Doing the Camino de Santiago from France: What options exist?

The importance of the French routes in the context of the Camino

Since time immemorial, the Camino de Santiago has called travelers, adventurers and pilgrims to live an experience that goes beyond from the physical, transforming into a spiritual journey and self-discovery. The routes that start from France are not just a set of paths that cross the border, they are the soul and the beginning of many stories of the Camino. These routes have been, for centuries, the most traveled and recognized, woven with all kinds of stories: of faith, hope and of course cultural encounter, turning them into fundamental pieces in the vast mosaic that makes up the pilgrimage to Compostela.  

French routes: A general look

When we talk about the Camino de Santiago and France, we are not referring to a single route, but to a tangle of ancestral paths that have been intertwined over time, taking countless pilgrims from the heart of Europe to the iconic cathedral in Galicia. These roads, which wind between picturesque towns, majestic mountains and green valleys, have witnessed countless stories of improvement, faith and brotherhood.

The French Way

Considered by many as the epicenter of the roads to Santiago, the French Way has been, for centuries, the favorite route for those seeking to live the pilgrimage experience at its finest. Its fame and history are intertwined to offer a unique experience that has been sculpted over time.

• Start in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: This picturesque village, nestled in the heart of the French Pyrenees, is more than just a starting point; It is a door to an adventure that will mark your life. to those who undertake it. Here, the cobblestone streets and ancient buildings invite pilgrims to reflect on the path that awaits them, preparing themselves both physically and spiritually.
• Main stops and monuments: Each stage of the French Way is an invitation to discover the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Cities like Pamplona, famous for its San Fermín festivals; Burgos, with its imposing Gothic cathedral; and León, with its millennial history, are just some of the jewels that await the pilgrim. In addition, small towns and monasteries, such as Santo Domingo de la Calzada or the monastery of San Juan de Ortega, offer moments of tranquility and reflection.
• Tips and particularities of this route: Although the French Way is well signposted and traveled, it is vital to prepare properly. It is advisable to research the stages in advance, book hostels in high season and bring good equipment to deal with climatic variations. Furthermore, respect for other pilgrims and locals is essential, as it is part of the spirit of the Camino.

Via Podiensis or Le Puy Road

The Via Podiensis or Camino de Le Puy, less known than the French Way but equally full of history and meaning, invites pilgrims on a journey that begins in the picturesque village of Le Puy-en-Velay. This route, with its more introspective and less traveled character, offers an authentic experience full of nuances.

• Start in Le Puy-en-Velay: This charming enclave, located in the Auvergne region, is famous not only for being the start of the Via Podiensis, but also for being the start of the Via Podiensis. n for its cathedral, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city, with its narrow streets and medieval air, provides the perfect environment to begin a pilgrimage full of history and spirituality.
• Main stops and monuments: As the route progresses west, pilgrims pass through changing landscapes and towns with centuries of history. Connaux, with its Romanesque church and Moissac, known for its Saint-Pierre Abbey, are obligatory stops. These towns, along with others such as Figeac or Cahors, offer artistic and architectural testimonies of the passage of time and the devotion of the pilgrims.
• Tips and particularities of this route: Since the Via Podiensis is less traveled than other routes, pilgrims may find fewer services on some sections. It is vital to plan your stages carefully, ensuring you have sufficient provisions and suitable accommodation. The path, being quieter, offers an unparalleled opportunity for reflection and contact with nature, so it is advisable to take the time to enjoy every moment.

Camino de Baztán

The Camino de Baztán, less traveled than the most popular routes but full of mysticism and natural beauty, offers a unique experience to the pilgrim who seeks to delve into the essence of the Country. s Basque. Through green valleys and imposing mountains, this route is a living testimony of the rich Basque tradition and culture.

• Start in Bayonne: This coastal city, bathed by the Atlantic, is the starting point of this lesser-known path. Bayonne, with its rich history marked by the confluence of cultures, is the perfect preamble to a trip that will delve into the world. at the heart of Basque tradition. Its cobbled streets, its Gothic cathedral and its maritime environment lay the foundations for a journey that promises to be unforgettable.
• Main stops and monuments: As the Camino de Baztán heads inland, the landscape changes to reveal the true essence of the Basque Country. Towns like Urdax, with its historical caves, or Elizondo, the heart of the Baztán valley, offer a mix of nature and culture. These stops, along with others such as Amaiur or Oronoz-Mugaire, give pilgrims the opportunity to immerse themselves in traditions, gastronomy and the Basque language.
• Tips and particularities of this route: The Camino de Baztán, being less crowded, offers the pilgrim the possibility of a more solitary and meditative trip. It is essential to be prepared for stretches of road with less infrastructure and services. Additionally, given the region's variable climate, it is essential to bring appropriate equipment for rain and temperature changes. Although it is a less traditional route, those who choose it will be rewarded with the authenticity and beauty it offers.

Camino de Tours or Via Turonensis

Often overshadowed by more popular routes, the Via Turonensis is a hidden treasure that winds through the rich cultural and architectural tapestry of northern France. Also known as the Camino de Tours, this route offers a unique pilgrim experience, marked by historic cities, changing landscapes and the unmistakable flavor of the French legacy.

• Start in Tours: The city of Tours, bathed by the Loire River and home to impressive monuments such as the Saint-Gatien Cathedral, marks the beginning of this pilgrimage. Its rich history, palpable in every corner, is a preview of what the Camino de Tours has in store for those who dare to discover it.
• Main stops and monuments: As you advance along the Via Turonensis, you discoverjewels of French heritage. Poitiers, with its impressive Roman church ;nica of Notre-Dame la Grande, and Saintes, famous for its Gallo-Roman amphitheater, are just some of the milestones on this path. Other towns such as Pons, with its medieval tower, or Aulnay, home of one of the Roman churches>

  The heritage of French routes

  At the end of this tour of the French routes of the Camino de Santiago, the deep legacy and significant influence that France has had on the pilgrimage to Compostela becomes evident. These routes are not only physical paths that lead to a destination, but also spiritual and cultural paths that have shaped the identity of pilgrimage for centuries.

  The French routes represent more than a mere geographical connection; They are testimony to the interconnection of stories, cultures and devotions that have converged over time. From historic metropolises such as Tours and Le Puy-en-Velay to picturesque villages and valleys, these routes are a reflection of the diversity and richness of French heritage and its intertwining with Jacobean tradition.

  Likewise, when considering the variety of experiences they offer, from the introspective Vía Podiensis to the emblematic Camino Frances, the flexibility and adaptability of the Camino de Santiago to accommodate and welcome pilgrims of all backgrounds stands out. moods and desires. These routes have facilitated the encounter between people of different origins and beliefs, promoting a spirit of community and mutual understanding.