The French Way - From Roncevaux
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The French Way > The French Way - From Roncevaux
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The French Camino which starts from St jean Pied de Port offers a way for you to bike to the Santiago de Compostela from Roncevaux. Cycling through the Camino Frances provides you a chance to glide through the route and appreciate the beauty that the Camino de Santiago has to offer.
Roncevaux is a historic town in the Navarre region, located in Northern Spain. It is situated in the Pyrenees mountains and is not far away from the French border. It has its place in history due to the epic battle between Charlemagne and tribes from the Basque country. Today it serves as a starting point as well as a resting place for pilgrims of Camino de Santiago.
5/5
Difficulty
Roncevaux
Start
700 Km
Distance
16
Nights
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Favourable months to travel
Peak season
Shoulder season
Off season
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BASIC PACKAGE
LUXURY PACKAGE
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This package includes:
Nights in hostels and rural houses with breakfast
Room with private bathroom
Travel
insurance
24h assistance
Welcome pack with digital credential
Route itinerary
Free cancellation
up to 15 days before
Basic bike rental
This package includes:
All the basic package services
Luxurious hotels
Instead of standard hostels
and rural houses
Transfer to hotel
If accommodation deviates
slightly from your itinerary
ebike upgrade
Full equipped with
double suspension
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.
Add extra services to make your experience unforgettable!
We offer you a wide range of activities and exclusive services so you can enjoy the best Camino experience.
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You have other plans? Let us know so we can manage the activity for you.
Itinerary
Stage 1
Roncevaux - Pamplona
42 km
Pamplona, internationally renowned for its San Fermin festival, blends historical richness with modern attractions. The Cathedral of Santa María la Real and the Museum of Navarra are not to be missed, among other significant sites like the Royal Palace and the Citadel.
Stage 2
Pamplona - Estella
42 km
Journeying towards Estella, you'll traverse landscapes dotted with vital historical landmarks such as a Romanesque bridge commissioned by a queen of Navarre to aid pilgrims crossing the Arga River.
Stage 3
Estella - Logroño
46 km
Upon exiting Estella, one encounters the Irache wine fountain—a nod to monastic traditions offering wine to weary pilgrims. Logroño, the capital of La Rioja, invites exploration into its rich wine heritage marked by Denomination of Origin and vibrant culinary scene.
Stage 4
Logroño - Santo Domingo de la Calzada
47 km
This segment leads to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, an essential pilgrimage site named after its founder Domingo who significantly improved this passage for pilgrims. The town is also noted for its historical structures including a bridge over the Oja River and various pilgrim support facilities founded by Domingo.
Stage 5
Santo Domingo de la Calzada - Burgos
68 km
The journey continues towards Burgos, a city steeped in cultural and historical treasures such as the UNESCO-listed world heritage site, Monastery of Santa María la Real de las Huelgas among other monumental sites like Cartuja de Miraflores and iconic archways.
Stage 6
Burgos - Fromista
61 km
Navigating out from Burgos through scenic landscapes brings you towards Fromista. A lighter ride today allows time for stops at notable historic remnants like the Convent of San Antón.
Stage 7
Fromista - Sahagún
58 km
The journey towards the Meseta region involves terrain that is favorable for cycling as part of your pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
Stage 8
Sahagún - León
53 km
Expansive Castilian plains punctuated with agricultural fields leading into León — a medieval kingdom's capital laden with historic significance. It includes a Gothic Cathedral and numerous Roman elements along with sites like the Convent of San Marcos crafted by Antonio Gaudí.
Stage 9
León - Astorga
52 km
As you near Astorga, pause at Cross of Santo Toribio—a well-regarded pilgrim photo spot before exploring local marvels such as Astorga's Cathedral and Gaudí's Palacio Episcopal—both adding charm to this popular halt.
Stage 10
Astorga - Ponferrada
51 km
In this stretch you would undertake a major climb towards Cruz do Ferro—an iconic point where pilgrims participate in wishing rituals using stones before delighting in downhill rides towards Molinaseca—highlighting local attractions there.
Stage 11
Ponferrada - O Cebreiro
51 km
The initial day of cycling is a rigorous climb to O Cebreiro. This demanding section can be divided over two days for comfort with an overnight stop at a camino accommodation in Villafranca del Bierzo, located in the el Bierzo region. Remember, it is important to pace yourself if you feel exhausted.
Stage 12
O Cebreiro - Sarria
40 km
Departing O Cebreiro, the route winds through Galicia's mountainous terrain offering breathtaking views along the way. A significant highlight en route is the Monasterio de Samos— a key attraction on the French Way. Sarria is notably where many walking pilgrims start their journey, marking the commencement of the final 100 km of this path.
We also offer tours from Sarria as a component of the French route, click here to check them out.
Stage 13
Sarria - Portomarín
23 km
On this stretch, you can enjoy a lighter cycling day mingling with walking pilgrims. The route passes through quaint woods and rural hamlets typical of Galicia en route to Portomarín, a favored stop along the French Way.
Stage 14
Portomarín - Melide
38 km
On this stretch, you can enjoy a lighter cycling day mingling with walking pilgrims. The route passes through quaint woods and rural hamlets typical of Galicia en route to Portomarín, a favored stop along the French Way.
Stage 15
Melide - Santiago de Compostela
55 km
Leaving Melide, cycle amidst serene woods and pastoral landscapes towards Arzúa which serves as another prominent stopping point for walkers going towards the Cathedral. Before advancing to Santiago de Compostela, you might want to try famous cheeses in Arzúa.
Congratulations!
Frequently asked questions
Q
How should I do the Camino de Santiago: walking or biking?
Both walking and biking are valid ways to experience the Camino de Santiago, though they offer different experiences. Walking the Camino allows for more interaction with fellow pilgrims, fostering a sense of community and reflection. On the other hand, biking the Camino enables you to cover more ground each day, though you'll likely have fewer opportunities for socializing along the way. Consider what type of experience you're seeking and choose accordingly.
Remember that you need to realize at least 200km with bike in order to get your "Compostella" certificate.
Q
Can I complete the Camino de Santiago on an eBike?
Yes, you can tackle the Camino de Santiago on an eBike. Rental services are available, offering electric bikes complete with all necessary gear like helmets, panniers, and repair kits. Additionally, delivery and pickup services can accommodate you at various points along the route.
Q
What support is available for eBike Pilgrims?
While on your journey, you can access technical and mechanical support to ensure smooth travel. With professional assistance available, you'll feel secure and supported throughout your entire pilgrimage.
Q
Can I combine walking and bike rental on the Camino de Santiago?
Yes, you can definitely combine walking and bike rental on the Camino de Santiago. We can provide everything you need to make this possible. Just let us know your preferences and we will arrange the necessary equipment, including bikes, helmets, and any other gear you might need. Our flexible services ensure that you can enjoy your pilgrimage in the way that suits you best. Contact us for more details and to customize your trip.
Q
Are there eBike routes in Galicia apart from the Camino?
Certainly! If you’re interested in exploring Galicia without following the traditional Camino, guided eBike tours are also available. You can test out an electric bike or simply enjoy different scenic routes throughout the region.
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