On this trip you will follow the complete route of the French route in its Galician section, the French Way from O Cebreiro. You will start your adventure in a small village in the mountains of Lugo, a treasure of the ethnographic heritage of Galicia. You will only need a stroll through its cobbled streets to fall in love with it.

Get ready to discover ancient pallozas. Buildings that in the past were homes where people and livestock lived together and sheltered from the harsh winters of the mountains of Los Ancares. A church that holds the mystery of the Eucharistic Miracle of the Holy Grail and one of the most impressive panoramic views of the entire French Way.

But this fairytale village is only the beginning of a great adventure. You will be immersed in rural Galicia, full of rich traditions, legends, amazing landscapes and imposing monasteries such as the one in Samos, one of the oldest in the region. From Sarria onwards the pilgrim atmosphere will be livelier. You will meet many people of different nationalities who will accompany you stage by stage to Santiago de Compostela.

From

275€

Private hostels

275 €

Hostels and pensions

495 €

Hotels

640 €

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Map of the Route

Stages of French Way from O Cebreiro

Day 1. Arrival at O Cebreiro

The small village of O Cebreiro is a luxury from where to start the French Way. As a picture is worth a thousand words, we propose you a game: we are going to tell you the word that defines the most outstanding image of O Cebreiro, and from there we will build the explanation of the place for you.

The word that will define your day is “palloza”. Now you may be wondering, what is a palloza? Surely when you conclude your visit to this magical town you will define the word to perfection. The pallozas are undoubtedly the most representative element of O Cebreiro, which houses some of the best examples of these constructions and even has an ethnographic museum where you can learn more about the ways of life in the mountains of Lugo.

There is no place more perfect for your first day as a pilgrim. Enjoy it!

Day 2. Stage O Cebreiro - Triacastela (20.8 km)

Before leaving O Cebreiro you will be able to contemplate one of the best panoramic views of the eastern mountain of Galicia. This is undoubtedly the most beautiful stage of your trip, but also the most mountainous so we recommend you to take it easy and enjoy every step.

Once you reach the top of the Alto de San Roque we assure you that you will feel small, not only because of the magnitude of the views, but also because of the gigantic statue of a pilgrim fighting against the wind that watches over the summits. A last effort will take you to the highest point of the French Way in its Galician section, the Alto del Poio at 1,337 metres above sea level.
From here you can breathe easy, because the descent will be a pleasant walk that crosses small villages until you reach Triacastela, where a huge centenary chestnut tree will welcome you.

Day 3. Stage Triacastela - Sarria (17.9 / 25 km)

Today’s stage begins with a dilemma as two alternatives are presented. Choosing will not be easy, but whatever decision you make, we assure you that you will get it right.

The official route through San Xil is 18.1 km to Sarria, during which you will pass through lush forests of chestnut, oak and birch trees and small villages with hardly any services. Undoubtedly the best option if you want to enjoy a fully rural day.

A little longer is the Camino through the variant of Samos, which has 25 km to the end of the stage. As it is a secondary route, a large part of the journey is by road until you reach Samos, where you will find its spectacular monastery, one of the most important in Galicia.

Once in Sarria, you can enjoy the pilgrim atmosphere of the town by strolling through the cobbled streets of the old town, or relaxing on the Malecón promenade in one of its riverside terraces. Sarria, a place of ancient population, will allow you to make several cultural visits to its various heritage elements, ranging from prehistoric times to the present day.

Day 4. Stage Sarria - Portomarín (22 km)

Let’s go for the third stage of the French Way from O Cebreiro. Today you have an easy and pilgrim-friendly itinerary ahead of you. You will cross rivers and forests and find small churches and villages, with plenty of places to stop and have a drink. Pilgrims say that this is one of the most beautiful stages of the French route, so you know, enjoy it. As soon as you arrive on the banks of the river Miño, you will find the charming village of Portomarín, resplendent with its white houses and slate roofs. An end of stage that you will fall in love with and that keeps a secret under the waters of the reservoir. All you have to do now is relax and enjoy!

Day 5. Stage Portomarín - Palas de Rei (25 km)

One thing is clear: it is very likely that you will not want to leave Portomarín this morning. This small town has a “je ne sais quoi” that hooks people like a magnet. It is probably because of the charm of its streets, the good atmosphere and how nice its people are.

