Cycling the French Way | Last 200 km

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Cycling the French Way or Camino Francés: the last 100 km

Are you thinking about cycling the French Way? Would you like to request your Pilgrim Certificate (Compostela)? If you plan to travel by bike and get your Certificate, you will need to cycle at least the last 200 km of any of the official Camino de Santiago routes (and 100 km if you plan to walk).

The Camino Francés is the most popular route of the Camino de Santiago, even for “bicigrinos”. But, what is a “bicigrino”? It is the combination on the Spanish words bici (bike) + peregrino (pilgrim). It refers to those pilgrims who choose to cycle the Camino, rather than walking.

And, where should I start if I want to cycle the last 200 km of the French Way? Our suggestion is Ponferrada. This medieval town is a symbol of the Camino de Santiago, and almost 8000 pilgrims have chosen it as their starting point in 2017.

On your way towards the sacred city of Santiago de Compostela, you will discover some of the most popular spots: O Cebreiro, Sarria, Portomarín, Palas de Rei… You will be sharing the path with walkers and riders. At some points, you may see alternative routes for cyclers.

Are you ready to cycle an average of 50 km per day over the French Way? Do you have a basic knowledge of bike maintenance? How to change a punctured wheel? Basic repairs? If the answer is yes, we will assist you in making an unforgettable experience on the Camino de Santiago.

Your bike will be delivered at your accommodation in Ponferrada the day your arrive. We will include a helmet, a basic repair kit, and saddlebags.

Check in Ponferrada

Arrival in Ponferrada, beginning of the last 200 km of the French Way. A lot of “bicigrinos” start here.

Ponferrada - O Cebreiro (52 km)

The first cycling day of the last 200 km of the French Way is also one of the most challenging section. Be ready for the strenuous incline towards O Cebreiro. We can split this cycling day in two, so you can stay in Villafranca del Bierzo and continue the next day.

O Cebreiro - Sarria (40 km)

After leaving behind O Cebreiro, the path will take you through the mountains of Galicia region. You will be able to enjoy amazing landscapes. One of the highlights of the day: the Monasterio de Samos, one of the jewels of the French Way. Sarria is the starting point of most of the pilgrims who choose to walk the Camino de Santiago. This town marks the beginning of the last 100 km of the French Way.

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.

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 de Compostela (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...

Cycling the French Way is recommended to those who are willing to get their Compostela by bike, along a really social route. Remember! Previous cycling experience is required.

Cómo llegar

Desde Santiago de Compostela Airport

Car or cab: 207km with an estimated duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Train: Take the bus (LINE 6A) from Santiago de Compostela airport to the station stop. Frequency every 15′, and an approximate duration of 20′. Another option is to take a cab to the station, with an estimated duration of 15′. At the station take a train (RENFE) to Ourense, a 40′ journey. In Ourense transfer to the train to Ponferrada, a 2h and 40 minutes journey. For schedules and more information visit: https://tussa.org/ and www.renfe.com
Bus: Once in Santiago station take a bus (ALSA) to Ponferrada, a 4h and 30 minutes journey. For schedules and more information visit: https://tussa.org/ and www.alsa.es

Desde Madrid Airport

Car or cab: 400km with an estimated duration of 3 hours and 50 minutes.
Bus: From T4 take the bus to South station (15′ trip). There take the bus (ALSA) to Ponferrada, 5h trip. For schedules and more information visit: www.alsa.es
Train: From T4 take the suburban train (LÍNEA C1) towards Chamartín – Clara Campoamor (17′ trip). Once there, take a train (RENFE) to Ponferrada, a 4-hour journey. For schedules and more information visit: www.renfe.com

Desde Asturias Airport

Car or cab: 225km with an estimated duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Bus: At the airport take the bus (ALSA) to Oviedo, 45 minutes. At the station transfer to the bus to Ponferrada, journey time 3h and 15 minutes. For schedules and more information visit: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