Complete Guide to the French Way 2026

The French Way covers 772 km over 33 stages from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela. Most pilgrims take 30-35 days, with a basic budget of €25-35 per day; May, June, September and October offer the best balance for walking.

At a glance

• Full route: 772 km and 33 stages.
• Typical duration: 30-35 days; anywhere from 25 to 40 depending on your pace.
• Estimated budget: €800-1,200 for the full route.
• Best months: May, June, September and October.

What is the French Way, and why choose it?

The French Way is the most popular Camino de Santiago route. It starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, ends in Santiago de Compostela and attracts more than 200,000 pilgrims every year.

The full route is divided into 33 stages. Check the route, distance and stage plan for the French Way before deciding where to start and how many days to set aside.

It is a good choice if you want to tackle a long route with plenty of flexibility to adjust your plans. You can also walk just one section: there is no need to start in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port or complete all 772 km in a single trip.

Before booking anything, decide what kind of journey you want. The full Camino takes several weeks; a single section can fit into a shorter holiday. This first decision will shape your transport, budget, accommodation and packing list.

How long is the French Way, and how many stages does it have?

The official distance for this route is 772 km, divided into 33 stages. These figures cover the itinerary from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela.

The 33 stages are a suggested itinerary, not a rigid daily schedule. Add days if you need to rest or walk shorter distances; if you are experienced and prefer to cover more ground, you can rearrange them. Your plan should suit your fitness and the time you have available.

Use the Camino de Santiago map to see the route, its stages and nearby services. Checking it before you leave will help you understand the full itinerary, while consulting it on the Way makes it easier to plan the following day.

Do not confuse the 772 km of the full route with the approximately 115 km from Sarria. The latter is the most popular final section and exceeds the minimum 100 km on foot required to apply for the Compostela.

How long does it take to walk the French Way?

Most pilgrims complete the French Way in 30-35 days, walking around 22-25 km per day. This timeframe allows you to follow a steady schedule without turning every day into a race.

Fast walkers can finish in 25 days. If you prefer shorter stages, rest days or a gentler pace, allow up to 40 days. It is not a question of walking the Camino better or worse, but of adapting the route to your body and your dates.

When planning your schedule, do not count only your walking days. Allow time to travel to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and return home from Santiago. If the schedule feels too tight, choose a shorter section and walk it at an enjoyable pace.

Good planning starts with the actual number of days you have. You can then divide them between walking stages, rest and travel. This will show you whether the full Camino is realistic or whether you should choose a different starting point.

What are the final stages to Santiago like?

The final stretch includes some of the most frequently researched stages on the French Way. From Triacastela, the route continues to Sarria, then passes through Portomarín, Palas de Rei, Arzúa and O Pedrouzo before reaching Santiago.

• Triacastela → Sarria: 17.80 km.
• Sarria → Portomarín: 22.20 km.
• Portomarín → Palas de Rei: 24.80 km.
• Palas de Rei → Arzúa: 28.50 km.
• Arzúa → O Pedrouzo: 19.30 km.
• O Pedrouzo → Santiago de Compostela: 19.40 km.

Palas de Rei to Arzúa is the longest stage on this list, at 28.50 km. Keep it in mind when planning your final days, especially if fatigue is building or you have chosen Sarria as your starting point.

The stage from Sarria to Portomarín is 22.20 km and marks the start of the final itinerary for many pilgrims. If you are only walking this section, the guide to the final 100 km from Sarria will help you focus your preparation on this stretch.

When is the best time to walk the French Way?

The best months are May and June, before summer, and September and October, after the busiest period. These windows offer the most favourable balance for this route.

July and August bring two drawbacks: heat and crowds. If these are the only months you can travel, plan each day carefully and avoid leaving important decisions until the last minute.

You can walk the Camino in winter, but many albergues close. This reduces your flexibility and makes it essential to check where you can stay before setting out on each stage.

The decision is not just about the weather. You should also consider how many days you have, how well you cope with heat and whether you prefer to meet more or fewer pilgrims. If your dates are flexible, prioritise May, June, September or October.

How much does it cost to walk the French Way?

A basic budget is around €25-35 per person per day. For the full Camino, allow €800 to €1,200, although the total will depend on the number of days and how you arrange your accommodation and meals.

• Public albergue: €6 to €10 per night.
• Food: €10 to €15 per day.
• Extras: set aside some money for expenses beyond accommodation and food.

To calculate your budget, multiply your expected daily spending by the number of walking days, then add your outward and return travel. If you will be walking for 30 to 35 days, build in some leeway instead of budgeting every euro down to the last cent.

Accommodation is one of the choices with the greatest impact on your spending. Staying in public albergues will keep you closer to the basic budget, while other options will raise the total. For a more detailed estimate, see the Camino budget breakdown.

Where can you stay on the French Way?

Public albergues are the cheapest option, with typical prices of €6-10 per night. Before each stage, check which options suit both your budget and the distance you want to walk.

This check is essential in winter because many places close. In July and August, when the route gets busier, it helps to know where you plan to finish the day so you are not forced to improvise when tired.

Browse the albergues on the French Way and consider the stage as a whole, not just the price. Your accommodation should fit your pace and leave you well placed to tackle the following day sensibly.

What should you pack for several weeks of walking?

The best backpack is one you can carry every day without unnecessary items affecting your walk. Before you leave, review everything and ask yourself whether you will genuinely use it on the journey.

The length of the Camino does not justify packing clothes for every day. Choose gear that can be worn and washed repeatedly, and reserve space for the essentials. The longer your journey, the more important it is to avoid packing things "just in case".

Prepare a definitive packing list, test everything before your trip and go for a walk with your fully loaded backpack. An ultralight list provides a useful final check, helping you remember what you need without adding needless weight.

How to plan your Camino step by step

1. Choose your route: decide between the full 772 km and a section that fits the days you have.
2. Set your schedule: use 30-35 days as a guide for the full route and add travel time.
3. Choose when to go: prioritise May, June, September or October if your dates are flexible.
4. Calculate your budget: start with €25-35 per day, then add transport and a contingency for extras.
5. Review the stages: identify the longest days and adapt your rest schedule to your pace.
6. Check accommodation: pay particular attention to winter and to July and August.
7. Lighten your backpack: take only what you will use and test the full kit before you leave.

If you are travelling alone but would like company at the start or on some stages, you can find other pilgrims on the Camino companion board. Agree on the starting point, dates and expected pace in advance.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the French Way?

The full French Way covers 772 km from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela. It is divided into 33 stages.

How many days do you need to walk the full route?

Most pilgrims take 30-35 days. You can complete it in 25 days at a fast pace or allow up to 40 if you prefer to walk more slowly.

What budget do you need for the full Camino?

Allow between €800 and €1,200 for the full route. As a daily guide, a basic budget is between €25 and €35.

Which months are best for walking?

The best choices are May, June, September or October. July and August are hot and crowded, while many albergues are closed in winter.

Can you start in Sarria?

Yes. From Sarria, approximately 115 km remain, a stretch that exceeds the minimum 100 km on foot required to apply for the Compostela.

What do you need to earn the Compostela?

If you are walking, you must complete at least the final 100 km to Santiago. Check the requirements and proof you will need in the guide to what the Compostela is and how to obtain it.

Start by setting your dates and deciding whether to walk the full route or the section from Sarria. Once you have made that choice, you can finalise your stages, set the right budget and pack a backpack that suits your Camino.