Cycling the French Camino from León to Santiago

You’ll arrive today in León and join your cycling tour group. You’ll have some free time to explore the city founded over two millennia ago by the Roman Empire, maybe even stopping by the gothic cathedral to get your first stamp in the Pilgrim’s Passport. Join the group in the city center for tapas and get to know everyone.

Today your guided cycling pilgrimage on the Camino Frances begins by traversing the beautiful Spanish countryside and over the Castilla plains. You’ll ride through farmland and picturesque hamlets filled with adobe homes and cavernous wine cellars. You’ll stop for lunch in Hospital del Orbigo where you’ll discover a restored medieval bridge. The villagers had destroyed it back in the 19th century to slow down Napoleon’s advance into Spain. From there, you’ll head out on the last 15 km to Astorga, a lovely walled town boasting panoramic views of the mountains of León.

As you pedal off toward Molinaseca, you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous vistas as you leave the Castillian plains and head uphill into the mountains of León. You’ll reach a height of 1505m as you come to Monte de la Cruz de Ferro. Along the journey you’ll ride through the village Castrillo de los Polvazares which is famous for its buildings made of orange stone. From there, you’ll cycle on through another mountain village called Acebo and then down into Molinaseca, drinking in the views of the valley all the way down.

Today your guided bike tour on the Camino Frances begins with a nice and easy ride for the first 25 km. After that, you’ll begin the short uphill climb to Villafranca, where you’ll want to check out the monuments and the quaint town square. Once you’re finished, you’ll ride along the lush Valcarce valley and into the foothills of Monte de O’Cebreiro where you’ll reach the village of Herrerías.

As you reach the mountaintop, where sits the village of O’Cebreiro, you have now entered Galicia. Pause among the slate-roofed houses and take in the gorgeous valleys spreading out beneath you. From there you’ll ride down further into Galicia and the countryside changes into farmland and traditional agricultural villages. Here family farmers tend their own land, and you’ll see them hard at work in the fields as you go. Galicia has a unique culture and a special way with culinary delights. Using high-quality ingredients, simply prepared, the locals are known for their delectable creations. Along the way you’ll stop in Samos, where you’ll see one of the most ancient monasteries in all of Spain before pedaling on through forests of chestnut trees to reach Sarria.

The views of the Galician countryside won’t disappoint as you pedal through quaint farmland and down paths lined by trees to reach Portomarin for lunch. The town was relocated and rebuilt in the nineteen-sixties as they needed the original site for a reservoir. From there you’ll head uphill for 13 km, and then enjoy a downhill coast for 12 more kilometers into Palas del Rey and then head straight for Melide, enjoying the views all the way. In Melide, make sure to check out one of the famous bars or restaurants where you can sample the delicious Galician-style octopus.

Today you’ll be completing your Camino Frances and cycling through the beautiful Spanish countryside and forested byways until you reach Monte do Gozo. There, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. From there, ride the 5 km to finish your pilgrimage in the Plaza del Obradoiro where, for centuries, pilgrims have traditionally celebrated the completion of their sacred journey. Take in the imposing facade of the Cathedral and the ancient buildings that surround you. When you’re ready to move on, you’ll go pick up your Compostelana, the certificate of your pilgrimage. Then prepare yourself for a celebration as you gather with your group for a special seafood dinner and explore the exciting city of Santiago.

Enjoy one more breakfast, and then your guided cycling tour is concluded. Feel free to explore the city at your leisure or book additional nights in Santiago.