The French Way - From Burgos
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The Camino Francés which starts from St Jean in France, passes through Burgos which is a popular starting point for pilgrims to get to Santiago de Compostela.
Burgos is located in Northern Spain, in the province of Castille and Leon. It is renowned for its Gothic architecture and its rich cultural history. It is one of the important stages in French Camino, and the path to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela weaves through picturesque towns, and gastronomic delights.
4/5
Difficulty
Burgos
Start
425 Km
Distance
23
Nights
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Favourable months to travel
Peak season
Shoulder season
Off season
Choose your package
BASIC PACKAGE
LUXURY PACKAGE
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This package includes:
Nights in hostels and rural houses with breakfast
Travel
insurance
24h assistance
Room with private bathroom
Welcome pack with digital credential
Route itinerary
Free cancellation
up to 15 days before
This package includes:
All the basic package services
+
Luxurious accommodations
Instead of hostels and rural houses
Transfer to hotel
In case accomodation deviates
slightly from your itinerary
You deserve a break, enjoy it in the best way possible.
Walk the same route but with better accommodations thanks to our selection of high standing hotels.
Read more info about our accommodations and how our team handpicked the best venues.
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Itinerary
Stage 1
Burgos - Hornillos del Camino
20 km
The journey into Meseta plains starts after starting from Burgos. Pilgrims traverse through tranquil holm oak woods and quaint hamlets until they arrive at Hornillos del Camino. This attractive village, recognized as a traditional Jacobean stop, is host to the church of San Román, a Gothic tower from the 16th century.
The route includes a gentle decline after departing Rabé de las Calzadas, lasting for 9 km until reaching Cuesta de Matamulos with its noticeable drop.
Stage 2
Hornillos del Camino - Castrojeriz
18 km
After departing from Hornillos del Camino, pilgrims experience an even stretch with few rises, facilitating a straightforward walk. The Bol River's valley leads us to Castrojeriz. This historically and naturally rich village boasts a castle perched atop a hill offering expansive views and the historic Monastery of San Antón.
Stage 3
Castrojeriz - Frómista
25 km
This marks the final segment within Burgos. Continuing through to Palencia, pilgrims ascend to the Alto de Mostelares summit on the Meseta. After traversing Boadilla del Camino, one reaches Frómista—a Romanesque hub in Palencia showcasing cultural treasures like the frescoed church of San Martín that echoes medieval times.
Stage 4
Frómista - Carrión de los Condes
19 km
Mirroring previous segments, this flat route runs through Tierra de Campos' vast cereal fields. As you pass Villalcázar de Sirga, don’t miss visiting the cultural heritage site—the Templar church of Santa María la Blanca dating back to the 13th century. It would lead you to road C-908 which leads into Carrión de los Condes, known for its historical connections with Spain’s epic hero El Cid.
Stage 5
Carrión de los Condes - Calzadilla de la Cueza
17 km
This stage is dominated by views of extensive cereals again. This way is part of an ancient Roman route referred to as Via Aquitana which ends at Calzadilla de la Cueza adorned with many Santiago crosses symbolizing historical significance by Order of Santiago here.
It's wise to carry sufficient provisions upon departure from Carrión de los Condes due to isolated stretches ahead. Cautious crossings are also recommended over N-120 due to occasional traffic.
Stage 6
Calzadilla de la Cueza - Sahagún
17 km
This section marks leaving behind Palencia into Castilla-Leon’s landscapes. It leads us to Sahagún characterized by its mud-brick constructions, cereal-dominated horizons, and plentiful historic sites such as the ruined Royal Monastery of San Benito and Moorish brick-built Church of San Lorenzo.
Stage 7
Sahagún - El Burgo Ranero
18 km
Journeying onward from Sahagún towards El Burgo Ranero unfolds across smooth lanes shaded by plane trees enhancing walking ease toward historically significant Old Town recognized as a historic site alongside parish Church of San Pedro standing proud within peaceful countryside settings.
Stage 8
El Burgo Ranero - Mansilla de las Mulas
19 km
This section traverses a level pathway, meandering through small villages and expansive cereal fields that once belonged to the ancient Kingdom of León, culminating at the fortified town of Mansilla de las Mulas. Nestled beside the Esla River, this town boasts a medieval urban layout. It is considered one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in León province. It continues to welcome numerous pilgrims with its enduring hospitable nature rooted in Jacobean tradition.
