The French Way – El Camino Francés
In short
The Camino Francés is the most famous route to Santiago de Compostela. It starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and covers about 780 km, typically completed in 30–35 days. The route is well-marked, offers excellent accommodation options, and is suitable for beginners and experienced pilgrims alike.
Who is this route for?
- First-time pilgrims
- Pilgrims seeking community
- Those who prefer strong infrastructure
Key Facts
- Distance: ~780 km
- Time: 30–35 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best season: April-May–June & September–October
- Start: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
- End: Santiago de Compostela
Route characteristics
- Pyrenees: steep, scenic, physically demanding
- Navarra / Rioja: rolling vineyards
- Meseta: hot, flat, mentally challenging
- Galicia: mist, rain, green hills, magical
- Surface mix: asphalt, gravel, forest paths, and rural tracks (63% paved, 37% unpaved)
Elevation gain/loss: +13,960 m / −13,834 m
Stage overview
The Camino Francés can be broadly divided into five major sections. Below you’ll find an overview of distances, elevation gain, and the overall difficulty for each section. Further down this page, you can explore all stages of the Camino Francés in detail.
| Section | Distance | + Ascent / − Descent | Difficulty | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SJPdP – Pamplona | ~65 km | +2501 m / –2136 m | Demanding | Pyreneeën |
| Pamplona – Logroño | ~95 km | +1902 m / –1987 m | Moderate | Alto del Perdón |
| Logroño – Burgos | ~120 km | +1900 m / –1420 m | Moderate | Rioja |
| Burgos – León | ~180 km | +1428 m / –1469 m | Light/moderate | Meseta |
| León – Santiago | ~310 km | +6228 m / –6819 m | Moderate/demanding | Cruz de Ferro, O Cebreiro |
Key highlights along the route
A selection of meaningful places you’ll pass along the way — small moments, historic sites and villages that add character to this Camino.
- Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port – Église Notre-Dame de Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
- Roncesvalles – Colegiata de Santa María de Orreaga
- Pamplona – Pamplona Cathedral
- Burgos – Burgos Cathedral
- Sahagún – geographical centre of the Camino Francés
- León – León Cathedral
- Cruz de Ferro – leave your burdens behind
- Ponferrada – Castle of the Templars
Best time to walk
- Spring: ideal, green, mild
- Summer: hot (especially on the Meseta)
- Autumn: stable weather, excellent conditions
- Winter: not recommended for everyone
Difficulty & physical demands
- More mountainous terrain at the beginning and the end
- Long, monotonous sections in the central part
- Daily distances of 15–25 km are typical
Preparation and training
- 6–8 week walking training plan
- Test your footwear and train with a backpack
- Practice hills and long, straight sections
- Start assembling your packing list early so you have time to test your chosen gear
Accommodation
- Albergues from €10–20
- Private rooms €30–€60
- Crowd advice:
- Book early between Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Pamplona, and from Sarria to Santiago
- May/June and September/October: peak periods with possible waves of high traffic
Keep in mind…
- your pilgrim passport (Credencial del Peregrino)
- a rain-ready setup (rain is frequent in Galicia)
- a good poncho or rain jacket
- sandals for after walking
- protection against heat on the Meseta
Common mistakes
- starting too fast (the Pyrenees)
- carrying too much gear
- poorly broken-in footwear
- planning overly long distances on the Meseta
Estimated costs
- Budget: €30–45 per day
- Comfort: €50–70 per day
Veelgestelde vragen
Is the Camino Francés well waymarked?
Yes. The Camino Francés is exceptionally well marked. You follow the familiar symbols such as the yellow scallop shell on a blue background and the iconic yellow arrows.
Can you walk the Camino Francés without training?
In principle, any Camino can be walked without prior training if you start slowly and listen to your own fitness level. On the Camino Francés this is relatively easy to manage by shortening stages when needed. On routes like the Camino del Norte, this can be a bit more challenging. That said, training before you start is recommended. It reduces the risk of injury—especially if you find it hard to pace yourself or to schedule regular rest days. Training with your backpack and in hilly terrain will also help you start in the best possible way.
How do I decide on my daily stages?
