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The small village of Roncesvalles is considered the first stop on the Jacobean route in Spain and the starting point for thousands of pilgrims on their way to Compostela.

 

The section of the French Route from Roncesvalles to Logroño is characterized by its beautiful Pyrenean mountain scenery; native forests and natural environments of great beauty, which will gradually transform into the landscape of vineyards so characteristic of La Rioja.

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Travel Itinerary

Roncesvalles has historically been considered the first stop on the Iberian Peninsula for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Located in a beautiful enclave at the foot of the port of Ibañeza, it was also a passageway for Celts, barbarians, Goths and even King Charlemagne. Home of deeds, battles and songs. A village that is a living memory of the passage and tradition of the Camino de Santiago, and that since the Middle Ages has given refuge and rest to countless pilgrims and personalities.

If you have decided to start your French Way from here, you can enjoy a wonderful day strolling through its cobbled streets and visiting its most emblematic buildings, such as the Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María, the Chapel of San Agustín or the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. A fairytale setting that preserves the purest Jacobean essence!

We start the first stage of the French Way from Roncesvalles to Logroño! During the day you will descend from the Pyrenees to approach the valley in which the city of Pamplona is located. A day in which you will cross forests, meadows and small typical Pyrenean villages that serve the walkers. This is a stage marked by medium difficulty slopes, such as the ascent to the Mezkiritz and Erro passes, or the steep descent to Zubiri, in which we recommend caution to avoid hurting your knees and ankles.

Zubiri is a small village in Navarre where you can appreciate the typical buildings of the area. Situated in a privileged natural environment, its most distinctive monument is the bridge of the Rabia, Romanesque style dating from the twelfth century. This bridge is so called because, according to legend, if an animal was sick and passed under the arches of the bridge, it was miraculously cured.

Today you will leave the Esteribar Valley, a very easy 20-kilometre stage, with few steep slopes and few dangerous sections, so we recommend you take it easy and enjoy the great beauty of its corners. On arrival, as a fantastic reward, you will be able to enjoy the capital of Navarre, lose yourself in its beautiful historic centre and let yourself be seduced by its impressive gastronomic offer.

Pamplona (Iruña) is a city that still preserves its medieval defensive walls. In fact, this walled complex has been declared a National Monument. Inside, the Cathedral of Santa Maria is perhaps its most dazzling artistic building, a Gothic jewel hidden behind a neoclassical façade. After strolling through its historic streets and visiting countless monuments, you should try the famous local cuisine, in the form of pintxos (tapas). And if you happen to be in town during the second week of July, get ready to experience the great San Fermines festival!

The main challenge of this stage is the ascent to the Alto del Perdón, whose ascent of just over 2 kilometres can be particularly tough. Once you reach the top, you will realize why it is one of the most famous and photographed points of the Camino de Santiago. Not only for the views but also for the curious sculpture representing a family of pilgrims in the Middle Ages.

Then, the descent of the pass is considered one of the critical points of the French Way, due to the steep slope and the unevenness of the terrain, which can cause falls and injuries, so extreme caution should be taken. After overcoming this stretch, the rest of the itinerary has no major complications until you reach Puente La Reina, which owes its name to the bridge that was built so that pilgrims could cross the waters of the River Arga.

Puente la Reina (Gares) is a small medieval village where you can discover religious constructions resulting from the influence of St. James, such as the Church of the Crucifix, the Church of Santiago or the Church of San Pedro. However, it is the Roman bridge, to which it owes its name, that will impress you the most. This bridge is one of the most imposing and majestic examples of Romanesque style of the Jacobean route.

During this stage, you will start the route leaving Puente la Reina through paths that run between fields. At some points, you will walk along the few well-preserved fragments of the ancient Roman road that guided the route to Santiago de Compostela. Although the route of this day is considered to be of great beauty, it is also known as a “leg-breaker”, due to its significant climbs and descents, such as the Alto de Cirauqui (Zirauki), a town that emerges on a rocky hill and has two splendid churches. After the ascent, the descent to Estella, the end of the stage, will follow.

Estella (Lizarra) is a town bathed by the river Ega, which has its origins in the cultural convergence of the Camino de Santiago and the Jewish quarter. Curious is its salt water spring, considered of therapeutic properties, which we recommend you to visit to rest after the day. Once you have rested, you can’t miss the chance to wander through the narrow streets of its historical area and discover its magnificent monuments, such as the Palace of the Kings of Navarre or the Church of San Pedro de la Rúa. The monk Aymeric Picaud stated in the 11th century that “Estella is a city of good bread, excellent wine, plenty of meat and fish and all kinds of happiness”.

