Camino Francés
Description
- Name Camino Francés
- Length of trail 800 km, 497 miles
- Length in days 32 days
- Start of trail Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port / Roncesvalles
- End of trail Santiago de Compostela
- Traildino grading EW, Easy walk, nature trail
Camino Francés (GR65), Roncesvalles / Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Puente la Reina - Santiago de Compostela, 800 km, 32 days
This is the classical and most popular Way of St. James, running from the Pyrenees through the plains of northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. It all began here. Nowadays, there are hundreds of waymarked Ways of St. James, some 30 in Spain alone. The classical Camino Francés is an easy path. If you like mixing with scores of other pilgrims, this is still your best bet. If you are more the type of a lonely hiker, there are better alternatives, like the coastal route.
The path has also an official GR number in Spain: GR65 Camino de Santiago. Note that there is also the GR65-5 in Catalunya (Camino de Tarragona) and the GR65-3 in the central Pyrenees (Camino Aragonés).
Visit Traildino's overview page for the Way of Saint James / Camino de Santiago.
Opinions
Rate
8.5 |
4 votes |
No 7. in Spain
- Hubert Sdun July 2016
- Rate 9
- Positive I liked the albergues and the people I met there. The cities placed on the French Way are also very beautiful and altogether it's a cool adventure.
- Negative Pretty high temperature in the summer.
- ZoradeRuig June 2016
- Rate 8
- Positive Nature and ambience
- Negative Crowdy
- Hiking Is Good April 2013
- Rate 8
- Positive Walking through Spanish diverse countryside which is slightly changing every day and just enough to find yourself every week in completely differente landscape
- Negative Albergues could be full especially in the summer months
- ZdendaB August 2015
- Rate 9
- Positive Scenery, pilgrims, food, sun, hot :-)
- Negative Sometimes, the sun was too hot (I was there in August)
Hike Reports
Links
Facts
- El Camino de Santiago - Caminos a Santiago - Camino Frances (Spanish)
The Spanish (federation of) Confraternity(ies) of Saint James has good intro pages for the different Caminos, often with spelled out itineraries, services, lodgings etc. It's in Spanish.
- Jakobsweg in Spanien (Camino Francés) (German)
Detailed day to day description with map and GPX.
- Camino Francés Overview
Introduction and links, by the American Pilgrims on the Camino
- Che Koala
Ever wondered how to get that 'celebrity' pilgrim feeling? - slow walk the el camino pushing a wheeled zimmerframe/walker...
- El Camino Francés | Guía del Camino de Santiago | EROSKI CONSUMER (Spanish)
Detailed description of this Way of Saint James: lodging, monuments, map, day to day itinerary etc.
- French Way - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Guía del Camino de Santiago :: Gronze.com (Spanish)
Gronze.com is a spanish website with maps and route descriptions and spicy adds.
- Overview: the Camino Francés
The confraternity of Saint James issued many guides. Some are available on-line. Their website gives additional information per route.
- The Camino Frances
The Camino Frances is an (almost) 800km route, leading from St Jean De Pied De Port in France to Santiago in Spain.
- The Walking Pilgrim - Camino Francés
Peter Robins' ultimate reference website "The Walking Pilgrim".
Reports
- Restless Adventurer - Backpacking the Camino de Santiago
An American in Europe. Big G walked from Toulouse to Santiago and made many friends. Here is his trail journal, his photo's, gear list.
- 10 Reasons Why El Camino Santiago Sucks | Spain Trails | Travels | Francis Tapon
Francis Tapon was not too happy walking to Santiago de Compostella. "El Camino Santiago (The Way of St. James) is the most overrated long distance trail in the world". He explains why.
- Drei Caminos und ein Vorspiel im Sand (Camino Francés, Finisterre, Portugués) (German)
- El Camino Santiago or the Way of St James | Spain Trails | Travels | Francis Tapon
Francis Tapon hiked the big scenic trails in the US. So, what does he think of the Way of St James?
- Pelgrim Frans | De 2e wandeling van Frans richting Santiago (Dutch)
The second time Frans walked to Santiago, starting in the Netherlands, following the Via Lemovicensis or the GR654.
