French Way Beginnings

Duration:

12 Days / 11 Nights

Distance:

187 km / 116 mi

Difficulty:

Moderate

Itinerary:

St. Jean Pied de Port - León

ENQUIRE BOOK NOW

Walk from the majestic Foothills of the Pyrenees to León

The French Way, one of the most iconic routes of the Camino de Santiago, begins in France and crosses the Pyrenees before entering the cultural and scenic richness of northern Spain. From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to the historic city of León, each stage offers a unique blend of heritage, nature and spirituality. Mountains, valleys, forests, medieval villages and storied cities accompany pilgrims on a journey that transforms both body and spirit.

Personalized Attention

With limited group numbers, you won't just be a participant; you'll be part of our family. Our expert guides can dedicate more time to getting to know you, ensuring your preferences are met, and tailoring the experience to your interests.

Meals
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All breakfasts and 8 dinners are included in this tour. We have carefully chosen every meal so that you can enjoy the most authentic and delicious cuisine that the Camino has to offer! Lunches are not included to allow you more flexibility during your walk. We recommend that you try local specialties in the towns that you walk through, or have lunch at the end of the daily stage.

Vegetarians, vegans, or those with a special diet (e.g. gluten-free) can always find suitable options. Just let us know beforehand and we will be happy to provide great alternatives.

Accommodations
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We're sure that you will absolutely love all the wonderful accommodations on our Buen Camino. We have carefully hand-picked our accommodations to make sure that you enjoy the best possible experience. During the Camino, we will spend each night in charming traditional Galician manor houses. You will enjoy a truly authentic cultural experience in beautiful rural locations, surrounded by lush, peaceful scenery. All of our accommodations have en-suite bathrooms. You can be sure of warm, personal attention and excellent service from the owners, who will make you feel right at home.

Walking
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On our Buen Camino from Sarria to Santiago, you are completely free to walk at your own pace. There is no-one who you have to follow or walk with, but our guides are always available to support you. We have meeting points along the way where our support vehicle will be waiting with snacks, fruit and water. Our guides are there to assist you with any unforeseen issues, or simply to help relieve muscular pain or cure blisters.

If you for any reason you decide that you don't want to continue walking, you can hop on the support vehicle and rest. Don't worry about getting lost: there is always a yellow arrow to show you the way. On the Camino you are never alone! After the daily walk we will head back to the accommodation where you can enjoy a well-deserved break in beautiful surroundings.

Before and After
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Before: Our Buen Camino starts in Madrid, where most international flights arrive. We offer a number of exciting tours and activities in Madrid and the surrounding towns. We recommend arriving at least one day before the tour start date. Take advantage of our exclusive rate at the 5-star Paseo del Prado hotel, where we meet on the first day of the Camino.

After: Our tour ends in Santiago de Compostela the morning of Day 9. Transportation back to Madrid is NOT included. We offer optional add-on activities for after your tour, such
as add-on visits and culinary activities in Santiago. You can join one of our activities, stay in Santiago on your own, or leave on the last day of the tour.

You can fly or take the train back to Madrid or elsewhere. The Santiago-Madrid flight takes 1 hour, and the train takes around 5 hours. There are plenty of short flights throughout the day to Madrid and other cities. You can book online or through your travel agency. We would be happy to make recommendations.

Personalized Attention

Meals
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Accommodations
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Walking
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Before and After
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Our Love is in the Details

Private Support Vehicle

Experience comfort with our dedicated Camino support vehicle. Our equipped van is stocked with essentials like first aid, snacks, and water. It's your safety net for unexpected situations or when you need a break. Whether you're tired, want to switch shoes, or simply take a pause, our vehicle is at your service.

Our Guides like Family

Meet our exceptional Camino guides—knowledgeable and fellow pilgrims! Your guide is your Camino companion, bringing laughter, stories, and encouragement. They're here to heal blisters, offer advice, and help you discover the Camino in your own way.

Insurance got you Covered

We've got your back... and your feet! All of our tours include travel insurance, which will be very useful in case you have an emergency during your Camino. Rest easy with included travel insurance for Camino emergencies.

Incomparable Pilgrim's Kit

Embark prepared with our packing list and our Pilgrim’s Kit (Click here to view). This kit features essentials: Your Pilgrim's Passport, the iconic shell, a Marly Camino program with reflections, a waterproof Route Map, pouch, notebook, snacks, and more! Your Camino journey starts here.

Dates & Price 2026:

5125 €

Single Supplement + 1300 €

Oct 08 - Oct 19, 2026

Dates & Price 2027:

€

Single Supplement + €

Our French Way Beginnings includes:

Private Support Vehicle
English-speaking guide assistance
All transfers
All breakfasts, drinks and snacks
Carefully selected en-suite accommodation
Informational program and route map
Travel insurance for the entire tour
Pilgrims' Kit: small backpack filled with things that will come in handy on your Camino
Photos of your Camino
5 Dinners
Farewell dinner and surprise
1 Picnic
Guided visits in Pamplona, Burgos & León
Value Added Tax (VAT)
The Marly Touch

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome meeting in Pamplona

At 3 pm we will meet in Pamplona and drive to Roncesvalles to enjoy this charming place. We will have a welcome briefing and to talk about the logistics of your camino. If you wish, you can attend the beautiful Pilgrims’ mass before our welcome dinner.