Stage 9
Mansilla de las Mulas - León
17 km
This relatively easy journey becomes progressively urbanized as it approaches León, a key historical juncture on the Camino de Santiago filled with Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance treasures due to its medieval prosperity.
The cathedral’s intricate porticoes, vibrant stained glass windows, and iconic rose windows are not to be missed. It runs alongside Azabachería street known for its traditional craftsmen who produced pilgrim shells. With León's rich history and attractions, an additional night in this city is recommended to fully explore its numerous charms.
León - Villavante
Stage 10
21 km
León marks the beginning of our journey along the French Route, one of the key cities on this path. This stage is predominantly level and tranquil. Once you leave León's outskirts, you'll traverse through serene farm lands.
Stage 11
21 km
Villavante - Astorga
Drawing nearer to the Montes de León, expect more varied terrain featuring a series of rises and falls. Astorga, well known for its connections to architect Gaudí, offers numerous attractions for visitors.
Astorga - Rabanal del Camino
Stage 12
21 km
Entering La Maragatería region through the French Route, travelers experience a blend of unique architectural styles and local culinary delights. A possible sidetrack to explore is Castrillo de los Polvazares, a village in Northern Spain noted for its traditional Maragato architecture and designated as a Historic-Artistic Site.
Passing through the ancient town of Santa Catalina de Somoza leads to Rabanal del Camino, where notable sights include La Asunción church and the Cuatro Esquinas house, reputedly where King Philip II stayed during his 16th-century pilgrimage to Santiago.
Rabanal del Camino - Ponferrada
Stage 13
32 km
The journey from Rabanal del Camino involves ascending the León mountains, reaching over 1,400 meters at Cruz de Ferro. This segment presents a challenging climb although it becomes flatter near Ponferrada. Despite steep descents post-Cruz de Ferro, travelers reach Ponferrada—a city with deep historical ties to the Pilgrims’ Route since the 11th century—boasting significant cultural and religious artefacts like the Templars’ Castle and San Andrés’s baroque church.
Ponferrada - Villafranca del Bierzo
Stage 14
23 km
Departing from Ponferrada’s cityscape, this stage transitions into the scenic Bierzo region highlighted by expansive orchards and vineyards. They lead to the medieval town of Villafranca del Bierzo.
Dominated by an ancient feudal castle, Villafranca del Bierzo's historical district is recognized as an Asset of Cultural Interest while its significant role on the Jacobean route has turned it into a key destination.
Villafranca del Bierzo - O Cebreiro
Stage 15
28 km
This stage proves more strenuous as it traverses a mountain pass with considerable incline, notably between Hospital and La Faba. It concludes at O Cebreiro in Os Ancares Lucenses—a stunning natural area declared a Biosphere Reserve—and marks Galicia's entrance on the French Route.
Highlights include tales of O Cebreiro’s miracle and panoramic views from the pilgrim woman statue at the village lookout.
O Cebreiro, Spain
O Cebreiro - Triacastela
Stage 16
21 km
The path from O Cebreiro to Triacastela is marked by fluctuations in elevation. We advise pacing yourself to fully appreciate its vistas. Triacastela itself presents archaeological interests derived from its three notable castles whence it gets its name.
Triacastela - Sarria
Stage 17
18 km
This leg offers an enjoyable trek through countryside settings, woods, and valleys until reaching Sarria—a preferred starting point for many due to being just right distance-wise for validating their pilgrimage. It is a requirement that a pilgrim walks the last 100 KM in order to get a validation that they have completed the pilgrimage to the Cathedral at Santiago de Compostela. Since Sarria lies roughly 100KM away, it offers as the perfect starting point.
We offer Caminos from Sarria as well. Click here to check them out.
To check out our other Caminos such as Portuguese Way (Camino Portuguese) and The English Way (Camino Ingles), click here.
Sarria - Portomarín
Stage 18
22 km
This leg offers an enjoyable trek through countryside settings, woods, and valleys until reaching Sarria—a preferred starting point for many due to being just right distance-wise for validating their pilgrimage.
