The French Way

Information about the Camino

In Tu Buen Camino, we provide you with full information about the services we offer on this route.

Camino de Santiago from Sarria: Hostels

We work with small and cosy inns that will offer you bespoke and friendly services.

They also serve up delicious local cuisine that will surely impress even the most demanding tastes. We want the Camino and the footprint of Galicia to stay in your heart forever.

Camino de Santiago from Sarria: Stages

The Camino de Santiago from Sarria consists of four stages, each with over 20 kilometres per day. The most common completion time is five or six days.

Sarria is only 100 kilometres from Santiago de Compostela, which makes this route perfect for families, the elderly, people with reduced mobility and pets due to its simplicity and accessibility.

And for added peace of mind, we offer 24-hour assistance and an emergency vehicle throughout the entire itinerary.

History of the French Way

The French Way of St. James is the Camino de Santiago route par excellence. It is the most traditional and most popular route. It is the best-known Camino throughout the world, due largely to it being included in UNESCO’S World Heritage List.

The French Way of St. James runs across the north of the Iberian Peninsula, from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the last French town, to Santiago de Compostela. A total of 743 kilometres divided into 33 stages of approximately 25 kilometres each.

Although the Way of St. James ends, naturally, at the Apostle James the Greater’s tomb, you can start at any point along the route. Each pilgrim can choose a starting point depending on how much time they have or how fit they are.

Both Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Roncesvalles, the first Spanish locality on the French Way of St. James, after crossing the Pyrenees, are considered traditional starting points. However, Burgos, Pamplona, León or Sarria are also common start points among pilgrims travelling along the French Way of St. James.

At Tubuencamino, we have the following organised routes along the French Way of St. James:

In this guide of the French Way of St. James, we will discuss the route’s most outstanding aspects, as well as the main reasons why it is one of the most attractive ones for those who want to enjoy an unforgettable experience.

We will explain its different stages, their duration, and the main points of interest. Therefore, pay close attention if you want to find out everything you need to know about the French Way of St. James.

In this guide of the French Way of St. James, we will discuss the route’s most outstanding aspects, as well as the main reasons why it is one of the most attractive ones for those who want to enjoy an unforgettable experience.

Why choose the French Way of St. James?

When it comes to choosing a Camino de Santiago route, many people decide on the French Way of St. James. There are many reasons for this and the main one is that it is the most popular route.

If you are looking for a more social experience, the French Way of St. James is the best route for you. Since it is the busiest route, you will have many opportunities to meet people, who could become your friends for life.

Moreover, the French Way of St. James has better infrastructure than the other routes. There are more hostels and other facilities available, which will make your trip more comfortable.

Of course, the French Way of St. James also has a rich history behind it. It is the oldest route, dating from the early Middle Ages. This route was popular due to both religious and commercial reasons, which explains its rich historical and cultural heritage.

Therefore, if you are looking for a complete Camino de Santiago experience, the French Way of St. James is the best option.

More reserved routes along the French Way of St. James

When it comes to going on a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Santiago de Compostela, the French Way of St. James is by far the most popular route. However, there are other options that are not so busy and that feature a more exclusive experience.

Starting in the French border town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the French Way of St. James from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is a great option for those who want a more peaceful trip. This route takes pilgrims through the beautiful Pyrenees mountains before reaching Roncesvalles, the first important stop on the French Way of St. James.

Another option is the French Way from Pamplona, which begins in the Spanish town of Pamplona. Although this route is a little longer than the one that starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, it is still relatively peaceful in comparison with the French Way of St. James.

Logroño is another popular starting point on the French Way of St. James, and the route that starts here is known as the French Way from Logroño. Although route is a little more popular than the previous two, it is still a lot less busy than the French Way of St. James.

Burgos is another city that pilgrims frequently choose as a starting point on the French Way of St. James, being known as the French Way from Burgos. It is one of the most popular alternative French Way of St. James routes.

The French Way from Sahagun is another option for those looking for a more reserved trip. This route begins in the Spanish town and heads towards León, the last stop on the French Way of St. James.

Ponferrada is the last town on the French Way of St. James before Santiago de Compostela, and the French Way from Ponferrada is a very popular alternative route for those wanting to avoid the crowds.

Finally, the French Way from Sarria is the shortest of all the alternative routes since it begins in the Galician town of Sarria. This increasingly popular route is still a lot less busy than the French Way of St. James.

