Cycling the Complete Camino Frances

Arrive in Roncesvalles, a charming town located in the heart of the Pyrenees, where history and spirituality intertwine in one of the most important starting points of the Camino de Santiago. You can visit the Collegiate Church of Roncesvalles, visit the Charlemagne Silo or get your Pilgrim's Credential at the Church of Santiago. If you’ve opted in for bike rental, you will receive your bikes at the agreed time at the hotel today.

Begin your French Way from Roncesvalles to Santiago by bicycle. Descend from this mystical village in the Pyrenees to the city of Pamplona, capital of Navarra. It is recommended that you get lost in its historic center, its picturesque green areas or taste its pinchos to regain energy.

Pedal to Puente la Reina, leaving the towns of Zariquiegui, Uterga, Murazábal and Óbanos in your wake. You will have the opportunity to detour, approximately 4 km from the Camino de Santiago, to visit the Hermitage of Santa María de Eunate before reaching Puente la Reina. From this point you will continue your Camino passing through Mañeru, Cirauqui, Lorca and Villatuerta, once you reach the latter there are only a few kilometers that will separate you from your end of the stage in Estella.

The landscape will change along your route along the French Way. From Estella, the "Toledo of the North", you will discover a landscape of vineyards that will take you to the capital of La Rioja, bathed by the Ebro River. Walk along Calle del Laurel in Logroño, an ideal place to taste red wine with Designation of Origin Rioja.

From the vineyard landscape of Logroño, among crop fields, you will enter Santo Domingo de la Calzada, now in the province of Burgos. It is a city that was born from the Camino de Santiago and that stood out for providing shelter to pilgrims. Get to know the legend of the rooster and you will then know where the saying "Santo Domingo de la Calzada where the hen crowed after being roasted" comes from.

From Santo Domingo de la Calzada, you will pass through San Juan de Ortega, where you can see the Triabsidial Church built following the Saint's plans in the 12th and 13th centuries. To finish your tour, find the Gothic city of Burgos, a few kilometers from the Atapuerca sites, a World Heritage Site.

Following the rhythm of the Arlanzón River, after leaving Burgos, you will flatten towards towns such as Tardajos and Hornillos del Camino. Among wheat fields you will arrive at the beautiful city of Castrojeriz. Advance through the wastelands of Castilla until you reach Carrión de los Condes, the medieval city.

From Carrión de los Condes, the stage becomes long and flat. Pass through Sahagún, El Burgo Ranero and Mansilla de las Mulas. The Camino will end by taking you to León and its beautiful Plaza Regia and the Cathedral Santa María de Regla de León. Without a doubt, a mandatory stop is in its Barrio Húmedo to regain strength with some good tapas.

Explore this wonderful city and recharge your batteries!

Leave from León, one of the most symbolic cities of the French Way. Advance through Maragatería until you reach Astorga, capital of Spanish chocolate. Visit Gaudí's Episcopal Palace and the Cathedral of Santa María de Astorga.

Ascend to Cruz de Ferro, the highest point of the French Way. From there you will say goodbye to the Montes de León and descend steeply to the Bierzo valley. Your next stop is at Ponferrada, a Templar city.

The fertile valleys of Bierzo, where its Denomination of Origin wine is produced, and the Valcarce river, will take you to the entrance of Galicia in O Cebreiro, after an ascent, in search of the Grail in the oldest Church on the Camino de Santiago and to learn how the locals lived in ancient times in buildings made of stone and straw called pallozas.

After descending to Triacastela, continue among green mountains until you descend to the Sarria valley, where the last 100 kilometers necessary to obtain the Compostela if you go on foot begin. After passing through Sarria, you will reach the Miño River in Portomarín.

Cycling from Sarria to Melide spans around 60 kilometers through the heart of Galicia, featuring rolling hills, dense forests, and traditional villages. You'll pass through historic towns like Portomarín and Palas de Rei, navigating a mix of rural roads and woodland trails, before reaching Melide, known for its famous Galician octopus ("pulpo").

Today you will arrive in Santiago de Compostela! Ascend to Monte do Gozo from where you will see the Towers of the Cathedral of Santiago. Continue your journey to the magical Praza do Obradoiro, the best prize of this great bicycle trip. Return the bikes at the hotel on arrival.

Following breakfast, check out and depart for onward travels.