This stage is characterized by loneliness and the absence of services, so sometimes it can be a challenge for the pilgrim. Although the distance is short, the route has continuous ups and downs that require more effort. At the beginning of the route you will be presented with a choice: go straight on towards Azqueta or turn off to the left towards the Monastery of Santa María La Real de Irache; we recommend you always take the second option to pass by the famous wine fountain, from which wine and water flow. The last stretch of the stage until you reach Los Arcos is a long walk of three hours along paths that, although well signposted, are somewhat monotonous. Once in Los Arcos, a fountain will welcome you at the entrance of the village to help you catch your breath before the end of the stage.

The Jacobean village of Los Arcos has several important monuments, both civil and religious. You can take a journey through history, strolling along its main street, with its emblazoned houses, and visiting the ruins of its medieval castle or the Roman remains that are still preserved. As far as religious monuments are concerned, the church of Santa María, built in the 12th century, of Romanesque construction to which later elements of later styles were added, stands out.

After five days walking through Navarre, it is now La Rioja that takes the baton of your Camino. A stage that, although long, will be easy and comfortable, as it passes through vineyards and monumental cities. You will admire the beauty of the countryside of Navarre, passing through historic villages such as Viana, with its fortified town centre full of mansions and small palaces, or small medieval villages such as Torres del Río. On the last stretch you will leave the forest tracks to finally reach the capital of La Rioja, Logroño.

It is a real pleasure to be able to lose yourself in the streets of the historic centre of Logroño and visit, among other important buildings, the Co-cathedral of Santa María la Redonda and its town halls. The affable and hospitable nature of the people of La Rioja makes Logroño the perfect place to enjoy a good afternoon of leisure and gastronomy. You can’t leave without visiting one of the most emblematic places in the city: the Café Moderno; and strolling along the Calle del Laurel, also known as the Elephant Route because of the possibilities of emerging “trunk” from within its walls. For wine lovers, a visit to the wine cellars in Ruavieja is a must.

Congratulations! You have completed your French Way from Roncesvalles to Logroño. Remember that you can add as many extra nights as you wish at the end of your Camino. Logroño has a lot to show you and a single day is not always enough to get to know the charms of the city!

And if you are still hungry for more, we suggest you extend your trip five more stages until you reach the wonderful city of Burgos.

Map of the Way

French Way from Roncesvalles to Logroño map

Type of accommodation

Dormitorio del albergue de peregrinos de Roncesvalles
Dormitorio del Albergue el Palo del Avellano
Habitaciones compartidas del Hotel Jakue
Dormitorio del Albergue - Hostería de Curtidores

In private hostels from Roncesvalles to Logroño

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.
Habitación doble del Hotel Roncesvalles
Habitación del Hotel Ciudad de Logroño
Habitación del Hotel Jakue,
Habitación del Hotel Roncesvalles

In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Roncesvalles to Logroño

Due to the fact that some towns along this route have little variety of accommodation, we have selected the best establishments available for you to have an incredible experience on your Camino de Santiago. You will combine the rest in small and cosy pensions with rural houses and lodgings of superior category, always looking for the best quality and location.

Detalles

Services included

8 days / 7 nights accommodation8 days / 7 nights accommodation
Luggage transfer during the stagesLuggage transfer during the stages
Complete documentationComplete documentation
Pilgrim’s CredentialPilgrim’s Credential
On-the-road emergency telephone assistanceOn-the-road emergency telephone assistance
Travel insuranceTravel insurance

Optional Services

ServicioIn hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Roncesvalles to LogroñoIn private hostels from Roncesvalles to Logroño
BreakfastBreakfast62€ per personNot available
MP (Breakfast and dinner)MP (Breakfast and dinner)165€ per personNot available
Supplement for single roomSupplement for single room150€ per single roomNot available
Extra nightExtra night95€ (sing. room) / 145€ (doub. room)25€ per person
Transfer from Pamplona to RoncesvallesTransfer from Pamplona to Roncesvalles165€ (4-seater vehicle)165€ (4-seater vehicle)
Breakfast Breakfast
In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Roncesvalles to Logroño 62€ per person
In private hostels from Roncesvalles to Logroño Not available
MP (Breakfast and dinner) MP (Breakfast and dinner)
In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Roncesvalles to Logroño 165€ per person
In private hostels from Roncesvalles to Logroño Not available
Supplement for single room Supplement for single room
In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Roncesvalles to Logroño 150€ per single room
In private hostels from Roncesvalles to Logroño Not available
Extra night Extra night
In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Roncesvalles to Logroño 95€ (sing. room) / 145€ (doub. room)
In private hostels from Roncesvalles to Logroño 25€ per person
Transfer from Pamplona to Roncesvalles Transfer from Pamplona to Roncesvalles
In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Roncesvalles to Logroño 165€ (4-seater vehicle)
In private hostels from Roncesvalles to Logroño 165€ (4-seater vehicle)

