St James Way & Camino de Santiago Walking Holidays

St James Way Routes: Choosing Your Camino Path

The St James Way, known in Spanish as the Camino de Santiago, is not a single trail but a network of historic pilgrimage routes that all lead to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, north-western Spain. For over a thousand years, pilgrims from across Europe have followed these paths, and the tradition is more alive than ever: in 2025, more than 530,000 walkers received their Compostela certificate in Santiago. We specialise in Camino walking holidays designed for independent travellers, with self-guided packages available on the most popular routes. The St James Way includes several historic routes across France, Spain and Portugal. Here are the main Camino routes you can walk with Walks in France.

The French Way (Via Podiensis) - From Le Puy-en-Velay to the Pyrenees

The most popular starting point in France, the Via Podiensis begins at the magnificent cathedral town of Le Puy-en-Velay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 750 kilometres, this route crosses the volcanic plateaux of Velay, the wild highlands of Aubrac, the medieval gem of Conques and the rolling hills of Quercy before reaching Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at the foot of the Pyrenees. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful sections of the entire St James Way, combining exceptional natural scenery with a rich architectural and gastronomic heritage. Discover our French Way walking holidays.

The Camino Francés - From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela

The Camino Francés is the most travelled route of the Camino de Santiago, stretching over 800 kilometres across northern Spain. From the Pyrenees crossing at Roncesvalles to the vineyards of La Rioja, the vast plains of Castile and the green hills of Galicia, each stage offers breathtaking views and centuries of history. Major stops include Pamplona, Burgos, León and Sarria. This is the classic pilgrimage route, and the one most pilgrims picture when they think of the Way of St James. Explore our Camino Francés walking holidays.

The Camino del Norte - Along the Northern Coast of Spain

For walkers seeking a more rugged and less crowded experience, the Camino del Norte follows the spectacular northern coastline of Spain from Hendaye to Santiago. Dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, lush green hills and vibrant cities like San Sebastián, Bilbao and Santander make this route a favourite among experienced hikers. From Oviedo, walkers can also join the historic Camino Primitivo, the oldest known pilgrimage route to Santiago. Explore our Camino del Norte walking holidays.

The Camino Portuguese - From Portugal to Santiago

The Portuguese Camino offers a quieter, more intimate alternative to the busier Spanish routes. Starting from Porto or Ponte de Lima, this route takes you through eucalyptus forests, vineyard-covered hills and traditional villages before crossing into Galicia. The coastal variant follows the Atlantic shoreline and is especially popular for its stunning ocean views. An ideal choice for pilgrims looking for authenticity and tranquillity. Explore our Portuguese Camino walking holidays.

What is the Way of St James?

The Way of St James (in French, Chemin de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle; in Spanish, Camino de Santiago) is a network of pilgrimage routes that has drawn travellers to the tomb of the Apostle Saint James since the 9th century. The routes were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are recognised as one of the most important cultural itineraries in Europe. Today, people walk the Camino for many different reasons: faith, personal challenge, connection with nature, or simply the desire to slow down and experience life at walking pace. Whatever your motivation, the St James Way promises a journey that stays with you long after you return home.

Why Walk the St James Way with Walks in France?

With over 35 years of experience organising self-guided walking holidays on the Camino de Santiago, Walks in France is one of the most established specialists in pilgrimage travel. Here is what we offer:

• Luggage transfer from one accommodation to the next, every day. You walk with just a light daypack.
• Quality accommodation carefully selected along every route, from welcoming guesthouses to comfortable hotels.
• A detailed route book with maps, directions and practical tips for each stage.
• Tailor-made itineraries adapted to your pace, your fitness level and your available time.
• Phone support throughout your trip, should you need any assistance along the way.
• A human-scale agency based in Saugues, right on the Way of St James. Our team knows these trails personally.

Trusted by thousands of pilgrims from around the world, we handle all the logistics so you can focus entirely on your walking experience. Request your free quote and let us help you plan the perfect Camino.

Practical Information for Your St James Way Walking Holiday

Best time to walk

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the most pleasant seasons for walking the Camino de Santiago. Temperatures are comfortable, the trails are less crowded, and the landscapes are at their most beautiful. Summer can be very hot on the Meseta section of the Camino Francés, while winter walking is possible but limited to certain routes.

How long does it take?

The full Camino Francés from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago covers around 800 km and takes 30 to 35 days. The French Way from Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port adds another 750 km. However, you do not have to walk the entire route at once. Many of our clients walk shorter sections of 7 to 14 days and return year after year to complete the journey. The last 100 km from Sarria to Santiago can be completed in 5 to 7 days and is the minimum required to earn the Compostela certificate.

Do I need to be fit?

The Camino de Santiago is accessible to a wide range of fitness levels. Our self-guided Camino holidays allow you to walk independently while we organise all the logistics. We offer stages suited to beginners as well as more demanding sections for experienced walkers. Our team will help you choose daily distances that match your abilities, and we can adjust any itinerary to include shorter days or rest days.

What is the Compostela certificate?

The Compostela is the official certificate awarded to pilgrims who have walked at least the last 100 km (or cycled the last 200 km) of a recognised Camino route to Santiago de Compostela. To qualify, you need a pilgrim passport (credencial) stamped at various points along the way. We provide a pilgrim passport with every booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Camino route should I choose?

If this is your first Camino, the Camino Francés is the most popular choice thanks to its excellent infrastructure, diverse landscapes and vibrant pilgrim community. For a quieter experience, consider the Portuguese Camino or the Camino del Norte. If you want to start your journey in France, the Via Podiensis from Le Puy-en-Velay is a magnificent way to begin. Our team at Walks in France can advise you based on your preferences and fitness level.

Can I walk the Camino in sections over several years?

Absolutely. Many of our clients choose to walk the St James Way in stages, returning each year to pick up where they left off. We keep a record of your previous trips and help you plan the next section seamlessly.

Is the Way of St James only for religious pilgrims?

Not at all. While the Camino has deep spiritual roots, the majority of modern walkers are drawn by the physical challenge, the beautiful landscapes, the cultural heritage and the sense of community along the trail. Whatever your motivation, you will feel welcome on the Way of St James.

What is included in a St James Way walking holiday with Walks in France?

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