Cycling the Full French Way

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Cycling the French Way or Camino Francés: from Roncesvalles to Santiago

Cycling the French Way, the most popular route of the Camino de Santiago, is the perfect choice for those who love to travel by bike. If you choose to cycle the Camino de Santiago you will be able to complete the route in half the time; cycling is usually much faster than walking!

This option is becoming more and more popular; in fact, almost 22.000 pilgrims obtained their Camino Certificate by bike in 2017.

If you decide to cycle the Camino de Santiago, please note that you will need to complete at least the last 200 km of any of the Jacobean routes (and only 100 km if you prefer to walk). You can choose to start in Ponferrada and finish in Santiago, or complete the full French Way, from Roncesvalles to Santiago de Compostela. The first section, from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles, is not good for cycling. That is why our itinerary starts in Roncesvalles instead.

Another option chosen by many pilgrims who want to skip the section known as La Meseta, is walking from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Burgos; then cycling from Burgos to León (La Meseta) and continue walking from León to Santiago de Compostela.

All our cycling tours on the Camino de Santiago include bike rental, helmet and saddlebag. But if you want to bring your own bike, that is no problem at all.

This cycling tour is recommended to those pilgrims who have a previous experience with bikes. A minimum level of bike maintenance knowledge will be required, in case you have any issues on the way. Basic notions, such as changing a punctured tyre and essential reparations.

If you have always dreamed about cycling the French Way of the Camino de Santiago, we will make things easy for your. Just jump into your bike, and let the adventure begin!

Check in Roncesvalles

Arrival in Roncesvalles. Although the full French Way starts in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the first section is not great for cyclers. That is why the cycling itinerary starts in Roncesvalles.

Roncesvalles - Pamplona (42 km)

The itinerary passes through beech and oak woods, and it crosses medieval bridges like the one called Los Bandidos. On the way to Pamplona you will be able to visit Zubiri, a picturesque village. The stretch finishes in Pamplona, a very popular city because of the Saint Fermin festivals.

Pamplona to Estella (42 km)

On the way to Estella we will face a challenging slope towards Alto del Perdón (there used to be a Pilgrim Hospital on the top, and there are still some remains of the building). You will be able to enjoy very nice views from there. On the way down to Puente de la Reina, you will cross the popular bridge over the Arga River (that was built for pilgrims).

Estella - Logroño (46 km)

This cycling day is more relaxing compared to the previous ones. If you need to get back some energy, there is a fountain with wine on the way!

Logroño - Santo Domingo de la Calzada (47 km)

This cycling day is full of churches and monuments. We recommend you to take a picture, in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, with the pilgrim monument.

Santo Domingo de la Calzada - Burgos (68 km)

This is the longest cycling day of the tour. If you want, we can split it in two. If you still have some energy left, we strongly recommend you to visit the Cathedral, once in Burgos.

Burgos - Fromista (61 km)

This is a lighter cycling day, compared to the previous day. We recommend you to stop and visit the remains of the Convent of San Antón.

Fromista to Sahagún (58 km)

Today you will cycle through the Meseta of Castilla region. There are many walkers who choose to cycle this part of the Camino de Santiago (and walk the other stretches), because the terrain is great for pedaling.

Sahagún - León (53 km)

Today you will continue cycling through La Meseta, where you will see crops and vast fields. The best part of the day: the arrival in León. León used to be the capital city during the Middle Ages, and it is an iconic stop for pilgrims on the French Way. We recommend you to visit the Gothic Cathedral and the Romanesque Basilica of San Isidor. You will lover to wander around the historical quarter!

León - Astorga (52 km)

Before reaching Astorga, the Cross of Santo Toribio will be waiting for you. All pilgrims take a picture with this monument. Once in Astorga, you should visit the Cathedral and the Palacio Gaudí. That is why this stop is so popular among pilgrims!

Astorga - Ponferrada (51 km)

On this cycling day you will have to face the big ascent towards Cruz do Ferro. Once there, the tradition is taking one stone and throwing it to the cross and make a wish. After this big ascent, there a pleasant descent. One of the highlights of the day: Molinaseca.

Ponferrada - O Cebreiro (51 km)

We leave Ponferrada behind, and we set out on the way to Galicia region. O Cebreiro is one of the most popular stops of the whole French Way. From there, you will be able to contemplate the mountains of Lugo and León.

O Cebreiro - Sarria (42 km)

O Cebreiro – Sarria (42 km)

Sarria - Portomarín (23 km)

This is a shorter cycling day, and you will share the path with walking pilgrims. You will cycle along small woods, hamlets, and the rural side of Galicia region. Finally you will arrive in Portomarin, one of the most popular spots of the French Way. Once in Melide, we strongly recommend you to try the traditional dish: pulpo a feira (octopus).

Portomarín - Melide (38 km)

Most of the walking pilgrims will complete the section from Portomarín to Palas de Rei. But if you are cycling, you will continue to Melide. The path will take you to the Sierra de Ligonde, where you will have to face a couple of ups and downs. Once in Melide, we strongly recommend you to try the traditional dish: pulpo a feira (octopus).

Melide - Santiago (55 km)

As we leave Melide behind, we will start cycling along small woods and rural areas. Arzúa is the next big stop, and where most of the walking pilgrims will stay overnight. If you have time before heading off to Santiago de Compostela, we recommend you to try the local cheese. Some of the highlights of the day: the Chapel of Santa Irena, the hamlet of A Rua or Amenal. Once in Santiago the Compostela, you can deliver the bike in our facilities before checking in.