Night in Roncesvalles

Day 2

Stage 1: St. Jean-Pied-de-Port - Orisson (France)
7,6 Km/ 4,7 mi

We start our first stage by driving to the French town of St. Jean Pied de Port. This town is quite lovely and historic. Here we can get our first stamp in our Pilgrim's passport! This short ascent marks the beginning of the Pyrenees crossing on the French. This section gives pilgrims a first taste of the challenge and beauty of the mountains, offering stunning scenery and a quiet, rural atmosphere.

Night in Roncesvalles

Day 3

Stage 2: Roncesvalles - Zubiri (Spain)
21,4 Km / 13,3 mi

Today we discover the beautiful Pyrenean Navarra walking through lovely towns and villages along the way. We will see many staples of the Camino, including the Pilgrim's Cross, which will mark the start of this great adventure. We will also see huge stones called "Pasos de Roldán" or Roldan's footprints, and the spectacular views of the Erro valley as we descend to the riverside town of Zubiri. In the afternoon we will enjoy a guided visit in Pamplona.

Night in Pamplona

Day 4

Stage 3: Zubiri - Pamplona
20,4 Km / 12,7 mi

We drive back to Zubiri to continue our walk to Pamplona, a moderate section that follows the Arga River through small villages before climbing gently toward the city. It’s scenic, mostly easy terrain, and ends right in lively Pamplona, famous for its historic old town and the running of the bulls.

Night in Pamplona

Day 5

Stage 4: Cizur Menor - Santa Maria de Eunate
17 Km / 10,6 mi

We will travel to the town of Cizur Menor where our exciting second stage begins. We will walk through the village of Zariquiegi, where the marvelous Romanesque church of San Andrés stands out. We will also visit Muruzabal and another Romanesque church, Santa Maria de Eunate, which marks the end of today's stage. Our day finishes with a free time visit to the beautiful town of Puente la Reina.

Night in Puente de La Reina

Day 6

Stage 5: Puente de la Reina - Estella
21,6 Km / 13,5 mi

We start from Puente la Reina passing through its stunning romanesque bridge, with a gentle walk through farmland, vineyards, and small villages. It has a few mild hills, lots of open scenery, and ends in the charming town of Estella, known for its medieval streets and pilgrim history.

Night in Estella

Day 7

Stage 6: Estella - Los Arcos
21,3 Km / 13,2 mi

Walk through peaceful and sun-kissed golden fields, vineyards, and gentle rolling hills. We will pass the iconic Irache wine fountain, then follow long, quiet paths where the landscape feels wide and open. The day ends in Los Arcos, a small, welcoming village crowned by its beautiful historic church and warm evening atmosphere. We drive to Logroño, the capital of La Rioja wine region, where we can have the opportunity for a wine tasting stop.

Night in Logroño

Day 8

Stage 7: Nájera - Santo Domingo de la Calzada
20,7 Km / 13 mi

In the morning we will drive to the historic town of Nájera. We will be able to see the incredible change from what is called "Rioja media" with its beautiful vineyards to the "Rioja Alta" where the vines give way to never-ending fields of grain. We will find the stunning town of Azofra then continue until we reach the impressive Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

Night in Santo Domingo de La Calzada

Day 9

Stage 8: Villafranca Montes de Oca - Atapuerca
18 km / 11 mi

Today's stage will take us through forest paths to important towns like Ages and Atapuerca famous for its archeological site, where some of the oldest human remains in Europe were discovered. We will then drive to the majestic city of Burgos where we shall take part in a private guided tour of the city that will reveal the many masterpieces of Gothic art and architecture that adorn the city including its magnificent Cathedral.

Night in Burgos

Day 10

Stage 9: Hontanas - Itero de la Vega
20,2 Km / 12,6 mi

We begin in the village of Hontanas, passing through the ruins of what used to be the convent of San Antón, with its two pointed arches still towering above the ruins. Then we will pass by Castrojeriz, which played a vital role in Castilla's history and houses more than half a dozen cultural interest sites, among which the Colegiata de Santa Maria del Manzano. From here, we continue our walk until we arrive in Itero de la Vega, finishing point for today.

Night in Carrión de Los Condes

Day 11

Stage 10: El Burgo Ranero - Mansilla de las Mulas
19 Km / 11,5 mi

This is our last stage before arriving in Leon. Long and quiet walk along straight paths lined with trees. It’s peaceful and meditative, with wide fields on both sides, ending at the historic riverside town of Mansilla de las Mulas.

Night in León

Day 12

León

In the morning, we will enjoy a private tour of León and its awe-inspiring Cathedral. Then we say farewell, with great memories of this beautiful Camino.

END OF TOUR

Are you ready to live this life changing experience?

ENQUIRE BOOK NOW

Duration:

Distance:

Difficulty:

Itinerary:

Walk from the majestic Foothills of the Pyrenees to León

Personalized Attention

Our Love is in the Details

Private Support Vehicle

Our Guides like Family

Insurance got you Covered

Incomparable Pilgrim's Kit

Our Love is in the Details

Dates & Price 2026:

5125 €

Dates & Price 2027:

€

€

Our French Way Beginnings includes:

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Are you ready to live this life changing experience?

Have a group of 6 or more? Want different dates?

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