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Camino Francés

Camino Francés from St. Jean Pied de Port

St. Jean Pied de Port

to

Santiago de Compostella

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# Walking Days

29

days at a fast pace

39

days at a slower pace

Distance

770 km, 438 miles

Total Trip Time

between 32 and 42 days

Difficult at TimesEasyRelatively EasyNot Very DifficultDifficult at TimesMost Difficult
Very CrowdedRare to see Other PilgrimsNot CrowdedModerate CrowdsExpect CrowdsVery Crowded

Route Description

The Camino Frances, commencing in St. Jean Pied de Port, is a quintessential and enriching pilgrimage, offering a tapestry of cultural, historical, and scenic experiences. This iconic route starts at the foothills of the Pyrenees in France, leading pilgrims across the border into Spain, and culminating in the historic Santiago de Compostela. Beginning in the charming town of St. Jean Pied de Port, the journey presents a challenging yet rewarding start as it traverses the Pyrenees. The path then unfolds through diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of Navarre to the vast plains of Castile and León. Along the way, pilgrims encounter medieval towns like Pamplona, famous for its running of the bulls, and Burgos, with its majestic Gothic cathedral. The route is peppered with rich cultural sites, including the wine region of La Rioja and the mystical Iron Cross. As pilgrims approach Galicia, the landscape transforms, offering lush greenery and a hint of the Celtic heritage of the region. Ideal for those seeking a deeply traditional Camino experience, the Camino Frances from St. Jean Pied de Port provides a journey of physical challenge, cultural immersion, and spiritual introspection, leading to the revered Santiago de Compostela.

Pros

Social, easy to meet people, abundance of resources along the way, safe. Very well served with accommodations. The scenery is beautiful and very historic. There are many places to start with good transportation options between cities. Links to the end of the Le Puy route which traverses France.

Cons

This route will be busy for most of the year. There are areas of difficult terrain. Winter will bring snow.
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Cultural and Spiritual Highlights

Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross): Located in the province of León, Cruz de Ferro is a simple iron cross planted atop a tall wooden pole surrounded by a mound of stones. Pilgrims traditionally carry a small stone from their place of origin and place it at the foot of the cross, symbolizing the burdens they wish to leave behind or offer to the journey. Burgos Cathedral: The Cathedral of Saint Mary of Burgos is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pilgrims often visit this stunning cathedral, which contains many religious treasures and is a significant stop along the Camino Francés. Leon Cathedral: The Santa Maria de León Cathedral, also known as Leon Cathedral, is another Gothic masterpiece that pilgrims encounter on their journey. It is renowned for its beautiful stained glass windows and is a spiritual and architectural marvel. Convento de San Antón: This medieval convent in the town of Castrojeriz is dedicated to Saint Anthony and was originally established to provide shelter and assistance to pilgrims. It is a peaceful and historically significant place along the Camino Francés. Hospital de los Reyes Católicos: Located in Santiago de Compostela, this historic building, also known as the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos or Parador de Santiago, was built by Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella in the late 15th century. It was originally a hospital for pilgrims and is now a luxurious hotel. The building's history and architecture make it a cultural landmark. Monte del Gozo: This hill, whose name translates to "Mount of Joy," is located just outside of Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims traditionally stop here to get their first view of the spires of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, which is their ultimate destination. It's a place of great emotional and spiritual significance for many pilgrims.
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Comments on Bicycling

Terrain: The terrain varies along the route, and while much of it is suitable for cycling, there are sections that can be challenging. Some parts are quite steep, rocky, or have uneven surfaces. Be prepared for both uphill and downhill stretches. Traffic: Much of the Camino Frances route is on rural roads and trails with limited vehicular traffic, which can make it suitable for cycling. However, there are also some sections where you'll share the road with cars and trucks. Be cautious and aware of traffic safety. Pilgrims: The Camino is a popular walking pilgrimage, and you'll encounter many pedestrians along the way. Be respectful and considerate when passing them on the trail, as cyclists should yield to walkers. Bike Type: Choose a bike suitable for mixed terrain. A hybrid bike or a mountain bike with sturdy tires is often recommended. Road bikes may struggle on some of the rougher sections. Accommodations: While there are accommodations available along the route, some albergues (pilgrim hostels) may not have secure storage for bicycles. It's a good idea to check in advance and make reservations where possible. Navigation: Navigation can be challenging at times, especially if you're relying on physical maps or guidebooks. It's highly recommended to have a GPS device or a reliable navigation app on your phone to ensure you stay on the correct path. Fitness Level: The Camino Frances is a long-distance route, covering approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles). Make sure you have the fitness and stamina required to complete the journey on a bicycle. Weather: Be prepared for varying weather conditions, as the route covers a wide range of climates. Rain gear, sun protection, and appropriate clothing are essential.