- The CAMINO de SANTIAGO: Hiking the Way of St. James Across Spain
Brandon Wilson's how-to essay about hiking the Camino de Santiago, a popular pilgrim's route across northern Spain.
- Wir Pilgern auf dem Jakobusweg (German)
Short descriptions by Thekla Schrange and Aloys Schafer of their walks along the Camino over the years.
Guides and maps
Lodging
Organisations
Tour operators
- Hillwalk Tours - Camino Frances Hiking Tours
Hillwalk Tours offer self-guided hiking tours along the last 160kms of the Camino Frances - the most popular of all the ancient routes of the world-renowned Camino de Santiago.
GPS
Other
Books
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Camino de Santiago Maps
- Camino Frances: St. Jean - Santiago Read more
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Sarria to Santiago
- A Guide to Walking the last 100km of the Camino Frances Read more
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2013
United Kingdom
2013
- The Way of St James - Spain
- Pyrenees-Santiago-Finisterre Read more
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Drawn Down the Way
- A journey along the Camino Frances in sketches Read more
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2016
United Kingdom
2016
- St-Jacques-de-Compostelle / Roncevaux - Compostelle 2016
- St Jacques de Compostelle : de Roncevaux à CompostelleUne nouvelle série de cartes IGN pour découvrir les chemins mythiques, réalisée en partenariat avec les associations dédiées à ces chemins exceptionnels. Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
Stanfords
United Kingdom
2016
United Kingdom
2016
- Santiago de Compostela - Roncevaux / Roncesvalles to Santiago IGN 89022
- Camino Francés, the main route of the Way of St. James across northern Spain from Roncesvalles in the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela on a double-sided, waterproof and tear-resistant map from IGN France with cartography and tourist information identical to coverage of this route by Kompass map No. 133.The IGN map differs from Kompass map No.... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2016
Netherlands
2016
- Wandelkaart - Pelgrimsroute (kaart) St-Jacques-de-Compostela, Camino Frances | IGN - Institut Géographique National
- St Jacques de Compostelle : de Roncevaux à CompostelleUne nouvelle série de cartes IGN pour découvrir les chemins mythiques, réalisée en partenariat avec les associations dédiées à ces chemins exceptionnels. Read more
Bol.com
Netherlands
Netherlands
- Erfahrung Jakobsweg
- Faszination Jakobsweg Was reizt Menschen daran, den Jakobsweg zu gehen, v llig unabh ngig von Alter, Nation, Kultur, Religion oder politischen Ansichten? Begleiten Sie den Autor bei seinem" Jakobsweg von St. Jean Pied de Port nach Santiago de Compostela und weiter nach Cabo Fisterra. Von Etappe zu Etappe wechseln Landschaft, Wegf hrung und... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Bol.com
Belgium
Belgium
- Erfahrung Jakobsweg
- Faszination Jakobsweg Was reizt Menschen daran, den Jakobsweg zu gehen, v llig unabh ngig von Alter, Nation, Kultur, Religion oder politischen Ansichten? Begleiten Sie den Autor bei seinem" Jakobsweg von St. Jean Pied de Port nach Santiago de Compostela und weiter nach Cabo Fisterra. Von Etappe zu Etappe wechseln Landschaft, Wegf hrung und... Read more
Bol.com
Netherlands
Netherlands
- Walking the Camino de Santiago
- A simple but comprehensive guidebook for those wishing to walk the Camino de Santiago. This book covers the Camino Frances, the most popular route through Spain, from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago. * Information on 32 stages * Camino maps & contour guides * Details of pilgrim hostels * Up to date information on alternative accommodation *... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Bol.com
Belgium
Belgium
- Walking the Camino de Santiago
- A simple but comprehensive guidebook for those wishing to walk the Camino de Santiago. This book covers the Camino Frances, the most popular route through Spain, from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago. * Information on 32 stages * Camino maps & contour guides * Details of pilgrim hostels * Up to date information on alternative accommodation *... Read more
Bol.com
Netherlands
Netherlands
- Von Kap Zu Kap
- Im Sommer 2011 pilgerte Peter (Pit) Gerlach aus Dautphetal-Hommertshausen auf dem Jakobsweg. Doch er wanderte nicht nur ein Teilstück des durch Hape Kerkeling so bekannten Pilgerweges. Er startete von seiner Haustür in Hommertshausen am Kap, oder besser gesagt von der bekannten Elisabethenkirche in Marburg/Lahn, um durch Deutschland, Luxemburg,... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Bol.com
