Stage 22. Villadangos del Páramo – Astorga (27.9 km)

Today we return to the tranquility of the countryside, leaving behind the asphalt of previous stages. This stage between Villadangos del Páramo and Astorga marks the farewell to the flat road and gives way to some leg-breaking stretches until you reach Compostela. As a reward, today we will enjoy one of the most magical cities of the French Way, admiring its majestic cathedral and the Episcopal Palace, the work of the genius Antonio Gaudí.

Would you like to walk this stage with your accommodation already booked? These organised trips include it: French Way from Astorga to Santiago de Compostela, French Way from Roncesvalles to Santiago de Compostela and French Way from Leon to O Cebreiro.

You leave Villadangos del Páramo beside the N-120 to San Martín del Camino and reach Hospital de Órbigo, with one of the longest medieval bridges on the Camino, scene of the Paso Honroso. Then, among fields and oaks, you come to the cross of Santo Toribio, with Astorga at your feet, and descend through San Justo de la Vega to the city. Astorga is a small city with two gems side by side: the Cathedral of Santa María and Gaudí's Episcopal Palace, one of the architect's few buildings outside Catalonia. Roman remains are scattered across the centre too, along with an unbeatable sweet tradition: mantecadas and chocolate, complete with its own museum.