French Way: The Classic Route of the Camino de Santiago

Frequently asked questions about The French Way

• Why is the Camino de Santiago special?

  The Camino de Santiago is special for its spiritual significance, as an ancient route of Christian pilgrimage. In fact, in the Middle Ages, the city of Santiago de Compostela was considered one of the three most important centers of Christendom alongside Rome and Jerusalem.

  Nowadays, the Camino de Santiago is special for offering a unique experience of personal reflection, whether religious or spiritual, in addition to being an excellent alternative for active, cultural, and natural tourism.

  It is perhaps for all these reasons that the Council of Europe distinguished the Camino de Santiago as the First Cultural Itinerary in 1987. Furthermore, since 1993 the French Way, and since 2015 four routes of the Northern Ways of Santiago in Spain, have been declared World Heritage by UNESCO.

• What options are there to organise the Camino de Santiago with children?

  To organise the Camino de Santiago with children, choose short and accessible routes, with not very long stages, such as the last 100 kilometres of the French Way from Sarria. Opt for packages that include comfortable accommodation, luggage transport and stops at places of interest, to keep children entertained. Also, be sure to plan frequent breaks during the stages for a safe and enjoyable experience. Let them be the ones to affix the stamps on the Pilgrim's Credential, act as guides looking for the yellow arrows and interact with the rural and natural environment of the Camino.

• Which stages of the Camino de Santiago are suitable for school groups?

  The most suitable stages for school groups on the Camino de Santiago are undoubtedly the last 100 kilometres of the French Way from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. These stages are of moderate difficulty, with accessible distances and good services along the route. In addition, they offer a safe environment, ideal for students, combining nature, history and culture, which makes them an excellent option for educational trips.

• What are the most important towns on the French Way?

  The French Way of Santiago passes through a series of towns and cities rich in history, culture, and unique landscapes. Some of the most important towns and cities along the French Way are:

  • Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (France): The starting point of the French Camino, this picturesque town at the foot of the Pyrenees is known for its cobbled streets and the impressive Santiago Gate.
  • Roncesvalles: After crossing the Pyrenees, Roncesvalles marks the entry into Spain. Its collegiate church and historical significance make it a key spiritual stop for pilgrims.
  • Pamplona: Famous for its San Fermín running of the bulls, Pamplona is a vibrant city with rich medieval heritage, highlighted by its cathedral and city walls.
  • Logroño: The capital of La Rioja, known for its wines and delicious gastronomy. Logroño is an excellent place to enjoy tapas on the famous Laurel Street.
  • Burgos: Burgos boasts one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its historic center is also a must-see on the Camino.
  • Carrión de los Condes: This small town in the province of Palencia stands out for its rich medieval history and Romanesque churches, offering a more intimate experience on the Camino.
  • León: With a majestic Gothic cathedral, the Convent of San Marcos, and vibrant urban life, León is one of the most important cities along the route, ideal for taking an extended break.
  • Astorga: This city features the Episcopal Palace designed by Gaudí and a beautiful cathedral, serving as a crossroads between the French Camino and the Via de la Plata.
  • Ponferrada: Famous for its Templar castle, Ponferrada is the gateway to the El Bierzo region and an important stop before tackling the mountains of Galicia.
  • O Cebreiro: This charming mountain village is one of the most iconic stops on the Camino, known for its traditional palloza houses and its connection to the Holy Grail.
  • Sarria: A starting point for many pilgrims who wish to complete the final 100 kilometers required to earn the Compostela. Sarria is an essential stop.
  • Portomarín: This town is notable for its unique history, having been relocated stone by stone after the construction of the Belesar reservoir. Its fortress-like church of San Nicolás and its location by the Miño River make it a special stop before reaching Santiago.

• What difficulties does the Winter Way present?

  The Winter Way, a less travelled alternative to the French Way, is known for its beautiful scenery, and arises as an alternative to the passage of O Cebreiro. However, it presents some difficulties that pilgrims should be aware of:

  • Mountainous terrain: The Winter Way crosses mountainous areas, such as the mountain ranges of O Courel and El Bierzo, with steep slopes that can be demanding, especially for pilgrims with little experience in mountain routes. The constant ascents and descents require good physical preparation.
  • Changeable weather: Despite its name, this route can be walked all year round, but in winter the weather conditions can be more severe, with cold, snow and ice in the higher areas. During the summer, the heat can be intense in certain areas, especially in the valleys.
  • Limited infrastructure: Unlike more popular routes such as the French Way, the Winter Way has fewer hostels and services along its route. It is essential to plan the stages well and book accommodation in advance, especially at peak times.
  • Less signage: Although it has improved in recent years, the signage on some sections of the Camino de Invierno may not be as clear as on other busier routes. Pilgrims should be attentive to the markings and use maps or support applications.

• How busy is the Portuguese Way?

  The Portuguese Way has become increasingly popular in recent years, positioning itself as the second most traveled route after the French Way. Although it does not reach the same level of traffic as the French route, it is still a busy option, especially from Porto or Tui. At these points, you will find a constant flow of pilgrims, especially during the high season (spring and summer). One of the reasons for its growing popularity is that it is an accessible route with less physically demanding stages. In addition, it offers excellent infrastructure for pilgrims, with numerous hostels, hotels and services at each stage.

• Which Camino is easier, the Portuguese or the French?

  If you are wondering which route is easier between the Portuguese Way and the French Way, the answer depends on several factors. However, in general, the Portuguese Way is considered more accessible for most pilgrims. The Portuguese Way has flatter and gentler terrain, especially on its most popular stretch from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. The stages are less demanding and the climate is more moderate, an ideal option for those looking for a less physically challenging route. On the other hand, the French Way, although more famous and with a highly developed infrastructure, presents stages with greater unevenness, especially in the first sections that cross the Pyrenees and some mountainous areas in the provinces of León and Galicia. Although it is an incredibly popular route full of history, the physical effort is greater, so it requires better physical preparation.