Photos

Bridge Stage bridge roncesvalles zubiri french way
Route Stage roncesvalles zubiri french route
Letrero de Santiago de Compostela
centre stage pamplona bridge la reina french way
route stage zubiri pamplona french way
camino-frances-cebreiro-4
Un mojón del Camino en medio del bosque
bridge Stage Stage Los arcos Logrono french way
centre Etapa Los arcos Logrono french way

Frequently Asked Questions

In this modality you will do the Camino de Santiago at your own pace and you will only have to worry about choosing the route you like the most, the type of accommodation and your departure date. If you choose this option you will travel alone or with the people that appear in your reservation, and you will have all the services included so that you only have to worry about walking and enjoying the experience.

The Camino de Santiago on your own includes the following services

  • Accommodation
  • Luggage transport
  • Dossier with information about the stages
  • Pilgrim's credential
  • On-the-road helpline
  • Travel insurance

In addition, you can customize your trip by adding the following optional services

  • Breakfast or half board
  • Private transfers to the start of the stage from Santiago de Compostela or from the airport.
  • Extra night at the beginning or end of the stage

Unlike the group trips, no bus service, guide or support vehicle is included between stages. But you will have a 24-hour hotline where you can contact us in case of any problem or unforeseen event, which we will solve quickly.

Yes, you will have total freedom to choose your departure date. However, if you want to do your Camino de Santiago in the months of December, January and February, we recommend that you check availability before making your reservation. At this time of year most accommodation is closed and many services may not be available.

In your travel documents, you will find the names of the accommodations assigned to you, as well as their contact telephone number and location.   As a general rule, all accommodation are located in the centre of the different towns along the Pilgrims' Route to Santiago de Compostela, without the need to deviate too far from the route. But sometimes, due to lack of availability, it is possible that some accommodation may be a little far from the village or even in neighbouring towns.   For all the accommodations that are at a considerable distance from the route of the Camino, we will provide you with a free taxi service that you can use to get to your accommodation and return to the Camino the next morning.   In any case, these are exceptions that we will inform you at the time of booking.

Luggage transport service by default is included in all our trips and it is not necessary to request it. You can enjoy the Camino de Santiago without the burden of carrying your luggage on your back, knowing that your suitcase will be waiting for you at your next accommodation upon your arrival.   Along with your credential, you'll also receive stickers. Cover these stickers with the requested information and stick them in a visible place on your suitcase.   Upon arrival at your accommodation, we suggest asking at the reception where you can leave your luggage. You'll need to leave your luggage at the designated spot early in the morning for our carrier to pick it up. This ensures that when you arrive at your next accommodation, your luggage will already be waiting for you.

We have a taxi service that you can hire whenever you need it. You can hire it, for example, to go from the airport to the start of your Camino, or to go from Santiago to your starting point to pick up your car once you finish the stage.   The price of the transfers will depend on the distance from your point of origin to the destination. If you have any questions about this service do not hesitate to contact us.

We provide mandatory insurance coverage with every trip to safeguard you against any potential inconveniences during the Camino de Santiago. You'll receive the insurance policy along with your travel documents.

The basic travel insurance included in our packages offers extensive coverage against unforeseen events, ensuring you'll receive guaranteed medical assistance and numerous benefits. You can review the specifics in the General Conditions of Travel Insurance.

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.

To make a reservation, you can follow these steps:

  1. Through our website: Select the route you want and follow the steps indicated in the form. Provide your personal information and that of your companions, choose the type of accommodation, room distribution, meals, transfers, bike rental, etc.
  2. By email: If you prefer to make the reservation by email or need a personalized trip, you can send us an email to [email protected]. We will provide you with the necessary information to complete the reservation via email.

It is important to note that if the routes or services available on the website do not meet your specific needs, you can request a personalized quote by sending an email to [email protected].

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