Complete Guide to the French Way

The French Way (Camino Francés) is the most historic, traditional, and emblematic route of the Camino de Santiago. For centuries it has been the main pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, used by millions of pilgrims from all across Europe. This route crosses the north of the Iberian Peninsula from east to west, passing through territories of France, Navarra, La Rioja, Castilla y León, and Galicia, and connects towns, cities, landscapes, and monuments that form part of Europe’s cultural and historical heritage. The French Way is the most complete route of the Camino de Santiago: it combines history, spirituality, culture, landscape diversity, service infrastructure, and pilgrim tradition like no other Jacobean route.

Where does the French Way begin?

Traditional starting point of the French Way

• Main starting point: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (France)
• Spanish alternative: Roncesvalles (Navarra)
• Total approximate distance: 780 km
• Number of stages: 30–35 stages (depending on planning)
• Eligible for Compostela: Yes
• Type of route: mountain, rural, urban, and plateau
• Profile: ideal for those seeking the complete Jacobean experience

Stages of the French Way

The French Way has an approximate length of 780 km and is usually structured into 32 stages from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela, making it the most emblematic, historic, and most traveled route of the Camino de Santiago.

This organization into 32 stages corresponds to the classical model of the French Way and allows progressive, balanced planning adapted to all types of pilgrims, from first-time walkers to experienced pilgrims.
The French Way has an approximate length of 780 km from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and is usually structured into between 30 and 35 stages, depending on the pilgrim’s pace, planning, and route organization.

Frequently asked questions about the French Way

How many kilometers is the French Way?

The French Way is approximately 780 kilometers from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela.

How many days does it take to complete the French Way?

The usual duration is 30 to 35 days, depending on the pilgrim’s pace and stage planning.

Where does the French Way start?

The traditional starting point is in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (France), crossing the Pyrenees towards Roncesvalles. It is also common to start directly in Roncesvalles.

Is the French Way difficult?

The French Way presents a variable level of difficulty. It includes demanding sections such as the crossing of the Pyrenees or the Montes de León, but also long flat stages across the plateau. It is physically and mentally demanding, but accessible with proper preparation.

What is the best time to walk the French Way?

The best seasons are spring and autumn. Summer is very popular but also the most crowded period, especially in July and August.

Can you obtain the Compostela by walking the French Way?

Yes. The French Way greatly exceeds the minimum 100 km required to obtain the Compostela upon arrival in Santiago de Compostela.

Historical importance of the French Way

The French Way is the central axis of Jacobean pilgrimage since the Middle Ages. It has been the main channel of cultural, religious, economic, and social exchange between Europe and the Iberian Peninsula. Cities such as Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos, León, Astorga, and Santiago de Compostela grew and developed thanks to the continuous flow of pilgrims over the centuries.

Statistics of the French Way

The French Way is by far the most traveled route of the entire Camino de Santiago. In 2025, approximately 45% of all pilgrims chose this route, representing around 240,000 pilgrims walking all or part of the French Way. Regarding origin, 52% were Spanish pilgrims, while the remaining 48% were international pilgrims. The most numerous foreign nationalities were, in this order: Americans, Italians, Mexicans, Irish, Koreans, French, British, and Germans, confirming the deeply international character of the French Way.

Growth of the French Way

The French Way has experienced sustained growth in recent years. Taking 2019 as a reference, when approximately 190,000 pilgrims walked this route, in just six years it has reached a total of 240,000 pilgrims per year. This growth is directly related to the global rise in interest in the Camino de Santiago and the consolidation of the French Way as the main and most recognized route of the Jacobean system.

Most common starting points

One of the most relevant facts is that 67% of French Way pilgrims start their journey in Sarria, a town located just over 100 km from Santiago, the minimum distance required to obtain the Compostela. This concentration causes heavy saturation in the last 100 kilometers of the route. As an alternative to this overcrowding, many pilgrims choose routes such as the Sanabrés Way or the Winter Way, less-traveled itineraries that also allow obtaining the Compostela and offer a calmer, more authentic experience, and for which we also provide complete guides. In addition to Sarria, other popular starting points on the French Way include:

• Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: ~30,000 pilgrims
• León: ~7,000 pilgrims
• O Cebreiro: ~6,000 pilgrims
• Ponferrada: ~5,000 pilgrims
• Roncesvalles: ~4,000 pilgrims
• Astorga: ~3,000 pilgrims

In addition, dozens of intermediate towns serve as starting points for pilgrims on the French Way, demonstrating the enormous flexibility of the route.

Months with the highest number of pilgrims

The busiest months on the French Way are May, June, August, and September, with an average of approximately 35,000 pilgrims per month. During April, July, and October, numbers are also high, with between 25,000 and 30,000 pilgrims per month. In winter months, the number of pilgrims drops significantly due to weather conditions and reduced service availability.

Ways of walking the French Way

The vast majority of pilgrims walk the French Way on foot. However, around 4% do it by bicycle. As anecdotal data, approximately 300 people completed it on horseback and just over 100 pilgrims completed the route in a wheelchair, showing the diversity of profiles that walk this route.

Gender distribution

In 2025, the pilgrim profile consisted of 53% women and 47% men, confirming a balanced participation and a growing female presence in Jacobean pilgrimage.

Planning the French Way

How many days are needed

Between 30 and 35 days from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

Best time to walk it

Spring and autumn are the most recommended seasons. Summer has good weather, but high overcrowding.

Difficulty level

Medium–high difficulty due to accumulated distance, although technically accessible.

Infrastructure

• Extensive network of public and private hostels
• Historic and modern waymarking
• Medical services
• Restaurants and cafés
• Transport services

Pilgrim preparation

• Prior physical training
• Proper trekking footwear
• Light backpack
• Technical clothing
• Weather protection
• Pilgrim credential

The French Way is not technically complex, but it does require good physical preparation due to its length and continuity.

Who is the French Way ideal for?

• Pilgrims seeking the complete Camino de Santiago experience
• People with available time
• Lovers of history and culture
• Spiritual pilgrims
• Long-distance travelers
• People who want to live the classical Jacobean tradition

Advantages of the French Way

• Main historic route
• Largest service infrastructure
• Living pilgrim tradition
• Landscape diversity
• Cultural and monumental heritage
• Large pilgrim community
• Safety and signage

The French Way within the Camino de Santiago

The French Way is the central axis of the Jacobean system. All other routes converge directly or indirectly into it, making it the backbone of the Camino de Santiago. It represents the most traditional, historic, and complete way of experiencing the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

The French Way in images