Let your body and mind guide you. Some days you’ll want to walk less than others. You might plan 25 km but discover a beautiful place after 15 km where you decide to stay. Overnight stays between the “standard” stage towns often lead to a quieter experience. Whether or not you should book accommodation in advance doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer—we’ve even written a full blog post about it. This flexible, needs-based approach also applies to other routes such as the Camino Portugués and the Camino Primitivo.
Is the Camino Francés safe for solo female pilgrims?
Yes. The Camino Francés is considered safe for women traveling alone. Use the same common sense and intuition you would at home. There is strong social oversight among pilgrims—people look out for each other. In addition, there is a visible presence of the Guardia Civil, and you can use Spain’s national 112 app (AlertCops) to request help for yourself, someone else, or an animal in distress.
Can you eat vegan or vegetarian on the Camino Francés?
Yes—with a bit of planning, this is certainly possible in Spain. Just like in many places, standard menus may initially seem meat-focused, but that doesn’t mean options aren’t available. Ask for verduras (vegetables) and you may be pleasantly surprised by what can be prepared for you. Avoid purely tourist-oriented restaurants and consider having your main meal at a local restaurant after arriving for the day. Vegetarian dishes are often listed on the menu. You can also make good use of the many small supermarkets along the route to put together your own vegetarian or vegan meals.
Crowds & local holidays
The Camino Francés is generally manageable in terms of crowds. Only during certain holidays can it feel livelier on the trail or accommodations may fill up faster—though these moments can also add extra atmosphere. Below are key dates to keep in mind:
- Holy Week (Semana Santa) – March/April (dates vary): noticeably busier; booking ahead in larger cities is advisable.
- Labour Day (1 May) – a public holiday in Spain; expect increased numbers on the Camino.
- San Fermín (Pamplona), 6–14 July – best to avoid Pamplona. Many hostels close during this week, other accommodations sell out far in advance, and prices rise sharply.
- St James’ Day (25 July) – feast day of St James, patron saint of Spain and the Camino. Santiago de Compostela becomes extremely busy, and the final 100–200 km are also affected. Hostels fill more quickly (especially 20–27 July). Double impact in Holy Years, when 25 July falls on a Sunday.
- Assumption of Mary (15 August) – national public holiday; busier conditions and altered or reduced opening hours.
- Día de la Hispanidad (12 October) – national holiday; many places closed, with increased crowds on the Camino and in larger cities.
Complete stages of the Camino Francés
Below you’ll find all stages of the Camino Francés, including distances, elevation profiles, and any available route variants. This overview is useful if you want to plan your own daily schedule or explore the route in detail.
Stage 1 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Roncesvalles
25,7 km
Km 0: Saint Jean Pied de Port (All services)
Km 5: Huntto (Albergue)
Km 7,5: Orisson (Albergue, Bar/Restaurant)
Km 8,5: Aubergue Borda (new 2021)
Km 20,5: Reach altitude 1430m
Km 25,7: Roncesvalles (Albergue, Bar/Restaurant/Tourist Office) Find accommodation here.
Stage 2 Roncesvalles - Zubiri
21,5 km
Km 0: Roncesvalles (Albergue, Bar/Restaurant, Tourist Office)
Km 2,8: Auritz/Burguete (Hostels, Rural houses, Bars, Shop, Health center, Pharmacy, ATM)
Km 6,5: Aurizberri/Espinal (Albergues, Hostel, Rural houses, Bar, Shop)
Km 11,4: Bizkarreta/Gerendiain (Rural house, Bar, Shop)
Km 13,3: Lintzoain Find accommodation here.
Km 17,8: Alto de Erro (Bar)
Km 21,5: Zubiri (All services) Find accommodation here.
Stage 3 Zubiri - Pamplona
20,4 km
Km 0: Zubiri (All services)
Km 2,9: Ilarratz
Km 3,7: Eskirotz
Km 5,5: Larrasoaña (Albergue, Pensions, Bar, Shop/Supermarket)
Km 6,1: Akerreta (Rural hotel)
Km 9,2: Zuriain (Albergue, Bar)
Km 11,2: Irotz (Bar)
Km 15,8: Villava (All services) Find accommodation here.
Km 17,2: Burlada (All services) Find accommodation here.
