Camino Francès

Camino Frances: a Complete Guide to Walking the French Way

Also known as the French Way of the Camino de Santiago, the Camino Frances has been walked by pilgrims for over a thousand years. It is the most travelled route of the Way of St James, attracting nearly half of all pilgrims who arrive in Santiago each year. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic route crosses four distinct regions of Spain, from the green Pyrenees foothills to the rolling vineyards of La Rioja, the vast plains of Castile and the lush hills of Galicia. Whether you walk for spiritual reasons, personal challenge or the simple pleasure of being on the trail, the Camino Frances delivers an experience that stays with you for life.

Key Stages of the Camino Frances

The Camino Frances is traditionally divided into five main sections. Each offers a completely different landscape, level of difficulty and cultural experience. Here is an overview of the stages we offer as self-guided walking holidays.

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Logrono (approx. 200 km)

The journey begins in the charming Basque town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the last stop in France before crossing the Pyrenees into Spain. The first day's climb to Roncesvalles is one of the most memorable and physically demanding stages of the entire Camino. From there, the route takes you through the lively streets of Pamplona, across the historic bridge at Puente la Reina and into the wine country of Navarre before reaching Logrono, gateway to La Rioja. Discover our Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Logrono walking holiday.

Burgos to Leon (approx. 180 km)

This section crosses the Meseta, the high central plateau of Castile. The landscape is vast and open, with endless horizons of wheat fields and big skies. Many pilgrims find this stage mentally challenging but deeply rewarding: the simplicity of the terrain invites reflection and a slower pace. The Gothic cathedral of Burgos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a highlight at the start, while the spectacular stained-glass windows of Leon Cathedral provide a breathtaking reward at the end. Discover our Burgos to Leon walking holiday.

Leon to Santiago de Compostela (approx. 300 km)

The longest section of the Camino Frances takes you from Leon through the mountains of El Bierzo, past the iconic Iron Cross at Cruz de Ferro and the Templar castle of Ponferrada, before climbing into Galicia at the village of O Cebreiro. The final stretch through green Galician countryside, eucalyptus forests and quiet stone villages builds to the emotional arrival at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Discover our Leon to Santiago walking holiday.

Sarria to Santiago de Compostela (approx. 115 km)

The last 100 kilometres from Sarria to Santiago is the most popular section of the Camino Frances. It is the minimum distance required to earn the Compostela certificate, and an ideal choice for walkers with limited time or those experiencing the Camino for the first time. Expect rolling green hills, ancient villages and an ever-growing sense of anticipation as you approach Santiago. Discover our Sarria to Santiago walking holiday.

Santiago de Compostela to Fisterra (approx. 90 km)

For those who want to continue beyond Santiago, the route to Cape Fisterra offers a fitting conclusion to the pilgrimage. Once believed to be the westernmost point of the known world, Fisterra is where many pilgrims choose to watch the sun set over the Atlantic, marking the symbolic end of their journey. Discover our Santiago to Fisterra walking holiday.

Landscapes and Regions of the Camino Frances

One of the great attractions of the Camino Frances is the extraordinary diversity of its landscapes. Over 800 kilometres, you cross four distinct regions of northern Spain, each with its own character, climate and culture.

The Pyrenees and Navarre

The journey begins with a dramatic mountain crossing from France into Spain. The green foothills of the Pyrenees give way to the rolling farmland and medieval towns of Navarre. Pamplona, Puente la Reina and Estella are key stops in this culturally rich region.

La Rioja

Famous for its vineyards and warm hospitality, La Rioja is one of the most enjoyable sections of the Camino Frances. The route passes through endless rows of vines, quiet villages and the lively city of Logrono, where you can sample some of Spain's finest wines.

The Meseta (Castile and Leon)

The vast central plateau of Spain stretches between Burgos and Leon. Flat, open and sun-baked in summer, the Meseta is a landscape of big skies, golden wheat fields and solitude. Many pilgrims describe this section as the most meditative part of the Camino.

Galicia

The final region before Santiago is a world apart: green hills, stone-walled lanes, eucalyptus forests and misty mornings. Galicia feels ancient and deeply rooted in pilgrimage tradition. The approach to Santiago de Compostela through this landscape is one of the most emotional moments of the entire journey.

Why Walk the Camino Frances with Walks in France?

With over 35 years of experience organising self-guided Camino walking holidays, Walks in France is one of the most established Camino specialists in Europe. Trusted by thousands of pilgrims from around the world, we make sure your Camino Frances experience is seamless from start to finish.

• Daily luggage transfer between your accommodations. You walk with just a light daypack.
• Quality accommodation carefully selected at every stage, from welcoming guesthouses to comfortable hotels.
• A detailed route book with maps, directions and practical tips for each day.
• Tailor-made itineraries adapted to your pace, your fitness level and your available time.
• Phone support available throughout your trip.

Whether you walk the full 800 km or a single section, we design your Camino Frances walking holiday around your needs. Request your free quote.

All You Need to Know About the Camino de Santiago

Practical Tips for Your Camino Frances Walking Holiday

Best time to walk the Camino Frances

The most popular seasons are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). Temperatures are pleasant, the trails are less crowded, and the landscapes are at their finest. Summer (July and August) can be very hot on the Meseta, while winter walking is possible but limited in some sections.

How long does it take to walk the Camino Frances?

The full route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela takes 30 to 35 days at a comfortable pace of 20 to 25 kilometres per day. You do not have to walk it in one go. Many of our clients complete the Camino Frances over two or three trips, walking a different section each time.

How difficult is the Camino Frances?

The Camino Frances is accessible to most walkers with a reasonable level of fitness. The first stage over the Pyrenees is the most challenging, while the Meseta is physically easy but mentally demanding. Our self-guided itineraries allow you to choose daily distances that suit your abilities, with the option of shorter stages or rest days at any point.

What is the Compostela certificate?

The Compostela is the official certificate awarded to pilgrims who have walked at least the last 100 km to Santiago de Compostela. You need a pilgrim passport (credencial) stamped at each stage of your journey. We provide a pilgrim passport with every Camino Frances booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk just part of the Camino Frances?

Yes. Our Camino Frances walking holidays are available as individual sections, from a week-long trip on the last 100 km to longer itineraries covering half or all of the route. You can return year after year to complete the full Camino at your own pace.

What is included in a Camino Frances walking holiday with Walks in France?

All our packages include accommodation with breakfast (half-board on most stages), daily luggage transfer, a detailed route book, a pilgrim passport and phone support throughout your trip. We also provide practical guidance on getting to the start of your route.

How much does a Camino Frances walking holiday cost?

Prices depend on the section and duration. Our Camino Frances self-guided walking holidays start from €540 for a short section (6 days) and go up to €1,750+ for longer itineraries. Get in touch for a personalised quote.

Do I need special equipment?

Good walking boots (broken in before you leave), a light daypack, sun protection, a waterproof jacket and comfortable layers are the essentials. We send a complete packing list with your booking confirmation.