The French Way by bike from Ponferrada is the perfect route for all those cyclists who have never done the Camino de Santiago and want to have a first experience on the route. The 200 kilometres that separate the capital of El Bierzo from Santiago de Compostela can be cycled all the way, and they are also the minimum distance to obtain the Compostela certificate.

A trip in which you will discover places of great historical importance such as the Templar castle of Ponferrada, a city that you will leave behind to cycle through the fertile moors of the Bierzo region. Galicia will welcome you with a gift for the senses: O Cebreiro. A small fairytale village famous for its pallozas and stone streets that hide great legends, mysteries, and miracles. You will cross the Galician region passing by important monasteries such as the one in Samos, immense forests of centenary trees, and small villages where you will have all the necessary services to rest after each day.

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245€

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Private hostels

245 €

Hostels and pensions

350 €

Hotels

475 €

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Map of the Route

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Stages of French Way by bike from Ponferrada

Day 1. Arrival in Ponferrada

The capital of El Bierzo is a great place for a relaxing day before starting your French Way by bike from Ponferrada. So you know, enjoy.

You are in the land of the Templars and you will have the opportunity to visit one of the best preserved castles of this medieval order. The Templar Castle of Ponferrada is the main tourist attraction of the city and can be visited almost 100%. And if you like museums, there are four not to be missed: the Energy Museum, the Railway Museum, the Radio Museum and the Bierzo Museum. And after the cultural visits… what better than enjoying a good dinner with products from the region. The best cecina of Castilla y León is here!

Day 2. Stage Ponferrada - O Cebreiro (55 km)

Your first day as a bicigrino is off to a great start! We hope you had a good rest yesterday because today’s day is a tough one, especially in its final stretch.

We set off from Ponferrada following the same indications as the pilgrims on foot, as the route is perfectly cyclable. We will cross the green valley of El Bierzo through regional roads, dirt tracks and paths. If you prefer, you can also go by road taking the LE-713 to Villafranca del Bierzo, where you can make a stop, and then take the N-VI and the NA-006 to Las Herrerías.

From the Herrerías it’s time to climb up the sprockets because the big part of the day begins. No reward without effort! This will undoubtedly be the hardest ascent of the whole route, so it’s lucky you got the first day. You should pay attention, as there are different signs for pedestrians and cyclists, although if you are experienced you can go the original way.

We recommend you to do the route on asphalt, first taking the CV-125 until you reach the Laguna de Castilla and then go the last 900 meters uphill on an asphalt road until you reach the unique village of O Cebreiro.

O Cebreiro is a place of incalculable ethnographic, natural and cultural value. It has several restored examples of the traditional palloza, a characteristic construction of the mountains of Lugo in which livestock and families shared a house. In addition, it is essential to visit the church of Santa María la Real de O Cebreiro, the oldest church on the Jacobean route, in pre-Romanesque style from the 9th century, still in operation. During your stay in O Cebreiro, you will live a magical Celtic experience and disconnection, which will recharge your batteries to continue with what will surely be one of the best memories of your Camino.

Day 3. Stage O Cebreiro - Portomarín (62 km)

You will start the stage saying goodbye with sadness to the beautiful village of O Cebreiro. Today two mountain passes await you, the Alto de San Roque, where you will find a monumental statue of a pilgrim fighting against the wind, and the Alto del Poio, which will give you spectacular views of the region. The route can be done following the road or by the original path.

After crowning the two mountains it is time to descend. A steep descent will force you to use your brakes until you reach Triacastela, a good place to take a break and have a drink. From Triacastela you have two options, continue the original route through San Xil, much more mountainous; or take the variant of Samos, a highly recommended option if you want to visit the spectacular monastery of Samos.

Both roads converge near Sarria, the second big village of the day, where you can stop for lunch and which has all the services. From here, the last 20 km run on local roads through beautiful hilly and wooded landscapes. During this stretch you will find plenty of places to rest and refresh yourself. The final stretch of the day runs through a spectacular descent that takes you to Portomarín, one of the most beautiful villages along the route.

Day 4. Stage Portomarín - Arzúa (54 km)

Today’s day begins with a steep climb that will serve as a warm-up. Arriving at Ventas de Narón, a descent begins to Palas de Rei, a village that has all the services and is the perfect place for the first stop of the day.

You will continue the route to Melide, in the province of A Coruña. This section has many climbs and descents, which will make you feel the accumulated fatigue of the stage. When you reach Melide, the great reward of the day awaits you. You are in the capital of Galician octopus, there is no better place on the French Way to taste this delicacy. So take a seat in one of their pulperías and enjoy!

With a full belly we are sure that you will face the last 15 km of the day with a new spirit. This section runs through forests and corredoiras with some steep slopes. When we arrive at Ribadiso de Abaixo the path starts to steepen strongly until it becomes a quite powerful ramp. This last effort will take you to the end of the stage, Arzúa, land of one of the best cheeses in Galicia.

