The Way of St. James BikeTour
The French Way
Going from Saint Jean Pied de Port, in the Pyrenees, all the way to Santiago de Compostela, the French way is probably the most known route of the St. James Way. Its use goes back to the IXth century, when the route only extended from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela.
Thousands of pilgrims choose this amazing route each year, not only for its authenticity, but also for all the amazing places one finds him/herself in, while on the road.
Route description:
- On this long route all kind of terrains are to be expected. Route with long and difficult climbs.
- 12.000 meters with cumulated ascents
Itinerary:
Day 1 - Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port reception
Day 2 - Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port - Roncesvalles / 27 Km
Day 3 - Roncesvalles - Puente la Reina / 67 km
Day 4 - Puente la Reina - Logrono / 76 km
Day 5 - Logrono - Santo Domingo / 52 km
Day 6 - Santo Domingo - Burgos /72 km
Day 7 - Burgos - Carrión de los Condes / 85 km
Day 8 - Carrión de los Condes - Sahugún (optional)- León / 97 km
Day 9 - León (rest day)
Day 10 - León - Astorga / 51 km
Day 11 - Astorga - Ponteferrada
Day 12 - Ponteferrada - Bierzo
Day 13 - Bierzo - Sarria
Day 14 - Sarria - Arzúa
Day 15 - Arzúa - Santiago de Compostela
Day 16 - Santiago de Compostela – departure
Reception at Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port
This amazing cycling trip starts in the little village of Saint-Jean-De-Port. This place is famous, because it is a starting point to the Camino Francés. This road crosses the Pyrenees with several medieval streets ending in Spain, in Roncesvalles. This village is known as the first resting point for all pilgrims.
Today's route passes through the interior of Spain. The destination is Puente la Reina. Prepare to see lots of nature and amazing views. During this path there is some little villages to stop. Puente la Reina lies between Pamplona and Estella on the Way of St. James pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. It is the first town after the junction of the French Way and the Aragonese Way.
Continuing through the interior of Spain, the next stop is Logrono. This town is a centre of the trade in Rioja wine, for which the area is noted. It also produces wood, metal, and textile products. This village is also known for its Tapas, offering 50 taperías (tapas restaurants) located within a four-block area near the city center.
The next destination is Santo Domingo de la Calzada. In this day you will see several fishermen and diverse agricultural lands, with several vines, since this place is famous for the Rioja wine. The town of Santo Domingo is a municipality situated on the banks of the Oja River. Its name refers to its founder, Dominic de la Calzada, who built a bridge, hospital, and hotel for pilgrims on the Way of St. James.
The ride today has severeal rivers and streams and the destination is the city of Burgos. This city has many historical landmarks, of particular importance; the Cathedral of Burgos, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984, seat of the Metropolitan Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Burgos. The city is known as a main crossroad of northern Spain along the Camino of Santiago, which runs parallel to the River Arlanzón.
Continuing the Camino, the next stop is Carrión de los Condes. Carrión de los Condes was taken from the Moors by Alonso Carreño, around 791–842. Don Carreño took the name Carrión at this time. This city was known for the strong presence of the Jews. Although they outnumbered the Christians both in numbers and in property, they submitted in 1126 to the victorious King Alfonso VI.
You will spend one day resting in the city of Sahugún or in the city of Leon. Leaving Carrión de los Condes and continuing the cycling trip, the destination is Sahugún. This town is located in the province of León. Sahagún contains some of the earliest examples of the mudéjar style of architecture. The city of Leon is located on the Camino de Santiago, which is ranked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the city's most prominent historical buildings are the Cathedral, the finest example of French gothic classical style architecture in Spain.
Discover Léon city
The road is to Astorga. This path is made on clay and with many viewpoints to admire the landscape. Arriving to the city center of Astorga, you can admire several monuments, such as the Cathedral the Episcopal Palace and the walls that surround the town built at the time of Ancient Rome.
Upon departing Astorga, the next town is Cacabelos. On this day the way presents us with diverse agricultural lands and forest areas. You can also admire the rails until reaching Cacabelos, which are from the time of the Medieval Era. Arriving to Cacabelos, you can taste its famous wines, while admiring the medieval bridge that passes over the Cua river.
scend into the Galician mountains, enjoying the challenge of the climbs as you head to Las Herrerias. The fresh mountain air and rugged surroundings create an exhilarating experience.
Descend from the mountains into Sarria, a bustling town marking the 100-kilometer point on the Camino. This stretch takes you through lush Galician countryside and offers a mix of terrains.
Cycle through picturesque villages and shaded paths as you approach Arzúa. The gentle terrain allows you to savor the natural beauty of Galicia.
The final leg of your journey leads you through serene landscapes and traditional villages. Arrive in Santiago de Compostela, where the grand Cathedral awaits, marking the culmination of your pilgrimage. Day 8: Departure As your remarkable bike tour comes to an end, take time to reflect on the experiences and connections you've gained. Depart from Santiago de Compostela with memories of a transformative journey along the Camino de Santiago. This 8-day bike tour takes you through diverse landscapes, historic towns, and challenging terrains, offering a mix of physical accomplishment and spiritual reflection.
Departure
Observations:
- Prices are based for 2 people sharing the same standard room;
- Sea view (when available) or premium rooms, price on request;
- Prices can suffer updates due high season, holidays or weekends
- Beverages are not included in Self Guided and Guided option when meals are booked
- Selected drinks are included in Premium package when meals are booked
- If in a triple room with parents Children up to 10 years old - 35% discount. Children from 11 to 14 years old - 20% discount. Children from 15 to 17 years old - 15% discount.
Extras
- Electric bicycles price: 480€
- Supplement for single room: LS: 800€, RS: 840€, HS: 900€, SS.480€ (Premium option plus 500€)
- Extra nights: on request
- Private group price on request
- City taxes is not included in the price package (approximately 2€ per person per night - payable on site - in Lisbon city tax is 4€ per person per night)
- Ferry (boat) in river / lake crossing is not included in price package (approximately 2€ to 10€ per person)