The Camino de Santiago might be something you first saw in a movie or heard about from friends, but for centuries, it has been a pilgrimage for restless souls and wanderers. It’s a journey taken at a slow rhythm, one that reshapes your sense of time. Much of its beauty lies in the destinations you discover along the way.
The French Way
Among the many routes to Santiago, the French Way is a favorite for countless travelers. Starting in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, it’s a nearly 800 km path steeped in history, carrying you from medieval Europe into the present day.
When people talk about the iconic Camino de Santiago, this is the route they usually refer to. The route is lined with striking architecture, ancient churches, and sweeping natural landscapes.
Walk it, and you’ll wander through Basque farm country, cross the vineyards of La Rioja, admire the Gothic architecture of Burgos, and eventually reach the misty, Celtic landscapes of Galicia.
The French Way is made for quiet, foggy mornings and glasses of wine at sunset—sun-washed vineyards, tired legs, and an easy camaraderie with others on the road. Here’s a helpful planning resource for the French Way.
Best Time to Go
Winter is generally best avoided; you’ll be walking a lot, and the cold can make the journey difficult. Summer is popular, but spring and fall offer especially beautiful scenery and more comfortable crowd levels. May, June, September, and early October tend to strike the best balance—warm days, cooler nights, and fewer heat waves.
What to Bring
You’ll be walking a lot, so your shoes matter more than anything. Choose sturdy, protective, well-broken-in boots or comfortable running shoes. Moisture-wicking clothing will help on hot days, and a rain jacket, quick-dry socks, and a hat are essentials.
A sleeping bag liner is a smart addition. Try not to carry more than a small percentage of your body weight—you may feel strong at the start, but over long distances your body will thank you for keeping your pack light.
Pacing
Your daily pace depends on your health and comfort. This isn’t a race, and no one gives out medals. Listen to your body. Many pilgrims walk 12–15 miles per day, but it’s entirely up to you. Having a walking companion can make the miles more enjoyable.
Where to Stay on the French Way
Along the route, you’ll find everything from hostels to small hotels. Albergues, the traditional pilgrim accommodations, are the most affordable. Expect simple, hostel-like amenities such as bunk beds and a communal atmosphere.
You may need to show a pilgrim credential to stay in one. While hostels can feel more like standard budget lodging, albergues tend to be simpler, more communal, and often carry a soft spiritual energy that’s part of the pilgrimage experience.
Food and Water
This isn’t a remote wilderness trek. You’ll find plenty of places to eat along the way, along with regular water fountains. Even so, on hot days it’s wise to keep an eye on water access and refill whenever you can.
Highlights Along the Way
Pamplona
This area is famous for the Running of the Bulls, but if that’s not your style, it offers far more depth and charm. As one of the first major cities pilgrims reach, it’s a natural place to slow your pace and settle into the rhythm of the Camino.
The Parque de la Taconera is worth a quiet wander, old stone walls frame pockets of green and grazing deer. Before leaving, pause at the Puente de la Magdalena, where the Camino crosses the Arga River and gives you a moment to look back at how far you’ve already come.
Logroño
Logroño is the capital of the La Rioja wine region, and for pilgrims, it’s a welcome invitation to unwind. The city is known for its wine, its warm atmosphere, and its beloved pintxos culture.
At the end of a long walking day, you can join the steady stream of travelers heading to Calle del Laurel, where dozens of tiny bars serve small, savory bites alongside local Rioja wines. It’s a simple ritual, but for many, this becomes one of the Camino’s most memorable evenings.
Burgos
The cathedral in Burgos is a must-see. Construction began in the 13th century and continued through the 15th and 16th centuries. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it holds an extraordinary collection of art, paintings, tombs, and stained-glass windows.
This stop on the trail is where history meets real life. The stillness of the cathedral offers a much-needed respite from the physical exertion of the journey.
León
Farther along the trail, you’ll encounter another grand landmark: the Santa María de Regla de León Cathedral. Also begun in the 13th century, its Gothic spires draw travelers to admire its stunning stained-glass windows.
Not far away is the Basílica de San Isidoro. Originally a monastery, it is renowned for its Romanesque art.
O Cebreiro
O Cebreiro is the village that greets you as you near your destination. Its pallozas (traditional pre-Roman thatched houses) make it feel frozen in time.
The air turns crisp here, and many travelers visit the Church of Santa María of O Cebreiro, one of the oldest churches on the French Way. More understated than the towering Gothic cathedrals earlier on the route, it is often described as solemn, and deeply beautiful. It’s a must-visit along the French Way.
The final stretch into Santiago de Compostela is a welcome sight after the journey you’ve had. As the cathedral’s towers come into view, you may feel a rush of emotions. After making friends along the way, it can feel as if you’ve known them for years.
People walk the Camino de Santiago for many different reasons. By arriving, you join the countless travelers who came before you, each with their own story and purpose.
The Camino slows you down and leaves you alone with your thoughts. Along the way, you’ll have experiences you never expected.
When you finally arrive in Santiago, you may realize it was never just about the destination; it was about the people you met along the road and the parts of yourself you discovered through them. Whether you return home or continue on toward Finisterre, you may find that the Camino has changed you. The long walk may be over, but the memories stay with you.
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