Attention: Route not available for walking between November 1 and January 15.

In this two-wheeled journey, you will cycle the entire 750 km of the French Way from the Pyrenean town of Roncesvalles. An exciting trip where you will pedal across northern Spain, enjoying a landscape of beautiful contrasts; from the stunning mountains of the Pyrenees to the fertile vineyards of La Rioja, passing through the vast cereal fields of Castile and León, until reaching the green mountains of Galicia. You will also have the opportunity to visit charming and picturesque villages where you can immerse yourself in the history, culture, gastronomy, and ways of life of its people. Undoubtedly an experience you will never forget.

From

820€

Including
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Including

15 days / 14 nights accommodation
Luggage transfer during the stages
Complete documentation
Pilgrim’s Credential
On-the-road emergency telephone assistance
Travel insurance

Calculate your budget

Ask

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Private hostels

820 €

Hostels and pensions

1226 €

Hotels

1728 €

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Map of the Camino

camino-frances-roncesvalles-santiago-map

Stages of the French Way by bike from Roncesvalles

Day 1. Arrival at Roncesvalles

Roncesvalles has historically been considered the first stop on the Iberian Peninsula for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Located in a beautiful enclave at the foot of the port of Ibañeza, it was also a passageway for Celts, barbarians, Goths and even King Charlemagne. Home of deeds, battles and songs. A village that is a living memory of the passage and tradition of the Camino de Santiago, and that since the Middle Ages has given refuge and rest to countless pilgrims and personalities.

If you have decided to start your French Way by bike from here, you can enjoy a wonderful day strolling through its cobbled streets and visiting its most emblematic buildings, such as the Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María, the Chapel of San Agustín or the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. A fairytale setting that preserves the purest Jacobean essence!

Day 2. Roncesvalles stage - Pamplona (48 km)

Your first day as a bicigrino/a starts from the border of Navarre and France, a route that although it runs along the national road N-135 does not have much traffic. Up to the town of Zubiri you will have some small steep slopes, but always with a downward trend. After passing this village, the terrain becomes flatter and flatter and the road is in perfect condition.

If you want to do the route following the original signposting, you must take into account that the route is hard and requires a lot of technique. It is also quite busy with pilgrims on foot, so you should take extreme precautions.

Pamplona is a city that still preserves its medieval defensive walls, in fact, this walled complex has been declared a National Monument. Inside, the Cathedral of Santa Maria is perhaps its most dazzling artistic building, a Gothic jewel hidden behind a neoclassical façade. After strolling through its historic streets and visiting countless monuments, you should try the famous local cuisine, in the form of pintxos (tapas). And if you happen to be in the city in the second week of July, get ready to experience the great festival of San Fermines!

Day 3. Pamplona stage - Estella (44 km)

The 44 km of this stage are characterized by a continuous ascent from Pamplona to the Alto del Perdón, the highest point of the day. At this point you can see one of the most photographed monuments of the French Way and enjoy spectacular views.

After the obligatory stop, it’s time to go down a steep slope until you reach Uterga, where the profile will become much smoother until you reach the end of the stage, Estella, where you will enjoy a quiet day of rest.

Estella (Lizarra) is a town bathed by the river Ega that has its origins in the convergence of the culture of the Camino de Santiago and the Jewish quarter. Curious is its salt water spring, considered to have therapeutic properties. Once you have rested, we invite you to lose yourself in the narrow streets of its historical area and discover its magnificent monuments such as the Palace of the Kings of Navarre or the Church of San Pedro de la Rúa.

Day 4. Estella - Logroño stage (49 km)

Today you will leave the region of Navarra to enter La Rioja, internationally known for its rich wines. You have 49 km ahead of you cycling along quiet tracks surrounded by fields and some more complicated sections, especially the 10 km that separate the towns of Torres del Rio de Viana.

The first stop of the day will be the Wine Fountain of Iratxe, a landmark on this Jacobean route. From Azqueta the road gets steeper and narrower, so don’t hesitate to get off the bike if you need to. And as every effort has its reward, you will reach another of the most iconic fountains of the route, the Fuente de los Moros.

After arriving at Los Arcos, the path runs along a well-surfaced track to Torres del Río, where the most complicated section of the day begins. Continuous ups and downs and sudden changes of terrain make it a real ordeal. Patience and courage.

From Viana, there are only a few kilometres left to reach the longed-for finish line. The environment becomes much more industrial, so be extra cautious and watch out for traffic. Once in Logroño, you will have all the services you need to rest and enjoy the attractions of this exciting city.