Km 20,4: Pamplona (Alle voorzieningen) Find accommodation here.
Stage 4 Pamplona - Puente la Reina
24 km
Km 0: Pamplona (All services)
Km 5: Cizur Menor (Albergues, Bars, Shop)
Km 11: Zariquiegui (Albergues, Shop)
Km 13,4: Alto del Perdón (Mobile Bar from 8:00 to 16:00 hrs. 1 april – 31 october).
Km 16,8: Uterga (Albergue, Hostel, Bar) Find accommodation here
Km 19,5: Muruzábal (Albergues) Find accommodation here
Km 21,3: Obanos (Albergue, Bars, Shop, Pharmacy, ATM)
Km 24: Puente la Reina (All services) Find accommodation here
Stage 5 Puente la Reina/Gares - Estella/Lizarra
22 km
Km 0: Puente la Reina (All services)
Km 5,2: Mañeru (Albergue, Rural house, Bar, Shop, Pharmacy)
Km 7,8: Cirauqui (Albergue, Bar, Shop, Pharmacy, ATM) Find accommodation here
Km 13,3: Lorca (Albergue, Bar, Shop)
Km 17,8: Villatuerta (Albergue, Bars, Shops, Pharmacy, ATM) Find accommodation here
Km 22: Estella (All services) Find accommodation here
Stage 6 Estella/Lizarra - Torres del Río
29 km
Km 0: Estella (All services)
Km 2: Ayegui (Albergue, Bars, Shop, Pharmacy, ATM)
Km 7,4: Ázqueta (Bar, Albergue)
Km 9,2: Villamayor de Monjardín (Albergues, Shop, Bar)
Km 21,2: Los Arcos (All services) Find accommodation here
Km 28: Sansol (Albergue, Rural house, Bar, Pharmacy)
Km 29: Torres del Río (Albergues, Bar, Shop, ATM) Find accommodation here
Stage 7 Torres del Río - Logroño
20 km
Km 0: Torres del Río (Albergues, Bar, Shop, ATM)
Km 2,7: Virgen del Poyo (Bar)
Km 10,5: Viana (All services)
Km 20: Logroño (All services) Find accommodation here
Stage 8 Logroño - Nájera
29,6 km
Km 0: Logroño (Find accommodation here)
Km 12,7: Navarrete (All services) Find accommodation here
Km 16,1: Desvío a Sotés (Albergue, Bar, Apotheek)
Km 19,4: Ventosa (Albergue, Bars)
Km 29,6: Nájera (All services) Find accommodation here
Stage 9 Nájera - Santo Domingo de la Calzada
21 km
Km 0: Nájera (All services)
Km 5,7: Azofra (Albergue, Shop, Bars, Apotheek)
Km 15: Cirueña (Albergues, Bar) Find accommodation here
Km 21: Santo Domingo de la Calzada (Alle voorzieningen) Find accommodation here
Stage 10 Sto Domingo de la Calzada - Belorado
22,7 km
Km 0: Santo Domingo de la Calzada (All services)
Km 6,8: Grañón (Albergue, Bars, Shop, Pharmacy, ATM)
Km 10,7: Redecilla del Camino (Albergue, Bar, Shop)
Km 12,4: Castildelgado (Hostel, Bar, Shop)
Km 14,3: Viloria de Rioja (Albergues) Find accommodation here
Km 17,8: Villamayor del Río (Albergue, Bar)
Km 22,7: Belorado (All services) Find accommodation here
Stage 11 Belorado - Agés
27,4 km
Km 0: Belorado (All services)
Km 4,7: Tosantos (Albergue, Bar)
Km 6,6: Villambistia (Albergue, Bar)
Km 8,2: Espinosa del Camino (Albergue, Bar)
Km 11,7: Villafranca Montes de Oca (Albergues, Hotel, Bar, Shop)
Km 23,7: San Juan de Ortega (Albergue, Rural Tourist Center, Bar)
Km 27,4: Agés (Albergues, Shop, Bar)
Stage 12 Agés - Burgos
23 km
Km 0: Agés (Albergues, Shop, Bar)
Km 2,6: Atapuerca (Albergues, Bars, Shops) Find accommodation here
Km 7: Villalval
Km 8,6: Cardeñuela Ríopico (Albergues, Bars)
Km 10,6: Orbaneja Riopico (Bar)
Km 15,3: Castañares (Bar, Shop, Tourist info in Bar/Restaurant Peregrina-T)
Km 23: Burgos (All services) Find accommodation here
Stage 13 Burgos - Hontanas
31.1 km
Km 0: Burgos (All services)
Km 10,8: Tardajos (Albergue, Pension, Bar, Shop, Pharmacy, ATM)
