The Camino Frances in 3 stages

The Camino Frances covers Spain. Camino frances is an ancient spiritual hiking trail that started in early medieval times. It covers a distance greater than 850 kms. There are 3 main sections in this Camino. St Jean Pied de Port to Burgos, the middle part known as the Meseta which covers the wheat fields from Burgos to Leon , & the 3rd stage which covers Leon to Santiago de Compostella. The meseta actually reaches into Astorga, but for simplicity it ends in Leon & Hospital de Orbigo. The hiking is planned with maps that cover the Camino Frances.

The Camino Frances is arguably the most popular of the pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela and is part of the larger network of Caminos de Santiago in Europe. This route stretches approximately 850 kilometers across northern Spain, starting at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and passing through major Spanish cities such as Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos, and León before reaching the purported resting place of St. James in Santiago de Compostela.

The journey along the Camino Frances not only offers a chance for spiritual pilgrimage but also provides a deep cultural immersion into the regions of Navarre, La Rioja, Palencia, Castile and León, and Galicia. Each of these regions offers unique landscapes, from rolling vineyards to vast plains and lush forests, endless wheat field and mountains. Each region offers a rich history that is evident in the medieval architecture, local festivals, and regional cuisines.

Pilgrims, often referred to as “peregrinos,” who embark on this trek, can expect to witness some of the most beautiful and historically significant religious landmarks along the way, such as the Monastery of Roncesvalles, the Cathedral in Najera, Cathedral of Santa Maria in Burgos, the Iron Cross (Cruz de Ferro), the Cathedral of Santiago among others. Moreover, the sense of community and camaraderie among walkers is a vital part of the experience, with many sharing stories, meals, and encouragement as they make their way toward Santiago.

The Camino Frances is not only a test of physical endurance but also a journey of personal and spiritual reflection, where the simplicity of walking and the rhythm of the day-to-day can lead to profound self-discovery and personal insights. Regardless of one’s reasons for walking – be it for religious, spiritual, cultural, or physical purposes – the Camino provides a unique and memorable journey that can leave a lasting impact on one’s life.

The hiking trail of the Camino Frances includes maps. The average distance between villages is 20 – 25 kms, though it may be less in certain villages. Walk at your own pace. Walk at your own agenda. Enjoy the villages. Enjoy the Camino. The Camino is a rare lifetime experience.

• Map 0 – St Jean Pied de Port – France
• Map 1 – Valcarlos – Spain
• Map 2 – Roncesvalles
• Map 3 – Zubiri
• Map 4 – Pamplona
• Map 5 – Puente la Reina
• Map 6 – Estella
• Map 7 – Los Arcos
• Map 8 – Viana
• Map 9 – Logroño
• Map 10 – Najera
• Map 11 – Santo Domingo de la Calzada / Grañon
• Map 12 – Belorado
• Map 13 – San Juan de Ortega
• Map 14 – Burgos
• Map 15 – Hornillos
• Map 16 – Hontanas
• Map 17 – Castrojeriz
• Map 18 – Fromista
• Map 19 – Carrion de los Condes
• Map 20 – Sahagun
• Map 21 – Burgo Ranero
• Map 22 – Mansilla de Mulas
• Map 23 – Leon
• Map 24 – Villadangos del Páramo
• Map 25 – Hospital de Orbigo
• Map 26 – Astorga
• Map 27 – Rabanal del Camino
• Map 28 – El Acebo
• Map 29 – Ponferrada
• Map 30 – Villafranca del Bierzo
• Map 31 – O Cebreiro
• Map 32 – Triacastella
• Map 33 – Sarria
• Map 34 – Portomarin
• Map 35 – Palas de Rei
• Map 36 – Melide
• Map 37 – Arzua
• Map 38 – Pedrouzo
• Map 39 – Santiago de Compostella