The Camino de Santiago is a unique experience and there are many interesting places worth visiting on the French way. From Roncesvalles to Santiago de Compostela you will cross 7 provinces in the north of Spain. Here you will see seven suggestions of essential sites on the Camino Frances, one in each province you pass through, to stop and visit along the way.
But first: why is it called the French Way?
The route of the Camino de Santiago that is known as the “French Way” took that name because in the Middle Ages most of the pilgrims who traveled this route came from France. In addition, the kingdom of France had a great influence on the development and promotion of the Camino de Santiago in Europe, which helped to expand its popularity and the construction of infrastructure and hostels for pilgrims.
The French Way has its origin in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, in the Aquitaine region, and after crossing the Pyrenees, it reaches the city of Roncesvalles in Navarra, where it begins its journey through Spanish territory. Along the route, pilgrims pass through historic cities such as Pamplona, Burgos and León, ending up in Santiago de Compostela, where the tomb of the Apostle Santiago is located.
And what provinces will you cross on your way to Santiago?
Throughout its 780 km of distance, the French Way, from Roncesvalles in a westward direction, passes through the following provinces:
Navarre. The Rioja. Burgos. Palencia. Lion. Lugo. To Coruña.
In each of them you will find places of great beauty and charm from the tourist and historical point of view. Whether you explore it on your own or -preferably- you opt for one of the organizing companies of the Camino de SantiagoIt will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience.
Essential sites on the Camino Frances
Below you will see some places that are worth dedicating a few hours to discover and enjoy.
In Navarre
As you’ll be passing through Pamplona, a city famous for its running of the bulls during the San Fermin festivities in July, also keep in mind that you’ll find a wealth of history and culture to explore. The Pamplona Cathedral and the Museum of Navarra are essential to learn more about the region and its culture.
in la rioja
Logroño is the capital of the La Rioja wine region. It is a wonderful place to stop on the Camino. As well as trying some of the best wines in Spain, you can also visit the Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda and the Monastery of San Millán de la Cogolla.
in Burgos
Burgos Cathedral is one of the most impressive Gothic buildings in Spain and is definitely worth a visit. You can also explore the Monasterio de las Huelgas and the Arco de Santa María in this historic city.
in Palencia
A must visit site is the Cathedral of San Antolín in Palencia. It is a Gothic church that was built between the 13th and 14th centuries and stands out for its imposing tower. Also, since you are going to dedicate a day to it, you will surely be able to visit the Monastery of Santa Clara, which dates from the 13th century.
in Leon
With a cathedral of magnificent architecture and a well-preserved historic center, the capital city of León is another of the essential sites on the French Way. The Museum of Contemporary Art of Castilla y León and the Monastery of San Marcos are also places that will fascinate you.
A little further on, in Astorga, a place that you will love is the Episcopal Palace, created by the architect Antoni Gaudí a little over 100 years ago.
In Lugo
O Cebreiro: This small village in the Galician mountains is famous for its stone houses with thatched roofs and its 9th century church. It is a unique place to stop and enjoy the experiences of Galician rural culture.
In A Coruna
Of course, the final stop on the Camino de Santiago is the city of Santiago de Compostela. Apart from arriving at the cathedral and Plaza del Obradoiro, which is the mecca for this pilgrimage, you can visit the Monasteries of San Paio de Antealtares and San Martín Pinario.
And since you are probably going to stay for a couple of days or more, you can also enjoy the restaurants and tapas bars in the old town.
What is the best time to do the Camino?
Although you can do the Camino at any time of the year, there are some dates that are considered the best to do it, mainly due to the weather and the availability of accommodation.
During the high season for the Camino de Santiago, between June and mid-September, the weather is warm and pleasant, with daytime temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. Most of the hostels and services for pilgrims are open and you will surely find company in different parts of the way.
However, it is also the busiest time, with many pilgrims on the route and obviously with a greater demand for services in general. This can make it somewhat more difficult to find affordable accommodation. For this reason, it is also important to book accommodation in advance, especially in the busiest points along the way, such as Roncesvalles, Burgos, León and Santiago de Compostela. Otherwise, you may find that there are no beds available in hostels and you have to look for more expensive accommodation.
For those who prefer something quieter and more secluded, the low season (November to February) may be a good option. Although the weather is colder and wettersurely you will find accommodation without problems. On the other hand, the offer will be less, since some services may be closed or have reduced hours. It’s important to do your research well before you start the journey to make sure you’ll have access to what you need. And take the corresponding provisions to load warm clothes in the backpack.
Another option is to resort to spring to complete the French Way. Walking between March and May can be an excellent option. For those who want avoid the high season crowds and enjoy pleasant weather, is an alternative to consider. During the spring, temperatures are mild and pleasant, with an average of 15 to 20 degrees Celsius during the day. In addition, spring is a time when nature is in full splendor, with green fields and flowers in bloom, making the essential sites found on the Camino Frances even more beautiful. The large crowds of the high season and the perhaps excessive solitude of the low season are also avoided.
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