Make like a “bicigrino” and cycle the last 200 km of the French Way on this rewarding 7-day bicycle pilgrimage. The Camino Frances is the main pilgrimage route to Compostela, and doing it on a bike is a perfect way to cover more distance then on foot.
This self-guided tour takes in the last week of the Camino Frances. You’ll gear up and ride out from the medieval town of Ponferrada in northwest Spain to complete the last 200 km of the Camino Francés (French Way), where you’ll receive the much-sought-after Compostelana (your pilgrimage certificate).
Along the way, you’ll overnight in quaint villages like O Cebreiro, Sarria, and Portomarín, dine on local cuisine, make lasting memories with fellow pilgrims, and ride through stunning Galician countryside. Schedule your Cycling the French Way tour today for your own rewarding adventure!
Cycling the Camino Frances: Last 200km from Ponferrada
Make like a “bicigrino” and cycle the last 200 km of the French Way on this rewarding 7-day bicycle pilgrimage. The Camino Frances is the main pilgrimage route to Compostela, and doing it on a bike is a perfect way to cover more distance then on foot.
This self-guided tour takes in the last week of the Camino Frances. You’ll gear up and ride out from the medieval town of Ponferrada in northwest Spain to complete the last 200 km of the Camino Francés (French Way), where you’ll receive the much-sought-after Compostelana (your pilgrimage certificate).
Along the way, you’ll overnight in quaint villages like O Cebreiro, Sarria, and Portomarín, dine on local cuisine, make lasting memories with fellow pilgrims, and ride through stunning Galician countryside. Schedule your Cycling the French Way tour today for your own rewarding adventure!
Get your Pilgrim’s Passport stamped from charming pastoral locales en route to Santiago de Compostela.
Soak in the Spanish countryside of bucolic Galicia from medieval hamlets and wooded glens to the peaks of the Sierra de Ligonde.
Spend time sampling regional fare, including Melide’s pulpo a feira (octopus!) and Arzúa’s local cheeses.
Celebrate your pilgrimage with fellow “bicigrinos” in Santiago de Compostela’s famous Praza do Obradoiro.
Trip map for Cycling the Camino Frances: Last 200km from Ponferrada
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Just an amazing experience. Absolutely lifechanging!
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It was a fantastic trip and Nadine was extremely responsive to all of our questions.
Welcome to Spain! Arrive in the medieval town of Ponferrada and check into your hotel before venturing out to explore your surroundings. The start of the last 200 km of the Camino Frances or “French Way,” you’ll likely see a lot of bicigrinos, pilgrims who choose to cycle the Camino.
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll gear up and set out to begin the last 200 km of the French Way, considered one of the most challenging sections of the Camino. Be ready for the strenuous incline toward O Cebreiro, though there is the option to split the day into two where you can overnight in Villafranca del Bierzo.
Saying farewell to O Cebreiro, you’ll continue along the Camino through the mountains of Galicia, stopping as you like to take in the sweeping vistas of the rugged landscape. En route, stop at the Monasterio de Samos, one of the jewels of the French Way.
From here, pedal on to Sarria, the starting point for many pilgrims who choose to walk the Camino de Santiago. Sarria marks the beginning of the last 100 km of the French Way
Rest the legs today with a shorter ride as you share the path with walking pilgrims, passing by small woods, hamlets, and the rural Galician countryside. Finally, you will arrive in Portomarín, one of the most popular spots of the French Way for its underwater ruins of a medieval town it overlooks.
Most walking pilgrims will complete the section from Portomarín to Palas de Rei, but if you’re on a bike, you’ll have the pleasure of riding to Melide! This portion of the route will lead you through the Sierra de Ligonde, where you’ll get a chance to climb a series of hills and mountains. Once in Melide, be sure to try the traditional dish: pulpo a feira (octopus).
Leaving Melide behind, you’ll pedal alongside quiet wooded areas and quaint pastoral villages to Arzúa. Spend a little time here to taste the local cheese before completing the last leg of the French Way to arrive at your final destination of Santiago de Compostela.
Celebrate with strangers and friends alike in Praza do Obradoiro—where pilgrims commemorate the end of their expedition—and pick up your Compostelana (certificate of completing the pilgrimage).
Depending on your travel plans, other notable stops worth your time include the 18th-century chapel in Santa Irena (near the Atlantic coast), as well as the hamlets of A Rúa (south of O Cebreiro) and O Amenal (just east of Santiago de Compostela)
Take the morning to enjoy your last day in Santiago de Compostela before it’s time to check out and continue your journey home.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
This self-guided biking tour to Santiago de Compostela is always run as a private tour for your group only. The price always depends on the number of people sharing a room.
Prices below are per person:
- Price per person staying in double room: from $1,050USD*
* Pricing for this tour depends on your travelling dates. Please click the Book Now button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Meals
6 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
The accommodation for 6 days along the tour is included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes luggage transfers only.
Also Included
- Bike rental
- Saddlebags and helmet rental
- Luggage transfer
- 24/7 phone assistance
- Pilgrim Passport
- Walking notes and maps
- Extra accommodation charge for arriving to Santiago one night before St. James Day (July 25th)
Not Included
- Anything not listed as included
- Guide services
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Transport
Optional Extras
- Extra night in Ponferrada before the tour
- Extra night in Santiago de Compostela after the tour
- Airport transfers
- Pilgrim massage in Santiago de Compostela
Accommodation for Cycling the Camino Frances: Last 200km from Ponferrada
This tour is based in 2 and 3-star hotels and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Single rooms are available for a supplement, please inquire for more information.
How hard is the Cycling the Last Week of the Camino Frances Tour?
We rate this tour 3/5. You will be biking up to 55 km daily. In the peak of summer, the days can be quite hot and this distance can feel longer due to the heat.
Do I need a Visa to travel to France and Spain?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Cycling the Last Week of the Camino Frances Tour?
6 breakfasts are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Ponferrada to start this tour?
You can get to Ponferrada via train, car or bus. Ponferrada is 78 km away from Leon.
Where does the Cycling the Last Week of the Camino Frances Tour end?
The tour ends in Santiago de Compostela.
Can I rent a bike?
The bike is included in the tour package so there’s no need to.
What type of bike is included?
The bike model used for this tour is Expert 30v Disc 27.5.
What happens if my bike has a mechanical issue on the Camino?
You are provided a 24-hour technical support number.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. Please make sure that the bike is suitable to ride on rough terrain.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Spain?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Spain?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Spain for this tour?
The best time to travel to Northern Spain for this biking adventure is between May and September, though the last 200 km of the French Way can be completed year-round.
Why book with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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