On this day you will head to Palas de Rei, a stage with some unevenness in which you will combine road and mountain along 25 kilometres. During the tour you will discover the Castromaior site, a good example of a settlement of the ancient inhabitants of Galicia. Once in Palas de Rei, you will have the opportunity to visit several archaeological remains of the megalithic culture such as dolmens, as well as mámoas and castros. As you can see, Palas de Rei will offer you a very didactic stay about this land.

Day 6. Stage Palas de Rei - Arzúa (29 km)

This is the longest stage of the French Way within the Galician community, 29 kilometres separate you from your destination, so we recommend taking it easy and enjoying the surroundings, as it is also one of the most beautiful stretches of the route. Already in the province of A Coruña, dirt roads, lush forests and medieval bridges will guide your way to Santiago de Compostela.

For every pilgrim it is obligatory to make a stop in Melide, capital of the Galician octopus; in any of its many pulperías you will be able to taste this delicacy of the Galician gastronomy. After recovering your strength, the last kilometres will not involve much effort and once you reach Arzúa you will have the rest of the day to rest body and mind.

Once you get to Arzúa, you should not miss tasting the typical cheese to which it gives its name: Denomination of Origin Arzúa-Ulloa; accompanied by other typical products of the area.

Day 7. Stage Arzúa - Pedrouzo (19 km)

Today begins the penultimate stage of your French Way. A pleasant walk through comfortable and flat terrain, with plenty of bars and restaurants that will encourage you to take it easy. Probably, as you walk, you will notice and realize that a kind of collective emotion begins to exist among the pilgrims. Do you feel it too?

The feeling of excitement, nerves and joy is the most characteristic of the end of the stage in O Pedrouzo. The advice, and you will see that everyone does the same, is to go to bed early to get up early the next day and start the stage very early. This way you will arrive earlier to Santiago and you will have more time in the city.

Day 8. Stage Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela (19 km)

Finally the last stage of your French Way from O Cebreiro 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.

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

Day 9. End of the trip

Congratulations! You have finished your French Way from O Cebreiro. This last day you are in charge, you can go back home or enjoy one more day in Santiago. And how beautiful is Compostela.

Did you know that all roads end in Finisterre? If you have been left with the desire to walk and you have 5 days more, we encourage you to complete the 5 stages that separate 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

275 €

Hostels and pensions

495 €

Hotels

640 €

Types of accommodation

In hotels and superior accommodation from O Cebreiro

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In hotels and superior accommodation from O Cebreiro

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 O Cebreiro

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In hostels and guesthouses from O Cebreiro

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 O Cebreiro

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In private hostels from O Cebreiro

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 from O Cebreiro

Services included

9 days / 8 nights accommodation

Luggage transfer during the stages

Complete documentation

Pilgrim’s Credential

On-the-road emergency telephone assistance

Travel insurance

Optional Services

Service	In hostels and guesthouses from O Cebreiro	In private hostels from O Cebreiro	In hotels and superior accommodation from O Cebreiro
Breakfast	65€ per person	Not available	85€ per person
MP (Breakfast and dinner)	205€ per person	Not available	225€ per person
Supplement for single room	185€ per single room	Not available	295€ per single room
Extra night in Santiago de Compostela	95€ (sing. room) / 120€ (doub. room)	25€ per person	120€ (sing. room) / 150€ (doub. room)
Transfer from Santiago to O Cebreiro	195€ (4-seater vehicle)	195€ (4-seater vehicle)	195€ (4-seater vehicle)

	Breakfast
	In hostels and guesthouses from O Cebreiro	65€ per person
	In private hostels from O Cebreiro	Not available
	In hotels and superior accommodation from O Cebreiro	85€ per person


	MP (Breakfast and dinner)
	In hostels and guesthouses from O Cebreiro	205€ per person
	In private hostels from O Cebreiro	Not available
	In hotels and superior accommodation from O Cebreiro	225€ per person


	Supplement for single room
	In hostels and guesthouses from O Cebreiro	185€ per single room
	In private hostels from O Cebreiro	Not available
	In hotels and superior accommodation from O Cebreiro	295€ per single room


	Extra night in Santiago de Compostela
	In hostels and guesthouses from O Cebreiro	95€ (sing. room) / 120€ (doub. room)
	In private hostels from O Cebreiro	25€ per person
	In hotels and superior accommodation from O Cebreiro	120€ (sing. room) / 150€ (doub. room)


	Transfer from Santiago to O Cebreiro
	In hostels and guesthouses from O Cebreiro	195€ (4-seater vehicle)
	In private hostels from O Cebreiro	195€ (4-seater vehicle)
	In hotels and superior accommodation from O Cebreiro	195€ (4-seater vehicle)