Camino de Santiago – The French Way

Summary 

Embark on an 800 km journey that weaves through the heart of the Pyrenees to the revered Santiago de Compostela. This legendary path, trodden by over 150,000 pilgrims annually, traverses the diverse landscapes of Aragón, Navarre, La Rioja, Castile and Leon, and Galicia. Each step along this route of the Way of Saint James is a blend of history, spirituality, and culture, set against a backdrop of stunning and varied natural scenery. Follow in the steps of all these pilgrims to discover charming villages, bustling towns, and cities, each brimming with their own unique character.

The French Way is not just a journey; it’s a transformative experience that stays with you for a lifetime.

First stage: Roncesvalles – Santo Domingo de la Calzada

• Difficulty level: Medium-high
• Landscape rating: High
• Transfers: Bilbao Airport
• Origin: Roncesvalles
• Destination: Santo Domingo de la Calzada
• Duration: 8 days – 7 nights – 6 riding days
• Accommodation: Rural hotels
• Meals: Welcome Dinner, Full Board Daily (with lunch at local restaurants), Concluding Breakfast.

Begin your equestrian adventure in the historic Roncesvalles, nestled in the Pyrenees near the French border. Immerse yourself in oak and beech forests, as well as meadows where horses and cows graze, as you ride from the mountains to Pamplona. Traverse through Pamplona to reach the iconic Alto del Perdón, journeying through towns like Puente la Reina, Estella, and Viana, before arriving in the wine-rich city of Logroño. Indulge in the region’s culinary delights, featuring fresh, succulent vegetable produce from Navarre’s gardens and the internationally acclaimed wines of La Rioja. Your journey takes a cultural turn in Nájera, resting in San Millán de la Cogolla – the cradle of the Castilian language, set amidst breathtaking monasteries and mountains. Conclude this stage in the historically rich village of Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

Second stage: Santo Domingo de la Calzada – El Burgo Ranero

• Difficulty level: Medium – Low
• Landscape rating: High
• Transfers: Bilbao Airport
• Origin: Santo Domingo de la Calzada
• Destination: El Burgo Ranero
• Duration: 8 days – 7 nights – 6 riding days
• Lodging: Rural hotels
• Meals: Welcome Dinner, Full Board Daily (with lunch at local restaurants), Concluding Breakfast

Set off from Santo Domingo de la Calzada on a journey marked by ease and beauty, free from mountainous terrains. The route leads to the majestic city of Burgos, where you can admire its river paths and the stunning Gothic cathedral. Canter through the fertile fields of the Castilian Plateau, alongside rivers and canals, discovering well-preserved towns like Castrojeriz. Relish stays in exceptional countryside hotels, such as the historic Parador San Zoilo in Carrión de los Condes and San Antón Abad in Villafranca de Montes de Oca. Your journey culminates in the province of León, marking an unforgettable end to this stage of your Camino adventure.

Third stage: El Burgo Ranero – O’Cebreiro

• Difficulty level: Medium – High
• Landscape rating: High
• Transfers: Madrid Airport
• Origin: El Burgo Ranero
• Destination: O’Cebreiro
• Duration: 8 days – 7 nights – 6 riding days
• Lodging: Rural hotels
• Meals: Welcome Dinner, Full Board Daily (with lunch at local restaurants), Concluding Breakfast.

The third stage of your equestrian journey, rated as medium-high in difficulty and high in landscape beauty, commences at El Burgo Ranero and heads towards the outskirts of the city of Leon. In order to bypass the busy urban traffic of León, a truck transfer is arranged, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted experience. Your path then guides you to the historic Hospital de Órbigo, where you’ll traverse its renowned bridge before arriving at the majestic city of Astorga. As you venture forth, you will witness a dramatic shift in the landscape, which will swiftly transform into wooded terrains and quaint stone and slate villages such as Castrillo de los Polvazares and Molinaseca.

Your ascent to Alto de Foncebadón allows you to visit the iconic Cruz de Ferro and bask in the breathtaking views of El Bierzo. This stage culminates in the mystical and ancient village of O’Cebreiro in Galicia, known for its enchanting pilgrim atmosphere and spectacular setting, high up in the mountains. Each night, you’ll find rest and relaxation in countryside and rural hotels, and your culinary needs are fully catered for with dinner on arrival, daily three-course meals (featuring lunches at local restaurants), and breakfast on your final day.

Stage four: O’Cebreiro – Santiago de Compostela

• Difficulty level: Medium
• Landscape rating: High
• Transfers: Santiago de Compostela Airport
• Origin: O’Cebreiro
• Destination: Santiago de Compostela
• Duration: 8 days – 7 nights – 6 riding days
• Lodging: Rural hotels
• Meals:Welcome Dinner, Full Board Daily (with lunch at local restaurants), Concluding Breakfast.

Your final stage of the Saint James Way journey on horseback, from O’Cebreiro to Santiago de Compostela, is the crowning moment of this epic adventure. This 8-day expedition, including 7 nights and 6 days on horseback, presents a medium difficulty level, complemented by a highly praised landscape experience.

Departing from the grand summits of O’Cebreiro, your senses will be treated to a descent through emerald forests towards the village of Samos, renowned for its Benedictine Monastery. As you draw nearer to Santiago de Compostela, the trail vibrates with the energy of fellow pilgrims, yet retains the serenity of its forests and meadows, populated with placid cows.

Your path will lead you through captivating villages like Porto Marín, Palas de Rei, and Arzúa, drawing you ever closer to your final destination. The journey’s penultimate leg near Monte de Gozo signals the approach to the end of your pilgrimage.

On the final day, a morning escort takes you to the historic Plaza del O’Bradoiro in Santiago de Compostela. The afternoon is yours to explore, allowing ample time to visit the magnificent cathedral and to claim your Compostela, a symbol of your journey’s completion.