The French Way popularly known as the Camino Frances is one of the most popular routes to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Despite being just one of the many different Camino de Santiago routes, this way is by far one of the most beloved, walked by millions of pilgrims each year that make their way to the tomb of St. James the Apostle at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
If you decide to embark on this journey be prepared, it’s a one-of-a-lifetime experience but it’s also a challenging one. The Camino Frances will offer you some of the most unique and diverse landscapes of Europe, from the Pyrenees to the Spanish countryside and more.
Many pilgrims start their journey out of the blue, heading to France, moving and deciding as they go, booking hotels on the go or staying in affordable allergies that are scattered around the route, but, you opt to hire a tour company like Orbis Ways, that will take care of everything for you.
Key Takeaways of The Camino Frances
- The Camino Francés is the most popular and well-marked route of the Camino de Santiago, spanning approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles) from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
- The “French Way” passes through picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and charming villages, offering a diverse and rewarding experience.
- You can expect to encounter a variety of terrains, including mountainous regions, rolling hills, and flat plains, as well as urban and rural landscapes
- Along the route, you will find a network of albergues (hostels) offering a budget place to stay, as well as other options like hotels and guesthouses.
- The Camino is well-marked with yellow arrows and scallop shell symbols, ensuring that pilgrims can easily navigate their way to Santiago de Compostela.
- Make sure you don’t forget your “Credencial del Peregrino” or Pilgrim’s Passport, which gets stamped at official stops along the way.
- Preparation is essential for a successful Camino experience. This includes training for the physical challenge of walking long distances, researching the route, and packing the essential gear.
Where to Start the Camino Francés
Your journey begins in the picturesque French town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, from there, you will cross the Pyrenees and walk through the regions of Navarre, La Rioja, Castilla y León, and finally, Galicia.
Complete List of Stages of the Camino Francés
The Camino Francés is divided into stages, each offering its own unique experiences. Here’s a glimpse of the journey:
- Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles
- Roncesvalles to Zubiri
- Zubiri to Pamplona
- Pamplona to Puente La Reina
- Puente La Reina to Estella
- Estella to Ponteferrada
- Ponferrada to Sarria
- Sarria to Santiago de Compostela
Arriving at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Upon arriving at the majestic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, you can obtain the “Compostela” certificate to commemorate your journey.
After arriving you will experience a mix of exhaustion, elation, and spiritual fulfillment. The city itself is a treasure of history, art, and tradition.
Practical Tips for Pilgrims
One of the most important pieces of advice I can give you is to pack light, most of the time during the journey you will be walking for several hours, and packing light and smart is a must. Make sure you invest in comfortable, well-fitting walking shoes or hiking boots.
Secondly, you need a good backpack, I don’t how many pilgrims need to change backpacks mid-journey. It’s a challenge and a sturdy backpack is a must.
Thirdly, make sure to drink plenty of water and calculate correctly the amount of water you will be carrying between stages, you won’t want to be out of water while walking.
And remember to pack only essentials, remember, you’ll carry it all!