Belgium
Belgium
- Von Kap Zu Kap
- Im Sommer 2011 pilgerte Peter (Pit) Gerlach aus Dautphetal-Hommertshausen auf dem Jakobsweg. Doch er wanderte nicht nur ein Teilstück des durch Hape Kerkeling so bekannten Pilgerweges. Er startete von seiner Haustür in Hommertshausen am Kap, oder besser gesagt von der bekannten Elisabethenkirche in Marburg/Lahn, um durch Deutschland, Luxemburg,... Read more
Bol.com
Netherlands
Netherlands
- Ohne Schmerz - Kein Halleluja
- Der Jakobsweg fur Einsteiger. Von Leon bis Santiago de Compostela. Ideal fur jeden, der vor dem "grossen Camino Frances" noch zuruckschreckt oder einfach zu wenig Zeit dafur hat. Mit Antworten auf Fragen, die Sie bisher noch gar nicht hatten. Alle wichtigen Infos zu Vorbereitung, Ausrustung, Pilgern aller Nationen und zur Kunst des... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Bol.com
Belgium
Belgium
- Ohne Schmerz - Kein Halleluja
- Der Jakobsweg fur Einsteiger. Von Leon bis Santiago de Compostela. Ideal fur jeden, der vor dem "grossen Camino Frances" noch zuruckschreckt oder einfach zu wenig Zeit dafur hat. Mit Antworten auf Fragen, die Sie bisher noch gar nicht hatten. Alle wichtigen Infos zu Vorbereitung, Ausrustung, Pilgern aller Nationen und zur Kunst des... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2019
Netherlands
2019
- Wandelgids Camino de Santiago, Camino Frances | Village to Village Press
- Camino Frances: St. Jean - Santiago - Finisterre Read more
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2018
United Kingdom
2018
- The Way of St James - Le Puy to the Pyrenees
- Guidebook to the Way of St James pilgrim route, describing the 730km French section of the Camino de Santiago route from Le Puy-en-Valey in central France to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the Pyrenees, including pilgrimage history, points of interest, links to other routes and accommodation. Suitable for all abilities but basic fitness is required. Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
- Bol.com, Netherlands
- Bol.com, Belgium
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2018
United Kingdom
2018
- The Way of St James - Le Puy to the Pyrenees
- GR65: The Chemin de Saint Jacques Read more
Bol.com
Netherlands
2018
Netherlands
2018
- The Way of St James - Le Puy to the Pyrenees
- This comprehensive guidebook describes the Way of St James (Camino de Santiago) pilgrim route through France. Also known as the Chemin de St Jacques or GR65, the 730km (454 mile) route runs from Le Puy-en-Velay in central France to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the Pyrenees. People have been walking it as a pilgrimage route for over 1000 years,... Read more
Bol.com
Belgium
2018
Belgium
2018
- The Way of St James - Le Puy to the Pyrenees
- This comprehensive guidebook describes the Way of St James (Camino de Santiago) pilgrim route through France. Also known as the Chemin de St Jacques or GR65, the 730km (454 mile) route runs from Le Puy-en-Velay in central France to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the Pyrenees. People have been walking it as a pilgrimage route for over 1000 years,... Read more
Bol.com
Netherlands
2011
Netherlands
2011
- Der Camino Primitivo von Oviedo nach Santiago de Compostela
- Pilgern auf dem Ur-Jakobsweg:Wer zwei Wochen Urlaub hat und nach einer authentischen Pilgerfahrt Santiago de Compostela erreichen will, der sollte den Camino Primitivo w hlen.Der erste aller Jakobwege (primitivo ist hier mit urspr nglich zu bersetzen) verdient seinen Namen vollkommen zu Recht: Schon 829, nur vier Jahre nach der Entdeckung des... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
Bol.com
Belgium
2011
Belgium
2011
- Der Camino Primitivo von Oviedo nach Santiago de Compostela
- Pilgern auf dem Ur-Jakobsweg:Wer zwei Wochen Urlaub hat und nach einer authentischen Pilgerfahrt Santiago de Compostela erreichen will, der sollte den Camino Primitivo w hlen.Der erste aller Jakobwege (primitivo ist hier mit urspr nglich zu bersetzen) verdient seinen Namen vollkommen zu Recht: Schon 829, nur vier Jahre nach der Entdeckung des... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2011
Netherlands
2011
- Wandelgids - Pelgrimsroute Camino Primitivo | Tyrolia
- Der älteste aller Jakobswege. 12 Tage durch Nord-Spanien - Asturien und Galicien Read more
Maps
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Santiago de Compostella CNIG Topo 94
