French Way from Burgos to León

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the French Way of Santiago difficult?

  The French Way of Santiago is the most popular and traveled route of the Camino, but its difficulty level can vary depending on the section and the pilgrim's preparation. While the total route covers approximately 768 kilometers from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to Santiago de Compostela, it is divided into stages that allow the journey to be adapted to each person's abilities. Here are the main factors that determine its difficulty:

  Elevations and terrain: The early stages, particularly the crossing of the Pyrenees from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles, are among the most challenging, with significant elevation changes and mountainous terrain. However, other sections, such as the Meseta of Castile, are much flatter and more accessible.

  Climate: The weather can greatly impact the difficulty. In summer, the heat in the Meseta can be exhausting, while in spring and autumn, rain and mud can complicate the journey. In winter, some mountainous stages can be tougher due to snow.

  Duration: The duration of the Camino is another factor. Completing the full route can take between 30 and 35 days, requiring good physical stamina. However, many pilgrims choose to walk only the final stages, especially from Sarria, covering the last 100 kilometers in about 5 days.

  Based on the pilgrim's experience, we can recommend the following sections:

  • For experienced pilgrims: They will find a challenge in mountainous stages like the Pyrenees or the ascent to O Cebreiro, but will be rewarded with breathtaking scenery.
  • For beginners: While the full Camino may be demanding, it's possible to walk only more accessible sections, such as the last 100 kilometers from Sarria, without facing major difficulties.

• What are the toughest stages of the French Way?

  Throughout all the routes and stages of the Camino de Santiago, there is abundant beauty, nature, and heritage. However, these come amidst dozens of kilometers, with some sections and stages being easier to traverse and others more challenging. The latter are often characterized by significant elevation changes and, at times, long uphill stretches. Below, we’ll inform you about the most talked-about stages and climbs due to their physical demands on the French Way. For many, these are considered some of the toughest stages of the Camino de Santiago.

  • Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port – Collado Lepoeder

  The start of the French Way at the border of France and Spain includes one of the most discussed ascents among pilgrims. The stage between Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Roncesvalles has a pivotal point: the legendary Collado Lepoeder. Over a distance of about 20 km, the elevation rises from 150 meters to around 1,450 meters, making it one of the famous tough climbs for those starting the Camino here. This official route, known as the “Napoleon Route,” is a challenging but beautiful segment, with an alternative path through Valcarlos that is shorter and less strenuous. Any pilgrim taking on this stage must opt for the Valcarlos route if walking between November and March due to extreme snow conditions—be warned, there’s even a fine.

  • Cizur Menor – Alto del Perdón

  Moving along the French route, in the fourth stage, we encounter another climb frequently mentioned by the pilgrim community: the ascent to Alto del Perdón. Between Cizur Menor and this iconic spot, with its famous Jacobean sculpture ensemble, there’s an 8.5 km stretch where the elevation rises by about 300 meters. Stages within the Meseta (from Burgos to León) These stages are not physically difficult in terms of elevation but can be mentally challenging due to their long, flat stretches and exposure to the sun.

  • Hospital – O Cebreiro

  As you enter Galicia via this French route, you arrive at perhaps the most mythical place on this journey: the O Cebreiro mountain. This point marks the end of the 27th stage of the French Way from its start in Spain, and for some, it is the most demanding stage and one of the toughest climbs of the Camino. In fact, it is considered the “Queen Stage,” as it features the highest ascent of the French route. After covering 27.8 km—a considerable distance—pilgrims must tackle a final uphill stretch: about 600 meters over 8 km. But the sublime landscapes, the entrance into Galicia, and the "hyper-photographed" monument make the climb worthwhile. Moreover, the final arrival in the bucolic and legendary village of O Cebreiro, with its Santa María la Real church and historic pallozas, will be the best reward.

  • Boente – Arzúa

  To finish with the French Way, we can’t forget the infamous "leg-breaker," which refers to the final stretch between Melide and Arzúa. From the church of Santiago de Boente, pilgrims face a series of three pairs of challenging descents and climbs. Like a rollercoaster, in this stretch of the last 100 km of the French Way, it’s essential to pay attention to your legs, ankles, and knees. The slopes are not very steep, but the final 8 km can be tough for those starting from Palas de Rei, making a massage in Arzúa a welcome relief.

• Does the French Way from Burgos to León qualify for the Compostela?

  Not on its own. The Pilgrim's Office requires you to walk the last 100 km to Santiago, and this trip ends in León. Even so, get your pilgrim passport stamped at every stage: you can use it to carry on another year from León, with our León–O Cebreiro and O Cebreiro–Santiago sections, and get your Compostela when you reach the cathedral. And in Sahagún, halfway along, you can collect the Carta Peregrina.

• What should I carry to walk across the meseta from Burgos to León?

  Plenty of water, sun protection and a cap. Between Burgos and León there are long stretches of cereal fields with almost no shade, especially on the first stages, to Hornillos del Camino, Castrojeriz and Frómista. Set off early to avoid the hottest hours, particularly in summer. And since the meseta feels long, daily luggage transfer, which you can add as an optional extra, helps a lot.

• Is the climb to the Alto de Mostelares hard?

  It is the challenge of the Castrojeriz–Frómista stage, about 25 km, and almost the only tough climb between Burgos and León. It starts right after leaving Castrojeriz: just over a kilometre of steep slope with about 140 metres of elevation gain. At the top a vast view of the meseta awaits you. After that it is all flat: you cross the Pisuerga on the Fitero bridge and, between Itero de la Vega and Boadilla, with little shade, reach Frómista beside the Canal de Castilla.

• What is there to see in Frómista and Villalcázar de Sirga?

  In Frómista, the Romanesque church of San Martín de Tours, founded around 1066, and the church of Santa María del Castillo, home to Vestigia, Leyenda del Camino, an exhibition devoted to the stories and legends of the Camino. The next day, on the way to Carrión de los Condes, you pass through Villalcázar de Sirga and its spectacular Templar church of Santa María la Blanca. That stage is short and easy, so you can take your time.

• How should I prepare for the 37 km stage from Carrión de los Condes to Sahagún?

  It is the longest stage of this trip and has the longest stretch without services on the Camino: the first 17 km, from Carrión de los Condes to Calzadilla de la Cueza, with no villages or fountains. Leave early, carrying enough water and food. The terrain is flat, among cereal fields, and later you pass through Ledigos and Terradillos de los Templarios, with adobe dovecotes and Mudéjar architecture. Sahagún welcomes you with all services.

• What is the Carta Peregrina of Sahagún?

  It is the so-called "half Compostela": a document certifying that you have reached the middle of the French Way. You collect it in Sahagún, at the Santuario de la Virgen Peregrina, by showing your stamped pilgrim passport. While you're there, visit the Mudéjar churches of San Lorenzo and San Tirso and the Royal Monastery of San Benito.