Day 5. Logroño - Santo Domingo de la Calzada stage (50 km)

You’re in luck! Today’s stage is easy and with a good road surface, perfect for cyclists. Something you’ll be grateful for as fatigue is sure to start to build up.

The route starts with the departure from Logroño along a slightly uphill bike path that takes you to the La Grajera reservoir, with great views of Logroño in the background. The route continues without difficulty on tracks, also ascending. With 20 kilometres behind you, you will continue ascending through vineyards and fields until you reach Navarrete, which appears at the top of a hill. After reaching the top of the Alto de San Antón, the route continues to the charming village of Nájera, entering the town through its industrial area.

We leave Nájera on a tarmac road. You have ahead of you a pleasant walk through fields with a very gentle profile that passes through several villages where you will find services before reaching the end of the stage, Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

Day 6. Santo Domingo de la Calzada stage - Burgos (72 km)

Today’s day increases its difficulty due to the increase in mileage and the fact that it runs through one of the most powerful ramps of the whole route, putting your technique to the test. In addition, it is possible that the fatigue of the previous days is taking its toll, so take it easy and do not obsess about arriving.
After crossing the bridge you will say goodbye to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, and you can continue directly along the road to Burgos or take a path parallel to it. The path becomes steeper and steeper until Grañón, and descends steeply on a gravel track, crossing the border between La Rioja and Castilla y León.

After crossing the border, the gravel track will take you to Redecilla del Camino, where you will take the national road to Castildelgado. At this point you can follow the yellow arrows or take the national road that leads directly to Villamayor del Río.

From here, you will head towards the Montes de Oca along a path parallel to the road. When you get to Villafranca we recommend taking the original path, a beautiful route that crosses the mountain. On reaching the top of the Pedraja, it is time to descend to San Juan de Ortega and Agés. From Agés the path becomes a pleasant walk along the local road and leads you to Atapuerca. Now all that remains is to cross the Sierra de Atapuerca and save the last kilometers to your long-awaited end of the stage, Burgos.

Day 7. Burgos - Carrión de los Condes stage (86 km)

We know what you’re thinking – 86 kilometres! Don’t worry, there’s an explanation. In this stage you will cross the entire region of Tierra de Campos to enter Palencia. You will say goodbye to the slopes to give way to a completely flat and monotonous terrain. Despite this, the landscape is one of the best known of all the French Way; a straight line route flanked by golden cereal fields. Therefore, the effort of this stage will not be so much physical, but mental.

The itinerary runs along well-surfaced tracks between crop fields and asphalted country roads, without extremely steep climbs. Before arriving in Burgos you will pass through villages of great importance on the Jacobean route such as Hornillos del Camino, Castrojeriz or Frómista, where you will find all the necessary services to stock up and rest.

This stage is especially hard in the summer months, as it has large stretches with hardly any services or shade, so it is advisable to leave well protected from the sun.

Day 8. Carrión de los Condes - León stage (96 km)

Today’s stage follows yesterday’s dynamic. A section of very easy profile that you will ride mostly on asphalted tracks. You will leave behind the region of Tierra de Campos to enter the province of León, covering long distances without towns, so we recommend you to leave with plenty of water and food.

The most complicated part of the stage you will find at the entrance of León, through streets with a lot of traffic where it is advisable to be extremely careful and pay attention to the signs.

Day 9. León - Astorga stage (49 km)

We start the route with a rather ugly and tedious stretch as it is the exit of León, full of residential and industrial areas with a lot of traffic. To get to Hospital de Órbigo you can follow the traditional route following the course of the national road or take the alternative, a little longer but away from traffic.

After crossing the impressive bridge of Hospital de Órbigo, the road again gives you two options: road or countryside. The second option takes you to the Cruz de Toribio, from where you will have spectacular panoramic views of the area.

The entrance to Astorga is quite easy, and less tedious than the exit from León. The only complication will be crossing the railway tracks, pilgrims on foot will cross over a pedestrian footbridge, while cyclists can follow the national road and avoid having to carry the bike up the stairs.

The years of cultural crossroads, from its pre-Roman and Roman beginnings to its medieval and later splendour, have made Astorga one of the most important points of artistic and cultural interest in our country. This small city has a large number of monuments that are a must to visit, among others, the rich legacy of Roman times, the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Episcopal Palace (Gaudi’s Palace), the Museum of the Roads, the modernist building Casa Granell, and countless churches, monasteries and museums.

