French Route

Introduction
Galicia Spain
The French Way/Camino Frances is the most traditional of all the pilgrims’ ways to Santiago and the best known internationally. The route, which was established in the late 11th century, crosses the North of the Iberian Peninsula, through the Basque Country, Navarra, La Rioja, Castilla y Leon and Galicia regions of Spain. Starting in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, at the foothills of the French Pyrenees, the French Way runs through Northern Spain, from East to West, all the way to Santiago de Compostela, in the Northwestern corner of the country.

The French Way enters Galicia from El Bierzo ascending to the mountain pass of O Cebreiro (1,300 m), in the province of Lugo. From here, there are 152 kilometers left on the Camino to reach Santiago de Compostela.

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so nights are spent in different locations.

Description
Accommodations will be in small hotels, guesthouses and rural inns along the way - most will have private bathroom facilities.
Free Wi-Fi internet and laundry facilities are available in almost all accommodations on the trail.

French Route Accommodations Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 : Hotel in Burgos 
Night 2 : Hotel in Hornillos 
Night 3 : Hotel in Puente Fitero
Night 4 : Hotel in Carrión de los condes 
Night 5 : Hotel in Moratinos
Night 6 : Hotel in Burgo Rainero 
Night 7: Hotel in La Virgen del Camino (horses stay in Leon)
Nights 8 & 9: Hotel in Rabanal del Camino
Night 10: Hotel in Ponferrada
Night 11: Hotel in VillaFranca Del Bierzo
Night 12: Hotel in O Cebreiro
Night 13: Hotel in Samos
Night 14: Hotel in Portomarín
Night 15: Hotel in Palas de rey 
Night 16: Hotel in Arzúa
Nights 17 & 18: Hotel in Santiago de Compostella


Hotel in Burgos
This modern hotel offers well-equipped bedrooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi access, a TV and private facilities. Laundry facilities are available at this property for a small fee.

Guesthouse in Hornillos
This lovely guesthouse provides simple accommodations with ensuite bathroom and a TV. Free WiFi is available in public areas. There is an outdoor terrace and a small garden where guests can relax.

Guesthouse in Puente Fitero
This guesthouse offers simply furnished bedrooms fitted with internet access, a TV and private facilities. Guests are welcome to relax in the shared lounge or outdoor terrace.

Hotel in Carrión de los Condes
This small hotel has a lovely façade and offers excellent accommodation in the heart of Carrion de los Condes. Each room is simply decorated and features private bathroom, a TV and free Wifi internet. The hotel also has a shared lounge and laundry facilities (extra charge).

Hotel in Moratinos
This small rural hotel offers simply furnished bedrooms with free heating and air conditioning, Wi-Fi access and a TV. Some rooms have a private bathrooms and other rooms share a bathroom. Each room has a window with views of the surroundings. There is a TV lounge as well as a garden with seating area and a hot tub. Laundry facilities are available at this property for an extra charge.

Guesthouse in Burgo Ranero
This charming rural accommodation offers 17 comfortable bedrooms, all fitted with a TV, heating, private bathroom and free WiFi. It is possible to do your laundry here for a small fee.

Hotel in La Virgen del Camino
This hotel offers basic accommodation with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms and a TV. Laundry services are available for an extra fee.

Hotel (option 1) in Rabanal del Camino
This small country hotel provides visitors with 16 simply furnished bedrooms. Each room has its own bathroom. Shared areas include a TV lounge and a small patio. There are laundry facilities available for an extra fee.

Guesthouse (option 2) in Rabanal del Camino
This charming country house has 6 simply furnished bedrooms. Each room features satellite TV, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. There is also a shared lounge and a small terrace.

Hotel in Ponferrada
This hotel is located in the heart of Ponferrada. It provides comfortable rooms with air conditioning, private bathroom, a safe and free Wi-Fi access.

Hotel in VillaFranca Del Bierzo
This charming hotel is located on the main square of the city and provides comfortable bedrooms. Each room is fitted with free WiFi, satellite TV, air conditioning/heating, a safe and private bathroom. In addition, there is a shared TV room and laundry services are available (for a fee).

Hotel in O Cebreiro
This hotel is housed in an old jail that was rehabilitated in 2002. Each of the 5 bedroom is tastefully decorated and includes private facilities. There is free Wi-Fi access at this property.

Hotel in Samos
This small hotel is surrounded by nature. The rooms are simple and comfortable and all feature a full bathroom, a TV and an internet connection. There is also a small patio.

Guesthouse (option 1) in Portomarín
This rural accommodation aims at being as environmentally friendly as possible. It uses renewable energy and has a small garden with fruits and vegetables for the restaurant. The rooms all come equipped with AC, free Wi-Fi access, a TV and full private bathrooms.

Hotel (option 2) in Portomarín
This is Portomarin’s oldest hotel, which was constructed in 1962 and fully refurbished in 1992. The interior decoration features many antiques. It has 32 bedrooms all fitted with a TV, free Wi-Fi access and private bathroom. There is a small garden with an outdoor swimming pool and laundry services are available for a small fee.

Guesthouse in Palas de Rey
This charming country house offers comfortable bedrooms featuring a rustic décor and modern facilities (TV and free Wi-Fi). Some rooms have shared bathroom while others have ensuite facilities. The property has a lovely garden with many trees and a patio as well as a cozy lounge.
Laundry services are available for an additional charge.