Day 5. Stage Arzúa - Santiago de Compostela (38 km)

Last stage of the French Way by bike from Ponferrada! We recommend you to get up early to arrive early to Santiago de Compostela and make the most of the day in the city. This last stretch is the easiest of the entire route, and is marked by the presence of more urbanized areas as you approach the Galician capital.

After riding around the vicinity of Santiago airport, the last climb of the route will be in San Marcos, the broadcasting centre of the Galician television. When you arrive at Monte do Gozo, we invite you to stop and contemplate the views, we assure you that you will understand the reason for the name of this place. Santiago is getting closer and closer!

You are in Santiago! Feel happy and proud to have completed your Camino de Santiago by bike from Ponferrada. Now we just need to pick up the Compostela certificate and enjoy an incredible day getting to know the Galician capital.

Day 6. End of the trip

Congratulations! You have completed your French Way by bicycle from Ponferrada. This last day you are in charge, you can go back home or enjoy one more day in Santiago resting your legs after so much pedaling. And how beautiful is Compostela.

Did you know that all roads end in Finisterre? If you have been left with the desire to pedal, we encourage you to complete the 90 kilometres separating Santiago from Finisterre. The most magical and spiritual route that hides real treasures such as Ponte Maceira, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain or the extraordinary sunset of the Finisterre lighthouse.

Accommodation prices

Private hostels

245 €

Hostels and pensions

350 €

Hotels

475 €

Types of accommodation

In hotels and superior accommodation from Ponferrada

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In hotels and superior accommodation from Ponferrada

Are you looking for a plus in quality and want to guarantee maximum rest and comfort after each stage? We offer you the best hotels along the Camino de Santiago. Ideal facilities to relax, with a wide range of complementary services (elevator, restaurant, room service, transfers, etc.). All rooms have private bathroom and you can choose between single, double, twin, double or triple. They have gardens, terraces, large communal areas and many of them also have a swimming pool.

In hostels and pensions from Ponferrada

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In hostels and pensions from Ponferrada

It is the most popular option for pilgrims seeking privacy and tranquility without involving a large outlay of money. The hostels, guesthouses and rural cottages are family-run establishments with few rooms and common areas in which to exchange experiences with other travellers. Rooms with private bathroom simple, comfortable, without great luxury, but very cozy. You will be able to choose between double, twin, triple or even quadruple rooms for those travelling as a family .

In private hostels from Ponferrada

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In private hostels from Ponferrada

Hostels are the perfect option if you are travelling alone, have a low budget or want to live the Camino de Santiago experience to the fullest. The ideal accommodation to meet other pilgrims, live together and experience all the values of this magical journey. They have mixed rooms organized in bunk beds, bathrooms separated by sexes, equipped kitchens, laundry and common areas where you can relax and enjoy unforgettable evenings with your travel companions.

Details ofFrench Way by bike from Ponferrada

Services included

6 days / 5 nights accommodation

Luggage transfer during the stages

Complete documentation

Pilgrim’s Credential

On-the-road emergency telephone assistance

Travel insurance

Optional Services

Service	In private hostels from Ponferrada	In hostels and pensions from Ponferrada	In hotels and superior accommodation from Ponferrada
Breakfast	Not available	50€ per person	61€ per person
MP (Breakfast and dinner)	Not available	153€ per person	149€ per person
Supplement for single room	Not available	120€ per single room	200€ per single room
Extra night in Santiago de Compostela	28€ per person	95€ (sing. room) / 150€ (doub. room)	120€ (sing. room) / 185€ (doub. room)


Electric bike rental	345€ per bike	345€ per bike	345€ per bike

	Breakfast
	In private hostels from Ponferrada	Not available
	In hostels and pensions from Ponferrada	50€ per person
	In hotels and superior accommodation from Ponferrada	61€ per person


	MP (Breakfast and dinner)
	In private hostels from Ponferrada	Not available
	In hostels and pensions from Ponferrada	153€ per person
	In hotels and superior accommodation from Ponferrada	149€ per person


	Supplement for single room
	In private hostels from Ponferrada	Not available
	In hostels and pensions from Ponferrada	120€ per single room
	In hotels and superior accommodation from Ponferrada	200€ per single room


	Extra night in Santiago de Compostela
	In private hostels from Ponferrada	28€ per person
	In hostels and pensions from Ponferrada	95€ (sing. room) / 150€ (doub. room)
	In hotels and superior accommodation from Ponferrada	120€ (sing. room) / 185€ (doub. room)



	In private hostels from Ponferrada
	In hostels and pensions from Ponferrada
	In hotels and superior accommodation from Ponferrada



	In private hostels from Ponferrada
	In hostels and pensions from Ponferrada
	In hotels and superior accommodation from Ponferrada


	Electric bike rental
	In private hostels from Ponferrada	345€ per bike
	In hostels and pensions from Ponferrada	345€ per bike
	In hotels and superior accommodation from Ponferrada	345€ per bike