Km 12,6: Rabé de las Calzadas (Albergues, Bar)
Km 20,6: Hornillos del Camino (Albergues, Bar, Shop)
Km 26,2: Arroyo San Bol (Albergue)
Km 31,1: Hontanas (Albergues, Hostel, Rural houses, Bar, Shop)
Stage 14 Hontanas - Boadilla del Camino
28,5 km
Km 0: Hontanas (Albergues, Hostel, Rural houses, Bar, Shop)
Km 9,2: Castrojeriz (All services) Find accommodation here
Km 18,5: Puente Fitero (Albergue)
Km 20,3: Itero de la Vega (Albergues, Hostel, Bar, Shop)
Km 28,5: Boadilla del Camino (Albergues, Bar) Find accommodation here
Stage 15 Boadilla del Camino - Carrión de los Condes
24,6 km
Km 0: Boadilla del Camino (Albergues, Bar)
Km 5,7: Frómista (All services) Find accommodation here
Km 9,2: Población de Campos (Albergue, Tourist Center, Bar, Shop) Find accommodation here
Km 12,6: Revenga de Campos (Bar)
Km 14,7: Villarmentero de Campos (Albergue, Rural Tourist Center, Bar) Find accommodation here
Km 18,8: Villalcázar de Sirga (Albergue, Hostel, Bar, Shop) Find accommodation here
Km 24,6: Carrión de los Condes (All services) Find accommodation here
Stage 16 Carrión de los Condes - Terradillos de los Templarios
26,6 km
Km 0: Carrión de los Condes (All services)
Km 17: Calzadilla de la Cueza (Albergue, Hostel, Bar, Shop)
Km 23,4: Ledigos (Albergue, Bar) Find accommodation here
m 26,6: Terradillos de los Templarios (Albergue, Bar, small shop in the albergue)
Stage 17 Terradillos de los Templarios - El Burgo Ranero
30,6 km
Km 0: Terradillos de los Templarios (Albergue, Bar)
Km 3,3: Moratinos (Albergue, Hostel, Bar in de albergue)
Km 5,8: San Nicolás del Real Camino (Albergue, Bar in the albergue)
Km 13: Sahagún (All services) Find accommodation here
Km 23: Bercianos del Real Camino (Albergues, Bar, Shop)
Km 30,6: El Burgo Ranero (Albergues, Bars, Shop, Pharmacy) Find accommodation here
Stage 18 El Burgo Ranero - León
37,1 km
Km 0: El Burgo Ranero (Albergues, Bars, Shop, Pharmacy)
Km 13: Reliegos (Albergues, Bars)
Km 19: Mansilla de las Mulas (All services) Find accommodation here
Km 23,5: Villamoros de Mansilla (Shop)
Km 25,3: Puente Villarente (All services) Find accommodation here
Km 29,5: Arcahueja (Albergue, Bar)
Km 37,1: León (Alle voorzieningen) Find accommodation here
Stage 19 León - San Martín del Camino
25,9 km
Km 0: León (All services)
Km 3,9: Trobajo del Camino (All services) Find accommodation here
Km 7,6: Virgen del Camino (All services) Find accommodation here
Km 12,2: Valverde de la Virgen (Bars)
Km 13,6: San Miguel del Camino (Bars)
Km 21,3: Villadangos del Páramo (Albergue, Bars, Shops, Pharmacy, ATM) Find accommodation here
Km 25,9: San Martín del Camino (Albergues, Bars, Shop) Find accommodation here
Stage 20 San Martín del Camino - Astorga
24,2 km
Km 0: San Martín del Camino (Albergues, Bars, Shop)
Km 6,9: Puente de Órbigo (Bar)
Km 7,7: Hospital de Órbigo (All services)
Km 10: Villares de Órbigo (Albergue, Bar, Shop, Pharmacy)
Km 12,6: Santibáñez de Valdeiglesias (Albergues, Bar-Café)
Km 20,3: San Justo de la Vega (Albergue, Bars, Shop, Pharmacy)
Km 24,2: Astorga (All services) Find accommodation here
Stage 21 Astorga - Foncebadón
25,9 km
Km 0: Astorga (All services)
Km 2,6: Desvío a Valdeviejas (Albergue, Bar)
Km 4,7: Murias de Rechivaldo (Albergues, Bars)
Km 6,7: Alternative via Castrillo de los Polvazares Albergue, Hostel, Bar, Restaurant, Shop.