Getting to the Starting Point

Major International Hub: Paris, France - Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) 

  • Estimated Travel Time to St. Jean Pied de Port:  7-8 hours

  • Take a high-speed train (TGV) from Paris to Bayonne and then transfer to a regional train or bus to reach St. Jean Pied de Port. 

Major International Hub: Madrid, Spain - Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) 

  • Estimated Travel Time to St. Jean Pied de Port:  6-8 hours

  • Take a high-speed train (Renfe SNCF) from Madrid to Bayonne. This part of the journey can take approximately 4 to 5 hours. Bayonne to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: From Bayonne, catch a regional train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The trip takes about 1.5 hours. 

Close-by Airport: Bilbao, Spain - Bilbao Airport (BIO) 

  • Estimated Travel Time to St. Jean Pied de Port: Approximately 2-3 hours by bus.

Close-by Airport: Pamplona, Spain - Pamplona Airport (PNA) 

  • Estimated Travel Time to St. Jean Pied de Port: Approximately 1-2 hours by bus.

Cities Along the Route (distance from start of primary route, city name, distance to end in kilometers)

0

Saint Jean Pied de Port

775

20.2

Collado de Lepoeder

755

45.6

Zubiri

729

67

Pamplona

708

94.7

Mañeru

678

114

Estella

661

142

Torres del Río

632

189

Cirueña

568

211

Granon

559

215

Castildelgado

553

241

Villafranca Montes de Oca

529

286

Burgos

489

310

Tardajos

460

396

Terradillos de los Templarios

379

467

La Virgen del Camino

303

493

Hospital de Órbigo

277

528

El Ganso

247

560

Molinaseca

215

605

Las Herrerías

163

620

O Cebreiro

155

635

Triacastela

140

672

Morgade

103

733.2

Ribadiso da Baixo

41.8

749.6

A Brea

25.4

770.6

Monte do Gozo

4.4

5

Honto

770

24.2

Roncesvalles

750

51.1

Larrasoaña

724

70.9

Cizur Menor

703

100

Cirauqui

675

115

Los Arcos

640

142

Sansol

633

192

Nájera

583

212.2

San Bol

385

222

Viloria de la Rioja

548

259

San Juan de Ortega

516

296.3

Boadilla del Camino

418

349

Población de Campos

421

446

Mansilla de las Mulas

329

471

Valverde de la Virgen

299

496

Villares de Órbigo

274

535

Rabanal del Camino

240

567.8

Cacabelos

190

606

Ruitelán

164

623

Liñares

152

639

San Cristovo do Real

136

682

Portomarin

93

736.3

Arzúa

38.7

754

A Rúa

21

775

Santiago de Compostela (End of Frances)

0

7.6

Albergue Orisson

767

27

Burguete

747

54.8

Zuriáin

719

77

Zariquiegui

698

105

Lorca

670

116

Ayegui

659

153

Viana

622

198

Azofra

577

213

Santo Domingo de la Calzada

562

235

Belorado

540

262.6

Agés

512

297

Rabe de las Calzadas

477

360

Itero de la Vega

410

447

Puente Villarente

323

480

Villadangos del Páramo

290

498

Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias

272

540

Manjarín

230

568

Ponferrada

207

612

Laguna de Castilla

158

626

Hospital da Condesa

149

645.2

Samos

130

707.8

Palas De Rei

67.2

742

A Calzada

33

758.9

O Amenal

16.1

16.2

Collado de Bentartea

759

30.7

Espinal

744

62

Villava

712

89

Puente la Reina

684

110

Villatuerta

665

123

Villamayor de Monjardín

652

163

Logroño

612

206

Hornillos del Camino

469

215

Redecilla del Camino

555

235

Tosantos

535

267.9

Atapuerca

509

301

Frómista

424

370

Carrión de los Condes

405

465

León

310

490

San Martín del Camino

285

515

Astorga

260

541

Foncebadón

234

592

Villafranca del Bierzo

183

615

La Faba

160

634

O Biduedo

141

660

Sarria

115

722.2

Melide

52.8

743.2

A Calle de Ferreiros

31.2

765.1

Lavacolla

9.9

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