: Check out

Check out Santiago.

TE RECOMENDAMOS ESTA RUTA SI...

Recommended for pilgrims with high experience and knowledge on wheels. Cycling the French Way will allow you to double the number of kilometers each day, and complete the full route in about two weeks.

Cómo llegar

Desde Pamplona Airport

Car or cab: 47km with an estimated duration of 1h.
Bus: Take the urban bus from Pamplona Airport to the bus stop Yanguas y Miranda nº 19. Frequency every 20′. Another option is to take a cab to the station. From the station, take a bus (ALSA) to Garralda, a 1 hour and 20 minutes journey. From there, take a cab to Roncesvalles, a 13′ journey. For schedules and more information visit: www.infotuc.es/index.php/es/ and www.alsa.es

Desde Madrid Airport

Car or cab: 440km with an estimated duration of 4 hours and 45 minutes.
Train: From T4 take the suburban train (LÍNEA C1) towards Atocha, journey time 40 minutes. Once there, take a train (RENFE) towards Pamplona, journey time 3h. In Pamplona, go by car or cab (journey time 1h) For schedules and more information visit: www.renfe.com
Bus: From T4 take the bus to Soria or Zaragoza (ALSA), journey time between 52h and 3h 35 minutes. At the respective station take a bus to Pamplona, journey time 2h and 30 minutes. In Pamplona, go by car (journey time 1h) or transfer to a bus (ALSA) to Garralda, journey time 1h and 20 minutes. From there, take a cab to Roncesvalles, a journey of 13 minutes. For schedules and more information visit: www.alsa.es

Desde Barcelona Airport

Car or cab: 518km with an estimated duration of 5 hours.
Bus: From the TB take the bus (LÍNEA A2) to the stop Pl Espanya – Fgc, journey time 20′. There, go to Barcelona Sants to take a bus (MONBUS) to Pamplona, journey time 5h and 40 minutes. In Pamplona, go by car (1h trip) or transfer to a bus (ALSA) to Garralda, 1h and 20 minutes trip. From there, take a cab to Roncesvalles, a journey time of 13 minutes. For schedules and more information visit: www.amb.cat/s/es/home.html, www.monbus.es and www.alsa.es
Train: Take the train (LÍNEA R2N) towards Barcelona Sants (20′ trip). Once there transfer to the train (RENFE) direction Pamplona, journey time 3h and 50 minutes. In Pamplona go by car (1 hour trip) or transfer to a bus (ALSA) to Garralda, 1 hour and 20 minutes trip. From there, take a cab to Roncesvalles, a journey of 13 minutes. For schedules and more information visit: www.renfe.com and www.alsa.es

IMPORTANT

Please note that our itineraries are completely flexible. If you have a different idea in mind (want to add or remove nights, services, etc), you can just let us know.

TripAdvisor

mariaelena1964
25/02/23 - TripAdvisor
Un Camino Maravilloso Muy buena experiencia buenísimos alojamiento abundante comida un 10 mucha limpieza teléfono de emergencia operativo se preocupan por el peregrino cumplen con todo la información escrita sin duda los mejores repetiremos
rociofastias9
16/09/22 - TripAdvisor
Repetir es la mejor reseña No hay mejor opinión que repetir la experiencia. Mi primera experiencia con ellos fue en marzo y ahora en septiembre repetí y volveré a hacerlo. Atentos, cumplen todo, modifican lo que les pidas a capricho
Saminunez
04/09/22 - TripAdvisor
Muy recomendable Todo perfectamente organizado. Los alojamientos acordes y muy limpios. La comunicaciòn y gestiòn con Galiwonders estupenda. Recomiendo totalmente
miriamaE4821GN
26/08/22 - TripAdvisor
Muy buena La experiencia está siendo muy buena, en general los alojamientos están muy bien a excepción de alguno que cambiaríamos. Muy recomendable.
estrella19642
11/08/22 - TripAdvisor
Equipo profesional y eficaz Ha sido mi primer camino con mi pareja y no será el último; una experiencia irrepetible. La organización de Galiwonders ha sido perfecta. La elección de los alojamientos muy acertada y ha superado nuestras espectativas. Volveremos el año que viene a hacer otro camino con Galiwonders ¡¡seguro!!
Pablo_Arc
03/08/22 - TripAdvisor
Perfecta para tener un Buen Camino Muy buena experiencia, nos organizaron el camino francés desde Sarria tal y como les pedimos saliendo todo perfecto y según lo esperado.

Destacar que fuimos con un bebé y en todo alojamiento contamos con cuna tal y como habíamos pedido.

Sin duda, para repetir experiencia.
B3784JBnicolas
23/07/22 - TripAdvisor
Profesionales y flexibles Lo que se busca de una agencia de viajes: profesionalidad y flexibilidad. Muchas gracias por todo el trabajo.
miguelvL6639MT
14/06/22 - TripAdvisor
experiencia muy positiva Hice el camino frances desde sarria, todo muy bien organizado, a media pension,
tanto hoteles y pensiones bastante correctas.
algunos de ellos tenian restaurante, y desde luego es una ventaja, ya que al termino de la etapa del dia podias comer alli,
y sino te hacen un vale para comer muy cerca del alojamiento.
desde luego muy recomendable.
789claudion
11/06/22 - TripAdvisor
Espectacular Excelente 100% recomendable realizá la experiencia y solo preocúpate por caminar y disfrutar, el resto se ocupa Galiwonders