Km 9,3: Santa Catalina de Somoza (Albergues, Bars)
Km 13,4: El Ganso (Albergue, Bars, Shop)
Km 20,3: Rabanal del Camino (Albergues, Bars, Shop)
Km 25,9: Foncebadón (Albergues, Pension, Bars, Shop, Taberna de Gaia restaurant)
Enjoy the views, you are at the highest (habited) point of the Camino Francés. If you are lucky, the skies will clear and you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the Milky Way.
Find accommodation here. We recommend ‘El Trasgu de Foncebadón’.
Stage 22 Foncebadón - Ponferrada
27,3 km
Km 0: Foncebadón (Albergues, Bars, Shop)
Km 4,5: Manjarín (Albergue Tomás, in the high season a mobile bar between Manjarín and El Acebo)
Km 11,6: El Acebo (Albergues, Hotel, Bar, Shop)
Km 15: Riego de Ambrós (Albergue, Bar)
Km 19,7: Molinaseca (Albergues, Hostels, Bars, Shops, Pharmacy) Find accommodation here
Km 24: Campo (Bar)
Km 27,3: Ponferrada (All services) Find accommodation here
Stage 23 Ponferrada - Villafranca del Bierzo
24,1 km
Km 0: Ponferrada (All services)
Km 3,7: Compostilla
Km 5,5: Columbrianos (Hotel, Bar, Shops, Pharmacy)
Km 8: Fuentes Nuevas (All services)
Km 10,5: Camponaraya (All services)
Km 16,6: Cacabelos (All services) Find accommodation here
Km 18,5: Pieros (Albergue, Bar)
Km 24,1: Villafranca del Bierzo (All services) Find accommodation here
Stage 24 Villafranca del Bierzo - O Cebreiro
28,4 km
Km 0: Villafranca del Bierzo (All services)
Km 5,2: Pereje (Albergue, Bar)
Km 9,7: Trabadelo (Albergues, Bar, Shop, Pharmacy)
Km 13,7: La Portela del Valcarce (Albergue, Bars, Basic Shop, ATM)
Km 14,9: Ambasmestas (Albergue, Bars)
Km 16,5: Vega de Valcarce (All services) Find accommodation here
Km 18,6: Ruitelán (Albergue, Hostel, Bars)
Km 20,1: Las Herrerías (Albergue, Bars)
Km 23,5: La Faba (Albergues, Bar, Shop)
Km 25,9: Laguna de Castilla (Albergue, Bar)
Km 28,4: O Cebreiro (Albergue, Rural houses and Pensions, Bars, Shop)
Stage 25 O Cebreiro - Triacastela
21,1 km
Km 0: O Cebreiro (Albergue, Rural houses and pensions, Bars, Shop)
Km 3,2: Liñares (Bar)
Km 5,7: Hospital da Condesa (Albergue, Bar)
Km 8,1: Padornelo
Km 8,5: Alto do Poio (Albergue, Bars)
Km 11,9: Fonfría (Albergue, Bar)
Km 14,3: O Biduedo (Bar)
Km 17,3: Fillobal (Albergue, Bar/Shop)
Km 21,1: Triacastela (All services) Find accommodation here
Stage 26 Triacastela - Sarria
18,3 km
From Triascastela there are two options to get to Sarria: The route along the river Oribio, via Samos with its famous monastery. The other option is the route via San Xil and crosses some beautiful landscapes full of old oaks and walnut trees.
