention to its façades and capitals.

    We leave Barbadelo behind and continue along a path to the villages of Rente and Mercado da Serra, where we find a tavern. We continue straight on along a wooded path that leads us to the fountain of Pelegrín, the mascot of Xacobeo 93. We pass by the Marzán Mill and a little further on we cross the road to go through Leiman and Peruscallo. We leave the asphalt to advance to Cortiñas and Lavandeira.

    Between stone walls and forests we reach Brea and Morgade, where we find the much photographed milestone of the 100 kilometres.

    The road continues along the asphalted track to Mirallos, where we find the Restaurant O Mirallos, a spectacular place to eat. Next we can see the Romanesque church of Santa María, which was moved stone by stone from Ferreiros. After passing A Pena, we advance to O Couto and Rozas, where it is common to find cattle. We leave the asphalt to take a wooded path in slight ascent. We pass the village of Moimentos and arrive at Mercadoiro, where there is also a bar.

    Then we visit Moutrás, and after an obligatory stop at the Peter Punk shop, we gently descend along the basin of the river Miño, interspersed with asphalt and dirt while we can see Portomarín in the background. Without further ado we reach Parrocha, we cross a road to Vilacha.

    We now start a steep descent that takes us to the Miño river and the beautiful village of Portomarín, which shines with its white facades and grey roofs. After crossing the long bridge over the reservoir, we go up the steps of the chapel of A Virxe das Neves and enter the centre of the village. We finish the stage and enjoy a pleasant afternoon in one of the most beautiful villages of the French Way in Galicia.

    To consider

    The stage between Sarria and Portomarín has all the necessary services for the pilgrim. We won't have any problems with refreshments, every few kilometres we will find a great variety of places to rest and have a drink.

    There is a belief that says that if we don't climb the Portomarín staircase in one go we will have bad luck for the rest of our Camino. So you know... No stopping!

    Places of interest

    • Church of Santiago de Barbadelo
    • Church of San Xulián de Chorente
    • Santa María de Ferreiros
    • Church of San Nicolás - Portomarín

    Typical dishes

    • Eels
    • Cake of Santiago (the best of all the Way of St. James)
    • Aguardiente (Gastronomic feast)
    • Stones of Portomarín
  • day 9

    Stage 8. Portomarín - Palas de Rei (25 km)

    We leave Portomarín in the direction of Palas de Rei from the Church of San Nicolás and descend along the Rúa Compostela to the road, which we must cross to the right to continue along the hard shoulder of the road. We cross the river over a footbridge, turn right and enter a beautiful uphill path.

    We cross the road at the height of a factory and pass by a couple of farms before arriving at Toixibó, where we will be struck by a beautiful granary. We continue ascending to Gonzar, where we can make the first stop to regain strength.

    From here, the Way continues along a slope that climbs up to Castromaior with a final steep slope (about 600 metres). At this point it is worth taking a detour from the Camino to visit the Castro de Castromairor, a Celtic site that bears witness to the past of the Galician community.

    We leave Castromaior looking for the road, which we cross to go along a path for a kilometre and a half until we reach O Hospital do Alto da Cruz. We leave the village crossing a bridge over the road, we turn left onto an asphalted track that leads us to Ventas de Narón, with a very well preserved temple.

    We advance ascending until crowning the Ligonde mountain range, enjoying some stupendous panoramic views.

    We follow the path that descends to A Previsa and Os Lameiros, where we will find one of the most famous and unique crosses in Galicia, dating from 1679, from here the path turns off the road along a path on the left, following a steep ramp that leads us to Airexe to visit the church of Santiago, with Romanesque remains and sepulchre, a cruceiro and a rectory house.

    We continue down the path until we find a washhouse and arrive at the village of Portos, where some huge ants will welcome us. From here, we can leave the path for a moment to visit the Romanesque temple of Vilar de Donas, which houses several sarcophagi of Knights of the Order of Santiago.

    We follow the road and arrive at Lestedo, where on the right hand side we see its rectory, now converted into a rural house. The road continues without loss to A Brea and Alto del Rosario. If the day is clear we can see the Sacro peak, a mountain very close to Santiago de Compostela.

    Before arriving at Palas de Rei, we will cross the village of Rosario, which owes its name to the prayer of the walkers as thanks for the good luck during the journey. The last stretch of the stage we take a path on the left side of the road, we pass next to the Os Chacotes hostel and we enter Palas de Rei, ending our stage.

    To consider

    Those pilgrims who wish to visit the monastery of Vila de Donas, should deviate 2.3 km from the Camino. A neighbour has the keys and acts as a guide.

    Places of interest

    • Church of Santa María de Gonzar
    • Castro de Castromaior
    • Church of Santa María de Cortapezas - Castromaior
    • Monastery of Vilar de Donas
    • Double-sided cross - Os Lameiros
    • Church of San Tirso - Palas de Rei

    Typical dishes

    • Rustic bread from wood-fired oven
    • Galician octopus
    • Lacón with turnip tops
    • Arzúa-Ulloa D.O. Cheese
  • day 10

    Stage 9. Palas de Rei - Arzúa (29 km)

    This is the longest stage of the French Route within the Galician community, so we recommend taking it easy and enjoying the surroundings, as it is also one of the most beautiful stretches of the route. A stop in Melide, the capital of Galician octopus, is a must for every pilgrim. After regaining strength, the last few kilometres won’t take much effort. You will also find a small oasis in Ribadiso de Abaixo, where, if the weather is fine, you can take a dip.
  • day 11

