The Camino Frances or French Way is the most famous of all the Camino de Santiago routes. It has featured in many documentaries, books, and movies including ‘The Way‘ and ‘I’ll Push You‘. The Camino Frances passes amazing cities and areas of natural beauty such as Pamplona, famous for its bull run; La Rioja wine region and its capital Logroño; Burgos with its magnificent cathedral; elegant Leon and Ponferrada with its Templars Castle. From Ponferrada, the Camino de Santiago enters Galicia through the mountains and picturesque village of O Cebreiro. Read our Camino Frances articles to help inspire your next Camino de Santiago adventure.
Melide: A Gem on the Camino Francés The vibrant market town of Melide is a highlight along the final 100km of the Camino Francés from Sarria to Santiago. Known for its rich history and cultural charm, Melide is a must-visit for pilgrims and visitors alike. It offers not only a warm welcome but also fascinating […]
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Camino de Santiago for Beginners: Choosing the Right Route If you’re new to the Camino de Santiago, choosing the best route for your first pilgrimage can be overwhelming. Each Camino de Santiago route offers its unique charm, but some paths are particularly beginner-friendly. In this guide, we’ll explore two popular routes— the Camino Francés and
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The Camino de Santiago is rich in history and offers numerous fascinating sites. These landmarks provide a chance to rest while discovering the Camino’s historical significance. One of the most impressive sites is the Templars Castle of Ponferrada, also called Castillo de Los Templarios. Ponferrada is the last major town on the Camino Francés before
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A Traditional Mountain Village on the Camino Francés After leaving Ponferrada on the Camino Francés, between Ponferrada and Sarria, you’ll arrive at O Cebreiro. This tiny mountain village, situated at 1,300 metres above sea level, marks the transition from El Bierzo to Galicia. O Cebreiro is a unique and tiny gem. Nestled between the O
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When embarking on the Camino de Santiago, consider taking a break in León. This city offers a welcome respite and a chance to immerse yourself in its rich history and stunning architecture. León is surrounded by a largely untouched landscape, with forests and mountains that have escaped mass tourism. León offers much to explore. It
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Burgos on the Camino Francés: A Guide for Pilgrims Burgos is a historic city on the Camino Francés, at the edge of Spain’s central plateau. It is the capital of Burgos Province, within the autonomous community of Castile and León. This city serves as a major crossroads for northern Spain and the Camino de Santiago,
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Pamplona, the capital of the former Kingdom of Navarre, is a key stop on the Camino Francés. This city, steeped in history, lies in the heart of Navarre, within a valley called Cuenca de Pamplona. It connects the mountainous north with the Ebro Valley. Location and Climate Pamplona is 92 km from San Sebastián and
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Discover Logroño in La Rioja Logroño, the capital of La Rioja, is known for its vibrant wine culture. This charming city celebrates the Rioja Wine Harvest Festival each September, also known as the Fiesta de la Vendimia Riojana. This event honours Saint Matthew and Bacchus, the god of wine, along with La Rioja’s renowned wine.
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The Camino de Santiago is renowned for its spiritual significance, beautiful landscapes, and rich history. While many pilgrims are familiar with the famous stops along the way, hidden gems on the Camino are tucked away in lesser-known towns that offer unique experiences. This blog will explore five hidden treasures along the popular Camino Francés and
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St Jean Pied de Port is one of the most significant towns on the Camino de Santiago. It is not only the finishing point for the Le Chemin du Puy, Vezelay, and Paris-Tours Camino but also marks the start of the famous Camino Frances. History of St Jean Pied de Port Founded in the 12th century,
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Embarking on the Camino Francés offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and personal challenge. This journey, part of the larger Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes, weaves through some of the most stunning landscapes and captivating towns of Spain. Whether you’re a seasoned pilgrim or a first-timer, choosing the right starting point can
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Portomarín’s Historical Charm Portomarín, nestled in the heart of Galicia, Spain, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of history and culture. As a vital stop on the Camino Francés, one of the Camino de Santiago‘s most traversed routes, this town captivates travellers with its rich heritage and picturesque setting. In this blog, we
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Explore the Camino Francés, a 790 km journey of exploration and spiritual insight, from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela.
How far is the Camino from St Jean to Santiago? Read More »
Discover how difficult the Camino Frances is, the 780 km French Way journey from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela.
How difficult is the Camino Francés? Read More »
10 Things to See on The Camino Frances As the most popular of the Camino de Santiago routes, the Camino Frances, also known as the French Way, serves as the best introduction to all the wonderful culture, food and people that populate the Camino de Santiago. While the route is full of unmissable sites and
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The Road to Santiago There are three questions hikers and pilgrims ask each other when walking the 1,600-kilometre Santiago de Compostela, or Camino, pilgrimage trail. Where are you from? How far have you walked? How are your feet? The Road to Santiago. A fourth question, “Why?” usually only comes after you’ve shared a bottle (or two)
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Cruz de Ferro | Camino Frances The Cruz de Ferro, or Iron Cross, is a cross on the Camino de Santiago, located between the towns of Foncebadón and Manjarín, on the Camino Frances. It consists of a wooden pole about five feet high surmounted by an iron cross, a replica of the original preserved in
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Catherine’s Camino: St Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona Catherine’s Camino I’ll be honest. I didn’t know what to expect. I had seen photos and read books, but leaning on the wisdom of poet, Seamus Heaney who once said, “I’m a firm believer in learning by heart”, I settled with leaving the unknown, unknown. In
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Camino Video: St. Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona | Camino Frances Enjoy this Camino video of the first section of the Camino Frances, St. Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona. This is one of the most varied and picturesque sections of the Camino de Santiago. Pilgrims on this section will pass through breathtaking countrysides
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‘The Way’, starring Martin Sheen and written and directed by his son Emilio Estevez, captivated audiences with its true story of hope and perseverance. Since its release in 2010 (yes 11 years ago!), it has inspired many people to walk the Camino de Santiago, and visit the spots along the Camino Frances and the Camino Finisterre
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