Km 0. Triacastela (All services)
If you stayed overnight in the municipal albergue, you need to cross Triacastela via the main road until you leave the town. The road then splits into two routes, where you’ll have to choose which way to take toward Sarria.
Turning left, via the LU-633, the route continues toward Samos and the Benedictine Monastery of Samos (and from there on to Sarria). Find accommodation in Samos
On your right-hand side, you have the option to continue toward San Xil: 6.5 km shorter, but with a climb of 238 metres in the first 5.5 km.
Heading toward Samos? (see elevation profile). Follow the arrows—we’ll meet again in Sarria! We continue to the right here, crossing the LU-633. Take care when crossing the road.
Km 2,2: A Balsa (Albergue)
Km 7,8: Montán
Km 8,5: Fontearcuda
Km 10,4: Furela (Bar)
Km 11,7: Pintín (Bar)
Km 13,1: Calvor (Albergue)
Km 13,6: Aguiada (Bar)
Km 18,3: Sarria (Alle voorzieningen) Find accommodation here
Stage 27 Sarria - Portomarín
22,4 km
Km 0: Sarria (All services)
Km 2,9: As Paredes
Km 3,7: Vilei (Albergue, Bar)
Km 4,5: Barbadelo (Albergues, Bar)
Km 6: Mercado da Serra (Bar/Shop)
Km 8,2: Leiman (Bar)
Km 12: Morgade (Albergue, Bar)
Km 13,1: Ferreiros (Albergue, Bar)
Km 13,6: Mirallos (Albergue, Bar)
Km 14,4: A Pena: (Albergue, Bar)
Km 16,8: Mercadoiro (Albergue, Bar)
Km 17,1: Moutrás (Shop Peter Pank)
Km 20: Vilachá (Albergue)
Km 22,4: Portomarín (All services) Find accommodation here
Stage 28 Portomarín - Palas de Rei
25 km
Km 0: Portomarín (All services)
Km 8: Gonzar (Albergues, Bar)
Km 9,3: Castromaior (Bar, Pension)
Km 11,8: Hospital da Cruz (Albergue, Bar)
Km 13,3: Ventas de Narón (Albergues, Bar)
Km 16,5: Ligonde (Albergues, Bar)
Km 17,4: Airexe (Albergue, Bar)
Km 19,4: Portos (Albergue, Bar)
Km 20: Lestedo (Albergue, Bar, Rural house)
Km 25: Palas de Rei (All services) Find accommodation here
Stage 29 Palas de Rei - Arzúa
28,8 km
Km 0: Palas de Rei (All services)
Km 3,4: San Xulián do Camiño (Albergue, Bar)
Km 4,5: Pontecampaña (Albergue)
Km 5,7: Casanova (Albergues, Bar)
Km 8,5: O Coto (Bar, Shop)
Km 9,2: Leboreiro
Km 13: San Xoán de Furelos (Bar)
Km 14,8: Melide (All services) Find accommodation here
Km 20,5: Boente (Albergues, Bar)
Km 22,7: Castañeda (Albergue, Bar)
Km 25,8: Ribadiso da Baixo (Albergues, Bar)
Km 28,8: Arzúa (All services) Find accommodation here
Stage 30 Arzúa - O Pedrouzo
19,1 km
Km 0: Arzúa (All services)
Km 2,2: Preguntoño
Km 5,2: Taberna Vella (Albergue, Bar, Shop)
Km 5,8: Calzada (Bar)
Km 7,8: Calle (Bars)
Km 11,1: Salceda (Albergues, Bar, Pharmacy at 600 meters)
Km 15,3: O Empalme (Bars)
Km 16,3: Santa Irene (Albergues)
Km 17,9: A Rúa (Bars, Pensions, Rural houses)
Km 19,1: O Pedrouzo (All services) Find accommodation here
Stage 31 O Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela
20 km
Km 0: O Pedrouzo (All services)
Km 4: Cimadevilla
Km 7,7: San Paio (Bar)
Km 9,5: Lavacolla (Bar, Shop, Pharmacy, Hotel, Albergues)
Km 14,8: San Marcos (Bar, Shop)
Km 15,2: Monte do Gozo (Albergue, Bar, Shop, ATM)
Km 20: Santiago de Compostela (All services) Find accommodation in Santiago!
