Camino Frances: Stage 1 Roncesvalles to Logrono

This Camino Frances walking tour starts in the Navarrese Pyrenees region, where the old medieval streets that started in the interior of Europe came together and are now the traditional starting point of the modern way in Spanish territory. The architecture, the interesting monuments, including the Collegiate Church of Santa María from the 13th century, the house of the beneficiaries or the old hospital of Itzandegia are very worthy of seeing.

The first day of the French way from Roncesvalles follows a typical mountain route, but it does not pose any major difficulties. Almost the entire stage descends, although you have to climb two climbs: the high Mezkiriz and the Alto de Erro.

Continue downhill, over gentle hills and leave the mountain path behind you. On today's stage you will pass through an important medieval town that has grown under the guise of the Larrasoaña pilgrim pass. You will also cross the Arga River several times over numerous bridges. Once in Pamplona, it is inevitable to mention the famous Saint Fermín festivities and the running of the bulls. But in every season this city is worth seeing with its important monumental complex, which is dominated by churches and medieval walls.

The most important landmark of this stage is the Alto del Perdón, which you reach after a 260 meter climb. The descent is a bit more rugged, quite rocky and therefore a bit slippery. Once at the top, you have to take a short break to enjoy the view. It is quite a windy area, so on the summit you will find not only the pilgrimage monument, but also many windmills. Once in Puente La Reina it is worth visiting the large medieval bridge with its five arches, the 14th-century Church of San Pedro and the Comendadoras de Sancti Spiritus monastery.

Start the stage with a gentle descent of almost 5 kilometers before you face the ascent to Mañeru, which is not very long but has quite a difference in altitude. Then walk through the town of Cirauqui, where the medieval Gothic church and the Roman road stand out, of which some original sections are still preserved. The last section of the stage, which leads to Estella, goes down again.

Immediately after leaving Estella, you will find the famous "wine fountain", where you are urged to drink in moderation, and also have the chance to buy some wine to take with you. The last 12 kilometers from Villamayor de Monjardín to Los Arcos, although easy to walk, can be a bit difficult between farmland and side streets, with hardly any shade, which is why you should start early, especially in the summer months, to avoid the greatest heat.

This stage has a comfortable start on dirt roads, which make the route very pleasant. Walk through olive groves, almond trees, and vineyards as you enter the land of wine par excellence, La Rioja. Before you reach the end of the stage, you will pass the ruins of Clavijo Castle. The last stretch is easy to walk on pedestrian paths. In Logroño you should not miss the opportunity to take a stroll along Calle Laurel to taste some good local wines accompanied by delicious tapas.

Buen Camino!!! See you next time.