Guesthouse in Arzúa 
This charming guesthouse dates back to the 19yh century and was restored in order to provide guest with comfortable accommodations. The exposed stones give a charming rustic atmosphere to the bedrooms. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a TV and a private bathroom. Guests can relax in the small garden with a seating area and a Jacuzzi.
Free Wi-Fi access is available in public areas and laundry services are possible for an additional fee.


We use one of the following hotels in Santiago de Compostella:
- Option 1: This beautiful hotel is ideally located on a hillside, offering great views over the city. It has a big garden with an outdoor swimming pool and even a small chapel. The rooms are elegantly decorated and all feature air conditioning/heating, a safe, a TV, free Wi-Fi access and an ensuite bathroom.
- Option 2: This modern hotel is offering comfortable and well-designed accommodations, all with air-conditioning, private facilities, a safe box, cable TV, and free WiFi. In addition, the hotel has a small garden with an outdoor swimming pool and a small gym.

Room Occupancy
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, the single supplement fee applies.



Meals
All meals are included with this trip and you will have the opportunity to try traditional Galician dishes in local restaurants.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Horses
We mostly use pure Spanish horses as well as Arabian crosses. All horses have been trained to be quiet and easy-going.

Pace
We typically cover 25-35km in a day (approximately 6-7 hours in the saddle). The hours are broken up by one break in the morning and another for lunch, however we can stop again if necessary. The ride is set at a slow pace, giving you the opportunity to experience the pilgrimage as it first took place in the Middle Ages. There are some opportunities for trotting and cantering.

Itinerary

During the rides, breakfast is usually served around 8 am so that you can start riding at about 9 am. Along the way, you stop for a small break at 11 am. You then stop for lunch and siesta at about 2pm and start riding again around 4 pm, arriving at the accommodation for 6-6:30 pm.
Dinner is generaly served at 8:30 pm.

Sample Itinerary: French Route - subject to changes

--This is only a guideline. the actual itinerary may vary depending on the time of year--

Day 1: Arrival
Pick up from Santiago and transfer to Triacastela where you will enjoy a nice welcome dinner.

Day 2: O Cebreiro to Samos
The French Route enters Galicia from el Bierzo going up into the mountains of O Cebreiro at 1300 meters elevation - the Province of Lugo. On the summit of O Cebreiro, we find the historic village, that has adapted to the harsh climate conditions of being high in the mountains. This village represents a notable ethnographic space, very much characteristic of the northeast Iberian Peninsula.
Here our riding tour starts. We ride out from O Cebreiro, continuing along the mountainside near the sierras of Os Ancares and O Courel. After reaching the O Poio (1337 m) at the maximum elevation of the French Route, we ride in the direction of Fonfria. From here, we can enjoy a beautiful green panorama until we reach Triacastela. In the afternoon, we arrive to Samos, where we spend the night.

Day 3: Samos to Portomarín
We make our way to Sarria and take the time to admire the pretty landscapes, crossing over Sarria´s river, or San Cristovo and San Martiño, and also one of the oldest Occident monastery.
Sarria, is the most populated locality of the French Route with about 7,000 inhabitants. Then, from Sarria, the route crosses the beautiful stone bridge of Aspera. Through woods, meadows and agricultural lands we arrive in Paradela. To enter in Portomarin, it is necessary to cross over the 1960's bridge to pass by the Belesar´s Dam. There we can explore the ruins of old Portomarin.

Day 4: Portomarín to Palas de rey 
Through Gonzar´s village, the route continues in the direction of Castromaior and Ventas de Naron Lameiros. On today's route, we will find examples of old traditions everywhere. Just before reaching Palas de Rey, we will cross Ulloa, famous for its delicious cheese and other traditional products.

Day 5: Palas de rey to Arzúa
We ride on to Pambre´s Castle, one of the rare feudal castles of Galicia to be saved from the fury of the “Irmandiños" battles. We eventually enter the A Coruña´s province, via Leboeira and Furelos, crossing an immense medieval bridge. In Melide, which is considered the geographic center of Galicia, we will taste the best Galician octopus you can find! Soon the French Route becomes urban and we will meet the villages Boente and Castañeda, before reaching Arzua.
In Arzua, the French Route meets the pilgrims coming from the North.

Day 6: Arzúa to Santiago de Compostella
From Arzua, we cross through eucalyptus, oaks and beautiful meadows. We circle the little villages of Calzada, Salceda and A Rua. The pilgrim route reaches Lavacolla, near Monte do Gozo a little hill, offering for the very first time, the vision of the Santiago´s cathedral towers far away.

Day 7: Santiago de Compostella
Today, we will visit of course the city and its cathedral before we will accompany you to the airport or corresponding train station (departure around noon).

If you are looking for a longer ride - there are other options available.

Other options to ride the St James Way include:
Northern Route
Portuguese Route
Sea Route
Finisterre Route


-- click here for larger map

Rates and Dates for French Route

Dates Note: * Please inquire about other tour dates

Other Info
Meeting: Santiago de Compostela
Airport: Santiago de Compostela
Transfer: Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) or Railway station.

Climate:
                                    Santiago de Compostela area