- Topographic coverage of mainland Spain at 1:50,000 in the MTN50 (Mapa Topográfico Nacional) series from the Centro Nacional de Información Geografica, the country’s civilian survey organization. The maps have contours at 20m intervals, enhanced by relief shading, plus colouring and/or graphics to show different types of terrain, vegetation or... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver
Netherlands
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart - Topografische kaart 94 Santiago de Compostela | CNIG - Instituto Geográfico Nacional
- Topographic coverage of mainland Spain at 1:50,000 in the MTN50 (Mapa Topogr Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Camino de Santiago: Stages 1n/2n/3n/4n, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port/Puente la Reina 50K CNIG Map
- The Way of St James: Stages 1n/2n/3n/4n, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port/Puente la Reina, in a series of double-sided topographic maps at 1:50,000 from the Spanish civilian survey organization, overprinted with the route and sights, plus information of accommodation and other facilities, route profiles, etc.Each 1:50,000 map is double-sided and has... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver
Netherlands
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 1n-4n Camino Santiago de Compostella St-Jean - Puente Reina | CNIG - Instituto Geográfico Nacional
- The Way of St James: Stages 1n/2n/3n/4n, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port/Puente la Reina, in a series of double-sided topographic maps at 1:50,000 from the Spanish civilian survey organization, overprinted with the route and sights, plus information of accommodation and other facilities, route profiles, etc.Each 1:50,000 map is double-sided and has... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Way of St James / Camino de Santiago CNIG Overview Map
- Northern Spain on an overview map at 1:500,000 highlighting the course of the Camino Francés route of the Way of St James from the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela via Burgos and León. Published by Spain’s civilian survey organization as part of their set providing topographic coverage of the route at 1:50,000, the map is also available... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- The Way of St. James to Compostela: Spanish Section
- The main route of the Way of St James to Compostela across northern Spain presented at 1:100,000 on a durable, waterproof and tear-resistant map from Kompass, arranged as 26 separate strips, each with a route profile, plus additional street plans of central Logroño, Burgos, León and Santiago itself.The whole route is covered on 26 panels, each... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
- Kompass, Germany
De Zwerver
Netherlands
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart - Pelgrimsroute (kaart) 133 Spanischer Jakobsweg | Kompass
- The main route of the Way of St James to Compostela across northern Spain presented at 1:100,000 on a durable, waterproof and tear-resistant map from Kompass, arranged as 26 separate strips, each with a route profile, plus additional street plans of central Logro Read more
Kompass
Germany
Germany
- KOMPASS Wanderkarte Spanischer Jakobsweg
- - Der Spanische Jakobsweg ist die Pilgerroute Europas – sozusagen der Ferrari unter den Fernwanderwegen des Kontinents. - Jedes Jahr wandern tausende Menschen auf der 800 km langen Strecke von den Pyrenäen durch Nordspanien nach Santiago de Compostela – manche auch noch weiter zum Atlantischen Ozean, an dem man einst „das Ende der Welt´´... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
2010
United Kingdom
2010
- Camino de Santiago 50K CNIG Topo 11-Map Box Set
- The whole of Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela in a set of 11 maps: 10 double-sided topographic maps at 1:50,000 plus an overview map of northern Spain, published by the Spanish civilian survey organization.Each 1:50,000 map is double-sided and has four 57 x 35cm panels with full topographic mapping of the area through which the route... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2010
Netherlands
2010
- Pelgrimsroute (kaart) - Wandelkaart Camino Frances, wandelen naar Santiago de Compostela | CNIG - Instituto Geográfico Nacional
- The whole of Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela in a set of 11 maps: 10 double-sided topographic maps at 1:50,000 plus an overview map of northern Spain, published by the Spanish civilian survey organization.Each 1:50,000 map is double-sided and has four 57 x 35cm panels with full topographic mapping of the area through which the route... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Caminos de Santiago / Ways of St. James on the Iberian Peninsula
