5 ROUTES OF THE FRENCH WAY TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
WAYS OF THE FRENCH WAY
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According to tradition, the Camino de Santiago is the road that leads from your home to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. As for the custom of the Middle Ages, in order to reach the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela in a proper way, pilgrimages needed to start from the hometown itself.
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THE WAY TODAY
Today, this is no longer necessary. To get to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, you can use any of the following routes Way of St. James. In this way, tourists, as well as pilgrims from Galicia, can get to know and appreciate the beauty of the Iberian Peninsula, especially Galicia.
There are 9 Camino routes from different parts of Spain. They are called: French Way, Camino Portugués, Camino Portugués Costero, Camino del Norte, Camino Primitivo, Via de la Plata, Camino de Le Puy, Camino aFinisterreyCamino Inglés. Each of these tracks has its own history, unique significance and breathtaking views that can never be erased from our minds.
To understand the importance of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, we must first take a look at its history.
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA : HISTORY - LEGEND
The famous Camino de Santiago, data del siglo 8th. So the first pilgrimage is more than 1000 years old. Interestingly, there is evidence that some roads existed there even before Christ.
In the past, it was a simple trade route for the ancient Romans. They believed that the “end of the world” was near the city of Compostela. For this reason, some people called it the “Milky Way”. It is the northernmost point in western Europe.
According to tradition, a hermit reported to the bishop that he had seen an unusual glow of light on the ground near a small town. They went there together and discovered an ancient cemetery with the tomb of Santiago.
The King of Asturias then moved there with his entire retinue. It thus became the first pilgrim to Santiago de Compostela of history. The king himself ordered a cathedral to be built there, where people from all over Europe would go on pilgrimage.
From that moment on, Santiago de Compostela, which in Latin means Campus Stellae (in English “the field of stars”) became a very famous religious destination. However, it was only after the 12th century that the city of Santiago de Compostela and the Camino de Santiago gained great popularity.
In this article, we are going to focus on the French Route.
Read also: THE BEST FESTIVALS IN GALICIA IN AUGUST
THE FRENCH WAY
The French Way is one of the nine Caminos available for pilgrimage tourists. heading for Galicia. This is the road that connects San Juan de Pied de Port (Donibane Garazi) with Santiago de Compostela.
Es una de las rutas más populares para peregrinar por el Camino de Santiago. It also inspired many writers and artists to create their works. For example, a well-known Paulo Coelho wrote “The Pilgrimage” in 1987.
The Camino Frances normally totals 780 km and takes between 30 to 35 days, provided that the pilgrim does 25 to 35 kilometres per day.
You can start this walk from Saint Jean Pied de Port because it is considered the original starting point.
However, nowadays, people also start their Camino Francés from different starting points. Those 6 most famous places include: Roncesvalles (742 km from Santiago de Compostela), León (305 km from Santiago de Compostela), Ponferrada(a 205 km from Santiago de Compostela), O Cebreiro (a 152 km from Santiago de Compostela) y Sarria (a 113 km from Sanitago de Compostela).
THE ROAD FROM RONCESVALLES TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Every year, many pilgrims decide to go from Roncesvalles to Santiago. It is the second point after Saint Jean Pied de Port. It is also the first place in the territory of Spain.
From this point there are 32 different stages for a total of 742km. From Roncesvalles, we will find, among other places on our way, incredible places such as: Pamplona, Puente de la Reina, Los Arcos, Logroño, Burgos, León, Ponferrada, Portomarín, Pedrouzo and many more.
It is also possible to do the Camino de Santiago by bicycle.. In this case, there are 13 stages in total.
THE ROAD FROM O CEBREIRO TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
If you choose the route from O CebreiroYou can see many aspects of Galician beauty. From this point a real Galician adventure begins, as we are in the community of the capital of Compostela.
The route is 152 km long and includes between 6 and 7 stages (up to Sarria). Stops include: Triacastela, Portomarin, Castro de Castromaior, Palas de Rei, and Sarria.
THE ROAD FROM SARRIA TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
It is the last starting point to begin the French Way. It is 113 km long and takes 5 stages to cover completely.
It is a perfect choice for novice pilgrims. or for people who only have a few days available to walk the route. There are also many bars, taverns and lodgings along this road, being the most travelled stretch of all the Caminos.
Although it is the shortest way to do the French Way, doing the Camino from Sarria is enough to obtain the official certification of the Compostela, as there are more than 100 km to walk.
Practical Tips for Pilgrims
Walking the French Way to Santiago de Compostela is an unforgettable experience, but it requires preparation. Here are some practical tips to make your pilgrimage safe and enjoyable:
1. Packing your backpack:
Take only the essentials: comfortable and light clothing, suitable footwear for long walks, sunscreen, hat, raincoat, reusable water bottle, and trekking poles if you use them. Remember that your backpack should not exceed 10% of your body weight to avoid injuries.
2. Choosing footwear:
A good pair of trekking boots or shoes is essential. They should be broken in and comfortable to prevent blisters. Some pilgrims prefer combining sturdy boots with technical socks to reduce friction.
3. Accommodation:
Along the Camino, you’ll find public and private hostels, guesthouses, and hotels. Hostels are affordable and allow interaction with other pilgrims, while hotels offer more comfort. Book in advance during peak season, especially in August.
4. Pace and stages:
Plan your route according to your endurance. Walking 20-30 km per day is recommended. Don’t compare yourself with other pilgrims: the key is to enjoy the path, nature, and the villages you pass through.
5. Health and first aid:
Carry a small first aid kit with bandages, painkillers, disinfectant, and blister cream. Stay hydrated and take regular breaks. Consult a doctor if any physical problem arises during the journey.
6. Documentation and pilgrim credential:
Don’t forget your passport or ID and the pilgrim credential, which allows you to stamp your journey in churches, hostels, and tourist offices to obtain the Compostela certificate.
Following these tips, your French Way pilgrimage will not only be safe and comfortable but also a memorable experience you’ll cherish for life.