At Tubuencamino, we recommend this route it you are looking for a 6-7-day experience.

Difficulty of the French Way of St. James

Although the French Way of St. James is one of the most popular Camino de Santiago routes, it is also one of the most difficult. This is largely due to its slopes and the areas it goes through, which can make it a hard trip in bad weather. It is also a very long route.

The French Way of St. James features a total difference in altitude of 3,000 metres, which means that the different stages include high mountain passes. This is an important fact to be taken into account by those who want to do the Way of St. James by bike, since they will need some high-altitude training before they start.

However, despite this challenge, there are many good reasons for doing so, since it is an unforgettable experience featuring charming scenery and a very special connection with the surroundings and with oneself.

Since it is the most traditional route, the French Way of St. James has the best infrastructure and the best signage. It features a very extensive network of public hostels and private accommodation, as well as accessible services.

At the same time, since it is the most famous route, it is also the busiest. Fortunately, the route is sufficiently long so that, although each person has their own pace, the presence of other pilgrims on the route does not spoil anyone’s religious or spiritual experience.

At this stage, we should not forget that the French Way of St. James features extensive accommodation infrastructure. Both the network of hostels and tourist accommodation are high quality.

The pilgrim that chooses this Camino de Santiago route should only have to worry about enjoying the incredible experience of travelling along this medieval route.

What is the best of time of year for doing the French Way of St. James?

The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as personal preferences and the climate. In general, spring and autumn are considered the best times of year for doing the French Way of St. James. However, each season has its own advantages, so it depends on what you are looking for.

Spring

Spring has the advantage of featuring beautiful views and fairly good weather, since the route runs through areas with an oceanic climate characterised by mild temperatures. The disadvantage is that the weather is more unstable and rainier.

Summer

Summer is the most popular season because it also coincides with July 25, the Feast of St. James the Apostle, the city’s celebration par excellence. It depends on your preferences, since spring and autumn are seasons with a great variety of weather conditions, which is always risky.

Autumn

Autumn features wonderful colours in places with many deciduous trees. The browns, yellows, and greens are present throughout the entire route. It is undoubtedly an ideal time for travelling along the French Way to Santiago, although we have to take the unstable weather into account.

Winter

The advantage of winter is that the Camino is not very busy. This is especially important in the case of the French Way of St. James since it is the busiest of them all. Moreover, at this time of year we can enjoy all the advantages of a unique landscape.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON THE FRENCH WAY OF ST. JAMES

How many stages does the French Way of St. James have?

The French Way of St. James is one of Europe’s most popular pilgrimage routes. It is 743 km long, from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela, in Spain, and receives about 150,000 pilgrims every year.

The French Way of St. James consists of around 33 stages, depending on how you divide the trip. Most pilgrims walk between 6 and 8 hours per day, which means they complete the route in 4 or 5 weeks.

The French Way of St. James runs through some of Spain’s most beautiful and historic regions, such as Aragón, Navarre, La Rioja, Castille and León, and Galicia. Throughout the journey, pilgrims have the opportunity of visiting numerous churches, monasteries, and other religious sites.

Whether you are looking for a spiritual challenge or simply want to enjoy a long trek through some of Europe’s most striking landscapes, the French Way of St. James will enable you to enjoy an unforgettable experience.

How long does the Way of St. James take from France?

How long it takes to complete the Way of St. James from France depends on each person. Some people take their time to enjoy nature and the scenery throughout the trip, while others want to complete the route as quick as possible. Even so, it normally takes between 31 and 33 days.

A person’s age and level of fitness are other factors that influence how long it takes to complete the Way of St. James. On average, each stage of the trip is about 25 km long. However, this figure can vary depending on how often you stop to rest or enjoy the scenery.

At the end of the day, the best way to complete the Way of St. James as at your own pace. The journey may be difficult at the beginning, but as you get used to it, you will be able to cover more ground without getting tired.

Which stage of the French Way of St. James is the most difficult?

The hardest stage of the French Way of St. James is undoubtedly that of the Pyrenees. Going up to O Cebreiro is not easy, and many pilgrims find it hard to reach the top. However, the views from the summit are well worth the effort, and the sensation of completing this stage is immense. In the case of many pilgrims, the Pyrenees are their favourite stage of the French Way of St. James, the most memorable one.