• How many stages does the Camino de Santiago have?

  The Camino de Santiago is a network of routes with varying lengths and durations, and each route can have more or fewer stages. Here’s a breakdown of how many stages each of the main Camino routes has:

  • French Way: 33 stages.
  • Portuguese Way: 27 stages.
  • Portuguese Coastal Way: 12 stages.
  • Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino: 4 stages.
  • Finisterre and Muxía Way: 5 stages.
  • Northern Way: 36 stages.
  • Primitive Way: 14 stages.
  • English Way: 5 stages from Ferrol, 4 from A Coruña.
  • Sanabrian Way: 13 stages.
  • Vía de la Plata: 38 stages via the French Way, 36 stages via the Sanabrian Way.
  • Winter Way: 10 stages.

  Keep in mind that each pilgrim can make a personalized division of stages, though there is a standard division that many follow.

• What is the easiest route of the Camino de Santiago?

  Choosing the easiest and most suitable route depends on your physical condition and other factors. However, there are two specific routes that are considered the most popular and easiest to undertake.

  If you are looking for the easiest route of the Camino de Santiago, the French Way from Sarria is the most recommended option. This route covers the last 100 kilometers of the French Way, the minimum required to obtain the Compostela.

  This section stands out for its moderate terrain, well-marked paths, available hostels and services for pilgrims. Furthermore, as it does not have extremely long or difficult stages, you can enjoy the Galician landscape at a comfortable pace.

  Another option to consider is the Portuguese Way from Tui, which also covers around 100 kilometers. It is relatively flat, with a well-developed infrastructure for walkers and good signage.

• What is the hardest stage of the Camino de Santiago?

  Determining the hardest stage of the Camino de Santiago is complicated, as it’s subjective and highly personal. However, here are 10 of the most talked-about stages due to their physical difficulty, with their challenging sections and climbs. Many consider these to be among the toughest stages of the Camino de Santiago.

  • Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port – Lepoeder Pass (French Way)

  The stage between Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Roncesvalles features the legendary Lepoeder Pass. Over a distance of about 20 km, you climb from 150 m to around 1,450 m. This official section, known as the "Napoleon Route," is a tough but beautiful stretch that has an alternative via Valcarlos, which is shorter and less strenuous. Any pilgrim walking this stage between November and March must take the Valcarlos route due to extreme weather conditions and snow. Fines are imposed for non-compliance.

  • Cizur Menor – Alto del Perdón (French Way)

  Continuing along the French route, the stage between Pamplona and Puente La Reina includes one of the most famous climbs among pilgrims: the ascent to Alto del Perdón. Between Cizur Menor and this iconic point, known for its famous Camino sculpture, there are about 8.5 km where you ascend roughly 300 m.

  • Hospital – O Cebreiro (French Way)

  For some, this is the most demanding stage and one of the hardest on the Way. The stage between Villafranca del Bierzo and O Cebreiro is considered the "Queen Stage," as it has the highest ascent on the French route. After covering around 20 km, the final challenge is a steep climb of about 600 m over 8 km.

  • Boente – Arzúa (French Way)

  To finish off the French Way, we can’t forget the infamous “leg-breaker,” the stage between Melide and Arzúa. This section of the last 100 km of the French route is a constant up-and-down, where the legs, ankles, and knees take a beating. Though the gradients aren’t too steep, the final 8 km can be tough, especially for those starting from Palas de Rei.

  • Codesal – Alto da Portela Grande de Labruja (Portuguese Way)

  While the Portuguese Way is relatively flat and accessible for any pilgrim, it does have a notable climb. On the stage between Ponte de Lima and Rubiães, walkers face the ascent to Alto de A Portela Grande in Labruja. Over 4.2 km, you climb about 300 m through forests and beautiful scenery on a short but demanding stage.

  • Combarro – Armenteira (Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Way)

  Still on the Portuguese Way, but taking the Spiritual Variant in its first stage from Pontevedra to Armenteira, pilgrims face another tough climb. After reaching the beautiful seaside town of Combarro, known for its traditional granaries, you ascend about 400 m over 7 km.

  • Pola de Allande – Puerto del Palo (Primitive Way)

  On the Primitive Way, the stage between Pola de Allande and La Mesa includes a challenging climb. The stage starts with a gradual ascent, from 525 m to nearly 1,200 m at Puerto del Palo over 8.4 km.

  • Augapesada – Trasmonte (Finisterre and Muxía Way)

  On the Finisterre and Muxía Way, the first stage between Santiago de Compostela and Negreira features an interesting climb. Starting at Augapesada, pilgrims face a moderately tough ascent of about 200 m over 2 km. Midway through the climb, you can refresh yourself at a fountain before descending to Pontemaceira, a beautiful reward on the Way to Finisterre.

  • Vao – As Travesas (English Way)

  On the English Way from Ferrol, the stage between Betanzos and Hospital de Bruma includes a brief but steep ascent between Vao and As Travesas. In about 1.5 km, you climb roughly 125 m to reach the highest point of the last 100 km on this route.

  • Oseira – Villarero (Sanabrian Way)

  Lastly, on the Sanabrian Way, the stage between Cea and A Laxe-Lalín, within the last 100 km from Ourense, includes a notable climb. This is a longer variant of the 11th stage, offering a challenging ascent starting from the Oseira Monastery, well worth the effort to visit. After exploring the monastery, you face a climb of 180 m over 2 km.