Camino Frances
The Camino Frances is the most popular and best known of the Camino de Santiago routes. This is possibly the most famous walking trail in the world and the route that has become ‘The Camino’, inspiring movies such as Martin Sheen’s The Way, documentaries as well as many books, both fiction and memoirs.
Taking pilgrims across the North of Spain from West to East, the Camino Frances is a very special journey, following in the footsteps of those who have made their way to Santiago for many centuries, since the Tomb of St James was discovered by a shepherd in the 9th century. It is as much a cultural experience as it is spiritual, exploring the rich heritage of the towns and villages along the way as well as being a place of encounter and camaraderie with travellers of all backgrounds, creeds and nationalities.
It is this extraordinary cultural element and harmony between people of all backgrounds that have made the Camino de Santiago a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site and an unforgettable experience to live at least once!
The start point of the Camino Frances is the French Basque town of St Jean Pied de Port, at the foot of the Pyrenees and some 800kms away from Santiago de Compostela. It takes approximately five weeks to complete the route on foot, walking an average of 25kms per day. However many pilgrims start their Camino journey further along the route, from towns such as Roncesvalles, Leon, Ponferrada or Sarria.
The history of the towns and villages along the way is intertwined with the Camino itself as many of them have been growing since the Middle Ages to host and protect passing pilgrims. Each region will welcome you with its own flavours, character and even languages: from the Pyrenees to La Rioja wine region, magnificent Burgos, the vast La Meseta plateau and the mountains of Leon and O Cebreiro.
The Camino de Santiago is an unforgettable experience and a perfect escape from our busy lives, the best opportunity to reconnect with others but also with ourselves.
THINGS TO DO ON THE CAMINO FRANCES
There are many wonderful things to see, eat and admire along the Camino Frances route of the Camino de Santiago, these are some of our tips:
- Meet pilgrims from all over the world
- Feel the history of the trail’s beautiful towns and cities along the trail
- Step back in time admiring buildings such as the Templars Castle in Ponferrada
- Taste the local food specialities of each region
- Stop to enjoy the views at least once a day
- Stamp your pilgrim passport and get your Compostela certificate in Santiago
Read our latest articles, interesting stories and Camino de Santiago travel tips and advice on our TRAVEL BLOG.
CAMINO FRANCES TOURS
We have many options for you to experience the famous Camino Frances route, whether you have a few days or several weeks at your disposal.
While it takes approximately five weeks to complete the full Camino Frances route, many pilgrims decide to walk the last section from Sarria, start their walk from different points along the route or even walk different stretches each year.
The market town of Sarria, in the region of Galicia and just over 100kms away from Santiago, is the pilgrims’ favourite starting point as this is the distance required for walkers to obtain their ‘Compostela’ pilgrim certificate.
Our suggested tours will give you some travel ideas but these are flexible and can be adapted to your travel preferences. Talk to our experts so we can create the perfect Camino itinerary for you and make it a truly unforgettable experience.
Contact Us
Fill in this form to let us know the Camino you have in mind and request a call back or an email with travel suggestions. Sign up to the JWT newsletter to be the first one to receive tips, special offers and information about new tours by email.
Why is the Finisterre Camino route special for pilgrims?
Travel Tips: Where to eat in Santiago de Compostela
