The French Way
The most popular and best-established pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela, crossing the Pyrenees and traversing northern Spain.
Essential Reading
Route Highlights
The Camino Francés (French Way) is the most popular route to Santiago de Compostela, traveled by pilgrims for over a thousand years. Beginning in the medieval town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the French Pyrenees, this historic path crosses northern Spain through diverse landscapes, from mountain passes to rolling wheat fields, ancient forests to bustling medieval cities.
Along the way, you'll pass through vibrant cities like Pamplona, Burgos, and León, each with their own character and centuries of pilgrim hospitality. The route is exceptionally well-marked with yellow arrows and scallop shells, and offers the most comprehensive network of pilgrim accommodation (albergues) of any Camino route.
Whether you're seeking spiritual renewal, personal challenge, or simply an unforgettable adventure, the Camino Francés offers a transformative journey through Spain's cultural heartland to the magnificent cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Days of hiking
Keep walking this way!
Rioja Grapes! Yum!
Sunflowers for days
We made it Santiago!
Days of hiking
Keep walking this way!
Rioja Grapes! Yum!
Sunflowers for days
We made it Santiago!
Not every pilgrim starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Some have five weeks, some have five days, and the Camino Francés welcomes them all. Whether you are walking the full 790km from the French Pyrenees or joining the trail further along, each starting point offers its own unique landscapes, experiences, and challenges. Pick where your Camino begins.
Walking from France? Many pilgrims arrive at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port having already walked Le Chemin du Puy (736 km from Le Puy-en-Velay) — the most popular Camino route in France. Stage 1 below is where those two great routes connect. Explore Le Chemin du Puy →
33 stages · 770km to Santiago de Compostela
Full route. The classic Camino experience with the best infrastructure, biggest pilgrim community, and the Pyrenees crossing on day one.
Navarra / La Rioja
Mountainous Terrain
Cruz de Ferro / Foncebadon which is the highest point on the Camino Francés (~1,504 m). Pilgrims traditionally leave a stone from home at the iron cross.
Crossing into Galicia at O Cebreiro
Compostela minimum start - begin here or earlier to qualify
Click any stage to see full details, maps, towns, and accommodation.
People continue onto Finsterra Explore Camino Fisterra & Muxía →