    Stage 10. Arzúa - O Pedrouzo (20 km)

    This stage is a pleasant walk on flat and comfortable terrain, with plenty of bars and restaurants that will encourage you to take it easy. You will alternate between villages and pine and eucalyptus forests. Small towns like Salceda mark the halfway point of the stage, a perfect stop to recharge your batteries before the last kilometres of the stage.
  • day 12

    Stage 11. O Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela (19 km)

    At last the last stage of your journey is here. As we said before, the sooner you start walking today the better, because the sooner you will get to Santiago de Compostela. Once you arrive at Monte do Gozo, you will discover that pleasant sensation when you first see the towers of the cathedral. A perfect panoramic view before savouring your last kilometres and making the triumphal entrance to the Plaza del Obradoiro.
  • day 13

    End of the Camino

    After arriving... End of the Camino

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is on-the-road telephone assistance?

    In your travel documents, you'll find an emergency telephone number where we're accessible while you're on the road. This ensures you'll journey with peace of mind, knowin our team members will assist you with any problems, incidents, or questions you encounter along your Camino de Santiago.

  • What is travel insurance?

    It is the guarantee that you can enjoy your Camino in a safe way. In our trips you already have an insurance included with your trip to be protected during the Camino de Santiago. We will send you the insurance policy along with all the documentation of your trip, so you will have everything you need to enjoy the Camino with peace of mind. Walk without worries!
  • What does the private transfer service consist of?

    We have a taxi service that you can hire whenever you need it. You can hire it, for example, to go from the airport to the start of your Camino, or to go from Santiago to your starting point to pick up your car once you finish the stage.   The price of the transfers will depend on the distance from your point of origin to the destination. If you have any questions about this service do not hesitate to contact us.
  • Where are the accommodations located?

    In your travel documents, you will find the names of the accommodations assigned to you, as well as their contact telephone number and location.   As a general rule, all accommodation are located in the centre of the different towns along the Pilgrims' Route to Santiago de Compostela, without the need to deviate too far from the route. But sometimes, due to lack of availability, it is possible that some accommodation may be a little far from the village or even in neighbouring towns.   For all the accommodations that are at a considerable distance from the route of the Camino, we will provide you with a free taxi service that you can use to get to your accommodation and return to the Camino the next morning.   In any case, these are exceptions that we will inform you at the time of booking.
  • What coverage does the travel insurance have?

    The basic travel insurance included in our packages offers extensive coverage against unforeseen events, ensuring you'll receive guaranteed medical assistance and numerous benefits. You can review the specifics in the General Conditions of Travel Insurance.

  • How do I make a reservation?

    To make a reservation, you can follow these steps:

  • Through our website: Select the route you want and follow the steps indicated in the form. Provide your personal information and that of your companions, choose the type of accommodation, room distribution, meals, transfers, bike rental, etc.
  • By email: If you prefer to make the reservation by email or need a personalized trip, you can send us an email to info@viajecaminodesantiago.com. We will provide you with the necessary information to complete the reservation via email.
  • It is important to note that if the routes or services available on the website do not meet your specific needs, you can request a personalized quote by sending an email to info@viajescaminodesantiago.com.

  • Can I choose the dates I want?

    Yes, you will have total freedom to choose your departure date. However, if you want to do your Camino de Santiago in the months of December, January and February, we recommend that you check availability before making your reservation. At this time of year most accommodation is closed and many services may not be available.
  • What does Camino de Santiago on your own mean?

    In this modality you will do the Camino de Santiago at your own pace and you will only have to worry about choosing the route you like the most, the type of accommodation and your departure date. If you choose this option you will travel alone or with the people that appear in your reservation, and you will have all the services included so that you only have to worry about walking and enjoying the experience.
  • What is luggage transport and how does it work?

    Luggage transport service by default is included in all our trips and it is not necessary to request it. You can enjoy the Camino de Santiago without the burden of carrying your luggage on your back, knowing that your suitcase will be waiting for you at your next accommodation upon your arrival.   Along with your credential, you'll also receive stickers. Cover these stickers with the requested information and stick them in a visible place on your suitcase.   Upon arrival at your accommodation, we suggest asking at the reception where you can leave your luggage. You'll need to leave your luggage at the designated spot early in the morning for our carrier to pick it up. This ensures that when you arrive at your next accommodation, your luggage will already be waiting for you.
  • What services are included in the Camino de Santiago on your own?

    The Camino de Santiago at your own pace includes the following services:

    • Accommodation for resting.
    • Luggage transport so you do not have to carry it.
    • An informative dossier with details about the stages.
    • The Pilgrim Passport.
    • A 24-hour assistance phone number available at all times.
    • A travel insurance for your peace of mind.

    Additionally, you have the option to customize your experience by adding extra services:

    • You can choose whether to include breakfast or half board.
    • We offer private transfers to take you to the start of the stage from Santiago de Compostela, from its airport, or any other point.
    • We can take your vehicle from the starting point to the end of your Camino.
    • You have the option to book extra nights at the beginning or end of your trip.

    Unlike group trips, we do not include a guide or support vehicle between stages. However, we provide you with a 24-hour assistance phone number to resolve any issues or unforeseen events you may encounter on your journey.

French Way from Astorga to Santiago de Compostela

From 512 €

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Organised Trips
Rafael Sánchez López - Kaufmännischer Leiter - Agentur Viajes Camino de Santiago