Stages of the Camino Francés [French Way]

Our guide to the Camino Frances is under development!

The next section ... Burgos to León will be published 'soon.'

León to San Martin del Camino

San Martín del Camino to Astorga

Astorga to Foncebadón

Foncebadón to Ponferrada

Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo

Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebreiro

O Cebreiro to Tríacastela

Tríacastela to Sarria

Sarria to Portomarìn

Portomarín to Palas de Rei

Palas de Rei to Arzúa

Arzúa to O Pedrouzo

O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela

Planning your Camino Francés Walk

The Camino Francés, or French Way, is the most popular of the Camino de Santiago routes. Walking the main Camino Frances stages allows you to experience some of the most iconic landmarks and towns along the Camino Frances, such as St. Jean Pied de Port, Roncesvalles, Burgos, León, Astorga, and, ultimately, Santiago de Compostela. 

Yes, it does get busy, particularly when nearing Santiago. Still, our experience is that with some planning and creativity, finding peace where needed and an all-important bed for the night is always possible.

The main stages of the Camino Francés typically offer a well-established route with plenty of infrastructure, such as accommodation, food options, and support services. This can make it easier for first-time pilgrims or those who prefer a more structured experience.

But it would be best to consider staying off stage at some intermediate point along the route, at least sometimes. In doing so, you will find some natural hidden treasures, support smaller albergues, and, in all likelihood, have a more intimate experience of what should always be your Camino.

Ultimately, you decide the distance you walk, where you stop and stay, and whether you book ahead. But we recommend being as flexible as possible. 

We have broken the route into stages partly based on experience and partly to allow us to write about some of the main places you will see.

Buen Camino!