French Way (Camino Francés)
The most walked route to Santiago: 33 stages, around 764 km, starting in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
The classic Camino de Santiago route
The French Way is the most walked and best-signposted Way of St James: around 764 km spread over 33 stages from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, crossing the Pyrenees, La Rioja, the Meseta and Galicia before reaching the Praza do Obradoiro.
It's also the route with the most services, albergues and pilgrim atmosphere at every stretch, which makes it the favourite choice for first-time pilgrims.
All 33 stages of the French Way
Reference distances and difficulty for planning.
The whole French Way, at a glance
Explore the full route and the waypoints of every stage.
Map
- Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
- 1. Roncesvalles
- 2. Zubiri
- 3. Pamplona
- 4. Puente la Reina
- 5. Estella
- 6. Los Arcos
- 7. Logroño
- 8. Nájera
- 9. Santo Domingo de la Calzada
- 10. Belorado
- 11. San Juan de Ortega
- 12. Burgos
- 13. Hornillos del Camino
- 14. Castrojeriz
- 15. Frómista
- 16. Carrión de los Condes
- 17. Terradillos de los Templarios
- 18. El Burgo Ranero
- 19. León
- 20. San Martín del Camino
- 21. Astorga
- 22. Foncebadón
- 23. Ponferrada
- 24. Villafranca del Bierzo
- 25. O Cebreiro
- 26. Triacastela
- 27. Sarria
- 28. Portomarín
- 29. Palas de Rei
- 30. Melide
- 31. Arzúa
- 32. O Pedrouzo
- 33. Santiago de Compostela
FEAACS track published by IGN. Follow current trail signs.
Source: IGN/CNIG · FEAACS · CC BY 4.0 · Accessed:
Gaps in the source file are preserved; no connections have been added.
Does not include access from the track to: Foncebadón.
Work out how much it will cost you
Set the days, route and type of trip, and we give you an estimate of the total cost with a full breakdown.
Things to do and day trips in Santiago de Compostela
The most-booked experiences among pilgrims at the finish line. Worth booking ahead, especially in high season.
Small-group walking tour of the old town
A small-group walk through Santiago's old quarter with a local guide.
Secrets of the Cathedral (night tour)
A night-time walk through the lesser-known corners of the Cathedral, outside normal visiting hours.
Cathedral and Pórtico da Gloria
Guided visit to the Cathedral with access to the museum and the restored Pórtico da Gloria.
Queimada show and tasting
Galicia's traditional flaming drink, explained and tasted in a show designed for pilgrims.
Finisterre, Muxía and the Costa da Morte
The three essential stops of the "end of the world" in a single full day from Santiago.
Rías Baixas boat trip and winery
A boat ride along the estuary followed by a visit to an albariño winery. Ideal for a rest day.
Cíes Islands
The Atlantic archipelago with some of Galicia's best beaches, on a full-day excursion.
Praia das Catedrais (Cathedral Beach)
A full-day excursion to Lugo, Ribadeo and the spectacular Praia das Catedrais.
A Coruña and Betanzos
The Tower of Hercules, A Coruña's old town and the medieval town of Betanzos, on a full-day excursion from Santiago.
Massage for pilgrims
Give your legs a break after the Camino with a massage right in the centre of Santiago.
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