Portomarín - Palas de Rei
Stage 19
25 km
Characterized by tracks running alongside roads and walkable asphalt paths for pilgrims; this stage includes several attractive spots like Os Lameiros crossroads or Castromaior’s archaeological site amid quaint village settings.
Palas de Rei - Arzúa
Stage 20
29 km
Approaching Arzúa signifies nearing journey's end on the French Way. This part requires careful consideration with multiple ascends and descends across less maintained paths—it's advised to possibly halt midway for refreshment in Melide.
This zone also brings rich historic encounters such as meeting Primitive Way pilgrims at destinations like Melide or Arzúa.
Arzúa - Pedrouzo
From Arzúa to Pedrouzo challenges are minimal along forested tracks through woodland areas providing serenity albeit caution is urged especially when navigating frequent crossings over N-547 road which is prone to heavy traffic.
Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela
The final segment of our French Way is an easy stroll through aromatic eucalyptus forests, leading up to Monte do Gozo. From this vantage point, you can catch a glimpse of the Santiago Cathedral in the distance. Santiago de Compostela, a city designated as a World Heritage Site, houses its grand cathedral where the revered remains of St. James the Apostle are enshrined.
Congratulations!
Stage 21
Stage 22
19 km
18 km
Frequently asked questions
Q
What is the Pilgrim's Credential?
The pilgrim's credential is essentially a pass that you'll need to collect stamps on if you wish to receive the Compostela certificate. It's also required for staying in the network of hostels along the Camino de Santiago. When you book with us, we’ll take care of it!
Find more information concerning your “Compostela” here.
Q
What should you do upon arriving in Santiago de Compostela?
Upon arrival, it's common to request the Compostela certificate. To do so, you must have walked at least 100 km (62 miles) or cycled 200 km (125 miles). It's also a tradition to attend the Pilgrim's Mass at the Santiago Cathedral. Afterwards, you'll have plenty of time to explore the city.
Q
How many stages does the Camino de Santiago have?
The number of stages on the Camino de Santiago can vary depending on whether you're walking or biking. Typically, walking stages are about 20 kilometers each (12.5 miles), while biking stages are around 50 kilometers (31 miles). The terrain and the pilgrim's physical condition also affect the division of stages. While each route can be broken down differently, some common stage suggestions are: 33 for the French Way, 28 for the Portuguese Way, 12 for the Portuguese Coastal Route or 5 for the English Way.
Q
If I add extras to my Camino de Santiago trip, will I keep the same itinerary?
Adding extras to your Camino de Santiago trip might change your itinerary. Depending on your specific requests, we can adjust your itinerary to better suit your needs. We also consider weather conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Adding extras may allow you to enjoy more days at hotels or other accommodations along the way. Contact us to tailor your trip perfectly to your preferences.
Q
Is it safe to travel alone on the Camino de Santiago?
Yes, many pilgrims choose to walk the Camino de Santiago alone and find it a deeply spiritual experience. Making friends along the way is also common. If walking solo, it’s wise to travel when other pilgrims are around to avoid isolation. During mountain stages, especially in bad weather, it's advisable to walk with others. If you prefer not to go alone, you can join an organized group.
Q
Which Camino de Santiago route is the easiest?
The Camino routes through Portugal are often considered the easiest. Both the Central Portuguese Way and the Portuguese Coastal Way are very manageable, as they feature minimal elevation changes.
Q
Can families with children, older people, and couples Do the Camino de Santiago?
Absolutely! Families with children, older individuals, and couples can all enjoy the Camino de Santiago. Each year, we see many diverse groups making the journey together. While age and group type are not barriers, they do require some thoughtful planning. For families with children, it's essential to be cautious on smaller, unpaved sections of the route. Designing your trip with these considerations in mind will ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone. Contact us for personalized tips and advice.
Q
How many kilometers do you walk per day?
Daily stages should ideally range between 20 to 25 kilometers (12.5 to 15.5 miles), though this can vary based on the difficulty of the stage and the pilgrim's physical condition. An estimated time could be between 4.5/5 hours of walking.
Tips
"Our family had an unforgettable experience with Welcome Camino! It was the perfect way to explore northern Spain and truly embrace the magic of the Camino de Santiago."
Carmen & Cristobal