The French Way (Camino Francés) is the most famous and popular pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Starting from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France, it crosses the Pyrenees and travels 772 km across northern Spain to the Cathedral of Santiago.
Between 80% and 85% of pilgrims who receive the Compostela choose this route. Over 33 stages it passes through historic cities like Pamplona, Burgos and León, as well as medieval villages with centuries of pilgrim hospitality.
The French Way follows the ancient route described in the Codex Calixtinus (12th century), history's first travel guide. It crosses diverse landscapes: the green Navarrese valleys, the cereal plains of the Castilian Meseta, the hills of El Bierzo and the stone villages of Galicia.
It is the route with the best infrastructure for pilgrims, with hundreds of hostels, fountains, yellow arrow waymarks and support services. Ideal for first-time walkers and experienced pilgrims alike.