- 42 different Caminos de Santiago / The Way of St. James routes across Spain and Portugal highlighted on a physical map of the Iberian Peninsula at 1:1,250,000 from IGN/CNIG, Spain civilian topographic survey organization, in a revised new edition prepared in September 2015.The base map with altitude colouring and relief shading provides an... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
Walking holidays
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Camino Stage 3 - Burgos to Leon Self Guided Walking Tour
- This section runs from Burgos to the wonderful city of Leon. Walk from the medieval city of Burgos to the beautiful city of Leon on the third stage of the Camino. Crop field dominate the landscape on the first part of this stage and there are not many trees in view. The river Pisuerga brings you in to Palencia and into the Tierra de Campos... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Stage 1 - St Jean-Pied-de-Port to Logrono Self Guided Walking Holiday
- Walk the first stage of the Camino de Santiago from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Logrono. Walk the first stage of the Camino de Santiago, from St Jean which straddles the French and Spanish border, to Logrono in the famous wine growing region of Rioja. Undoubtedly the toughest stage of the whole Camino de Santiago, but one filled with rewards.... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Full Camino - St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago Self-Guided Walking Tour
- Walk the full Camino Frances from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela. Walk the full Camino Frances (Way of St James) - a journey for the spirit and soul that millions of travellers complete year after year. Setting off from St Jean Pied de Port in the foothills of the Pyrenees, and finishing in Santiago de Compostela, you will enjoy... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Camino Stage 2 - Logrono to Burgos Self Guided Walking Holiday
- Stage 2 Camino - Logrono to Burgos 7 day and 6 night self guided walking holiday. Walk from Logrono, in the region of Rioja to the medieval city of Burgos on the second stage of the Camino. The first part of this stage is relatively easy and the landscape is dominated by vineyards, as you head towards Santa Domingo country roads dominate and... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Camino Portugués: Final Stage - Tui to Santiago Self Guided Walking Holiday
- The final 110km of the Camino Portugués from Tui to Santiago. Walk the last 100km of the Camino Portugués from Tui to Santiago de Compostela. This final section of the walk takes you from Tui through the friendly region of Galicia in Northern Spain. Following country roads and woodland paths, you pass through wooded valleys, follow gentle... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Camino Portugués: Stage 1 & 2: Lisbon to Coimbra Self Guided Walking Holiday
- Combine the first two sections of the Camino Portugués. Combining the first two sections of the Camino Portugués means that you are getting to visit many of Portugal’s most important, historic cities as well as walking through some of its most beautiful scenery through the ‘Garden of Portugal.’ The walking on these two sections is mainly flat,... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Camino Stage 1 & 2 - St Jean-Pied-de-Port to Burgos
- A 14 day & 13 night stage 1 & 2 St Jean-Pied-de-Port to Burgos self guided walking holiday. Walk the first two stages of the Camino from St Jean Pied de Port, which straddles the French and Spanish border, to the medieval city of Burgos. Crossing the Pyrenees your first day will undoubtably be the toughest day of the whole Camino. The steep... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Camino Last 100km - Sarria to Santiago - 8 Days
- Walk the last 100km of the Camino Frances to Santiago de Compostela over 6 walking days. Walk the classic final stage of the Camino de Santiago, covering the last 100km of the Camino de Santiago over six walking days. This breaks up the longest day (usually 28km) between Palas de Rei and Arzua. By adding an extra night you will have more... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Camino Stage 4 - Leon to O'Cebreiro Self Guided Walking Holiday
- Stage 4 of the Camino de Santiago takes you from the wonderful city of Leon to the quaint village of O'Cebriero. Walk from the beautiful city of Leon to O'Cebreiro on the Camino Frances. As you leave the plateau of Leon you will see the mountains up ahead as you head to Astorga. This part of the countryside is characterised by broom, heather,... Read more