French Way from Roncesvalles to Logroño

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the most beautiful stages of the French Way?

  Some stages of the French Way stand out for their natural beauty, historical richness, and cultural significance. Here is a selection of the most beautiful stages of the French Way:

  • Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Roncesvalles

  This stage, crossing the Pyrenees, is one of the most iconic on the French Way. It offers spectacular mountainous landscapes, with panoramic views and a physical challenge that makes it an unforgettable experience.

  • Burgos - Hontanas

  After leaving the city of Burgos behind, the path crosses the Castilian Plateau. Although it's a long stage, the stark beauty of the wheat fields, the open skies, and the tranquility of the surroundings create an almost spiritual atmosphere.

  • León - Hospital de Órbigo

  Leaving the historic city of León, this stage combines the best of urban architecture with the serenity of the countryside. The Puente de Órbigo, one of the longest and best-preserved medieval bridges in Spain, is the highlight of this stage.

  • Rabanal del Camino - Cruz de Ferro - Ponferrada

  This stage is known for the climb to Cruz de Ferro, where pilgrims leave a stone as a symbol of their intentions or burdens. The stage continues with a descent towards Ponferrada, offering spectacular views of the León Mountains.

  • Ponferrada - Villafranca del Bierzo

  This stage offers a journey through the Bierzo region, famous for its vineyards and rolling landscapes. Villafranca del Bierzo is known as the "Little Compostela" for its historical richness and monuments.

  • O Cebreiro - Triacastela

  This stage is famous for its mountainous landscapes and mystical atmosphere. O Cebreiro, with its traditional architecture and impressive views, marks the beginning of the stage, which then descends through green valleys and forests to Triacastela.

  • Triacastela - Sarria

  This stage allows pilgrims to choose between two routes: a longer one passing through the Monastery of Samos, one of the oldest in Spain, and a shorter one through San Xil, offering a more direct route through the green Galician countryside.

  • Sarria - Portomarín

  As part of the last 100 kilometers of the Camino, this stage offers green Galician landscapes, small villages, and paths shaded by oaks and chestnut trees. The arrival in Portomarín, with its fortress church, is a highlight. Choosing the most beautiful stage can be subjective and very personal, depending on the tastes and preferences of each pilgrim. However, one of the most highly rated stages, often highlighted for its natural, scenic, and historical beauty, is the one from O Cebreiro to Triacastela. Some of the reasons it is considered the most beautiful include:

  • Mystical Landscapes: O Cebreiro, a small mountain village, is known for its traditional "palloza" architecture and its almost magical atmosphere, especially when enveloped in mist. From here, the Camino winds through mountains and valleys, offering spectacular views of the Sierra de O Courel.
  • Culture and Tradition: O Cebreiro is a place of great historical significance on the Camino. It is home to the Church of Santa María la Real, dating back to the 9th century, known for housing the legendary miracle of the Holy Grail. This village is also the entry point into Galicia, a region rich in Jacobean traditions and culture.
  • Variety of Landscapes: As the path descends towards Triacastela, pilgrims transition from mountains to valleys, crossing lush forests, small streams, and charming Galician villages. The diversity of landscapes in a single stage is what makes it so special.
  • Spiritual Experience: Many pilgrims describe this stage as one of the most spiritual on the Camino, thanks to its tranquility, natural beauty, and connection with ancient Galician traditions.

• 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.

• Where does the French Way start?

  The French Way of the Camino de Santiago begins in Spain at Roncesvalles (Navarra), coming from Saint Jean Pied de Port. However, there is also another starting point after crossing the Somport Pass, in Candanchú (Huesca), known as the French Way through Aragón or the Aragonese Way. This route merges with the French Way from Roncesvalles in Puente la Reina (Navarra).

• 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.

• Where does the French Way start in France?

  The French Way of the Camino de Santiago begins in France at Saint Jean Pied de Port, one stage before Roncesvalles and before entering Spain. It can also start at Somport, another entry point from France that connects with the Aragonese Way, which in turn links up with the French Way at Puente La Reina. Another option is to start from any French city, as they will eventually connect with either Saint Jean Pied de Port or Somport.

• What is there to see in Roncesvalles on arrival day?

  Roncesvalles, at the foot of the Pyrenees, has for centuries been pilgrims' first stop on the Iberian Peninsula. Spend the afternoon at the Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María, the Chapel of San Agustín and the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, and stroll around the village. It is a place steeped in history, where Charlemagne passed, and it keeps the spirit of the Camino like few others.

• What are the climb and descent of the Alto del Perdón like?

  The climb, on the Pamplona–Puente la Reina stage, is only just over 2 km but it feels tough. At the top stand the famous iron pilgrim silhouettes, one of the most photographed spots on the Camino. The tricky part is the descent: steep and uneven, one of the critical stretches of the French Way for falls. Go slowly, with poles if you use them. Afterwards, if you like, detour to Santa María de Eunate before Puente la Reina.

• Are there services on the stage from Estella to Los Arcos?

  Few. Although it is only about 21 km, it is a lonely stage with constant ups and downs, and the last stretch to Los Arcos is a walk of around three hours on well-marked but somewhat monotonous paths with scarce services. Fill your bottle in Estella and carry something to eat. In Los Arcos, its imposing church of Santa María awaits you.

• Does the French Way from Roncesvalles to Logroño 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 Logroño. But it is the first section of the French Way from Roncesvalles: get your pilgrim passport stamped at every stage and you can use it to carry on another year from Logroño, linking our sections all the way to Santiago, where you will get the Compostela.

• Is the descent to Zubiri dangerous?

  No, but it is worth taking carefully, especially if it rains. The Roncesvalles–Zubiri stage, about 21 km, crosses the Witches' Oak Wood, Burguete and Espinal and climbs to the heights of Mezkiritz and Erro. Then comes a long, steep descent to the Puente de la Rabia: go down slowly to protect your knees and ankles. The reward is Zubiri and its medieval bridge.

• How do I get to Roncesvalles to start the Camino?

  The easiest way is to get to Pamplona and go up from there. On this trip you can add the transfer from Pamplona to Roncesvalles as an optional extra, so you arrive without worrying about connections. The first day of the trip is just for arriving in Roncesvalles, so there's no need for an early start: the first stage, to Zubiri, begins the next day.

• Where is the Irache Wine Fountain?

  It is at the Bodegas Irache winery, next to the Irache monastery, just after leaving Estella on the stage to Los Arcos. It has two taps for pilgrims: one for water and one for wine. It is one of the big landmarks of the French Way, so don't skip it. Then you carry on through Azqueta and Villamayor de Monjardín, among farmland, to Los Arcos.