Day 10. Astorga - Ponferrada stage (54 km)

This day has a much higher difficulty than the previous ones, but you will be rewarded with spectacular landscapes and panoramic views. Today you will say goodbye to the Maragatería and head for the capital of the Bierzo region, Ponferrada. The LE-142 road will accompany you throughout the stage, with the footpath running parallel to it. Some sections of the road are quite dangerous so we recommend that you ignore the signs and follow the road.

The path gradually climbs up to Rabanal del Camino, where we recommend a stop to regain strength before starting the climb to one of the great landmarks of the French Way, the Cruz de Ferro. The pilgrim ritual here is to deposit a stone that we have brought from our place of origin or we have taken in the place where we started the route.

After this short stop on the Camino, you will continue your route, starting a long descent of 18 kilometres to Molinaseca. Although there are cyclists who follow the pedestrian path, we recommend you to do this section by road. Some trails are narrow, stony, steep and often run along the edge of ravines… It has it all! After passing the Acebo we will continue descending steep slopes until we reach Molinaseca, where we can stop for lunch and rest.

We say goodbye to Molinaseca following the road or the parallel path until we get to Ponferrada and finish the stage.

Day 11. Ponferrada - O Cebreiro stage (55 km)

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 12. O Cebreiro - Portomarín stage (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 of the whole route.

Day 13. Portomarín - Arzúa stage (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 14. Arzúa - Santiago de Compostela stage (38 km)

Last day as a bicigrino/a cycling the French Way from Roncesvalles! 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 the French Way by bike from Roncesvalles. Now we just need to pick up the Compostela certificate and enjoy an incredible day getting to know the Galician capital.

Day 15. End of the trip

Congratulations! You have completed your French Way by bike from Roncesvalles. 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 and you have a few more days, 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.

French Way by bike from Roncesvalles, Accommodation prices

Private hostels

820 €

Hostels and pensions

1226 €

Hotels

1728 €

Types of accommodations

In hotels and superior accommodation from Roncesvalles

In hotels and superior accommodation from Roncesvalles

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 guesthouses from Roncesvalles

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hostales-pensiones-caminio-frances-leon-ocebreiro-1

hostales-pensiones-frances-sarria-santiago-2

In hostels and guesthouses from Roncesvalles

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 Roncesvalles

Dormitorio del albergue de peregrinos de Roncesvalles

Dormitorio del Albergue el Palo del Avellano

Dormitorio del Albergue - Hostería de Curtidores

Habitaciones compartidas del Hotel Jakue

In private hostels from Roncesvalles

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 of the French Way by bike from Roncesvalles

Services included

15 days / 14 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 Roncesvalles	In hostels and guesthouses from Roncesvalles	In hotels and superior accommodation from Roncesvalles
Breakfast	Not available	138€ per person	149€ per person
MP (Breakfast and dinner)	Not available	385€ per person	435€ per person
Supplement for single room	Not applicable	382€ per person	578€ per person
Extra night in Santiago de Compostela	28€ per person	95€ (sing. room) / 150€ (doub. room)	120€ (sing. room) / 185€ (doub. room)

	Breakfast
	In private hostels from Roncesvalles	Not available
	In hostels and guesthouses from Roncesvalles	138€ per person
	In hotels and superior accommodation from Roncesvalles	149€ per person


	MP (Breakfast and dinner)
	In private hostels from Roncesvalles	Not available
	In hostels and guesthouses from Roncesvalles	385€ per person
	In hotels and superior accommodation from Roncesvalles	435€ per person


	Supplement for single room
	In private hostels from Roncesvalles	Not applicable
	In hostels and guesthouses from Roncesvalles	382€ per person
	In hotels and superior accommodation from Roncesvalles	578€ per person


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

Photos

Frequently Asked Questions

What services are included in the Camino de Santiago by bike?

The Camino de Santiago by bike includes the following services:

Accommodation
Luggage transport
Dossier with information about the stages
Pilgrim's credential
On-the-road helpline
Travel insurance

In addition, you can customize your trip by adding the following optional services:

Breakfast or half board
Extra night at the beginning or end of the stage
Bicycle rental

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.

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 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.

Do all accommodations have a lockable place to store my bike?

Yes, we make sure that all assigned accommodations have a place where you can leave your bike safe and sound.

What kind of bicycles can I rent to do the Camino de Santiago?

We have high quality mountain bikes and electric bikes that you can rent during the whole Camino. Check the details here.

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 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.

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.