Camino de Santiago: The French Way
The Camino Frances, the French Way, is the most traveled of the Camino routes that lead across Spain to the city of Santiago de Compostela. While the full French Way begins in the Pyrenees Mountains in France, the 780 miles of pilgrimage are primarily in Spain. The last 100 km (62 miles) path begins in the town of Sarria, in Galicia, Spain. This path has rolling hills, green fields, forested areas, and friendly local Spanish people who are committed to providing welcome to the many pilgrims that arrive each year.
This Pilgrimage route attracts pilgrims from across the globe. Traveling this route you will hear many languages and may find strong connections with other pilgrims in addition to the connections with those in our small group of pilgrims. There is a camaraderie that develops on this route that is unique for a pilgrim journey. If you miss a Camino sign, another pilgrim or Spanish local person will redirect you to help you on your way.
There are more restaurants and hotels and albergues (hostels) along this route. We will be staying in small hotels with private accommodations and private bathrooms. Entering Santiago de Compostela from the Monto do Gozo (Hill of Joy), we will have a glimpse of the spires of the Cathedral of St. James and the city of Santiago de Compostela from this spot before continuing along the route pilgrims have traveled for over 1,000 years. In the 12th and 13th centuries over 250,000 pilgrims traveled to Santiago each year.
Upcoming Dates:
May 2025- this pilgrimage has been completed. Please inquire about other dates on the Camino de Santiago French Way.
Itinerary and some history
All of the Camino routes end in the Cathedral in the town of Santiago de Compostela (St. James in the Field of Stars) in the area of Galicia, Spain. This is the final resting place of St. James, apostle of Jesus and the patron saint of Spain. History tells us that the James was sent to preach in Spain following Christ’s death in Israel and was martyred in Jerusalem upon his return in 43 C.E. His body was brought to Spain by boat following his death and was rediscovered in the area that is now Santiago de Compostela.
Pilgrims have been traveling for centuries to complete this pilgrimage. Do you feel a sense of call to be one of these pilgrims? Come join us to travel across the Galicia region of Spain to complete the last 100 km of the Camino Frances. You will experience spiritual sites, people from all across the world, and a sense of connection with the pilgrims who travel with you and with those who have traveled this route many years before you. Will you come leave your footsteps for other pilgrims to follow?
Wondering about logistics and what you will carry? We will carry day packs with water and some supplies for the day. Our accommodations will be small local hotels that welcome pilgrims. All have private rooms with individual bathrooms. Our luggage will be transported for us on our walking days. Breakfast is provided daily and half of our dinners are included. The Camino is welcoming you!
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This morning we will arrive in Santiago de Compostela after an overnight flight from the U.S. We will be transported by a private group bus/van to Sarria, the starting spot of the 100 km walk.
After checking into our hotel in Sarria we will have time to unpack, rest from our journey, and explore the area of Sarria near our hotel.
We will have a group meeting at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner at a local Spanish restaurant near our hotel.
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We will meet as a group after breakfast at our hotel; take time to rest and prepare our day packs for the walking days. If you forgot an item, there are shops that cater to pilgrims as many begin their journey in Sarria. There is time to explore the city of Sarria and discover the starting point of our pilgrimage for tomorrow.
We will have a group meeting at 6:00 p.m. to talk about our start of the pilgrimage journey; dinner together at a local restaurant in the town of Sarria.
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Start of the Camino Pilgrimage; group photo after breakfast; walking day from Sarria to Portomarin.
Today’s walk begins with a steady climb along shady paths to the town of Ferreiros and then descends to the town of Portomarin.
Check into our hotel upon arrival; group meeting before dinner together at our hotel
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Today we walk from Portomarin to Palais de Rei after gathering for breakfast and planning our route.
Our path for today’s journey is over rolling hills and woodland paths, passing through several small villages.
Check into our hotel upon our arrival; group meeting and dinner together at our hotel.
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Today we walk from Palais de Rei to Melide after our breakfast gathering. This is a 15 km (10 mile) day.
This is a relaxing day, traveling along river valleys and wooded areas. We will arrive and have time to relax before our dinner meeting.
Melide is known for octopus, “pulpo”. Options here include sampling pulpo at a local restaurant or taking a side trip to visit the Castillo de Pambre, a 14th C castle if it is open on the day we arrive (5 km from town; taxi available).
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Our journey today is from Melide to Arzua; another shorter walk day of 14 km. After breakfast we will traverse several hilly areas, including a steep climb into Arzua.
Checking into our hotel we will have time to explore the area before our group meeting and dinner at our hotel
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This is a longer walk day of 23 km (15 1/2 miles) from Arzua to Amenal.. We will discover more pilgrims along these final stages of the Camino as the Camino del Norte joins our route of the Camino Frances. This stage is less hilly as we pass through eucalyptus forests and along roads nearing Santiago de Compostela.
Check in to our hotel and have time to relax before dinner and our group meeting.
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We begin this last walking day with breakfast and a group meeting; our final pilgrimage photo!
Our walk is 16 km to Santiago de Compostela, the end of our Pilgrimage. We will pace ourselves slowly to experience this day, stopping at the Monte del Gozo for our first view down into the city of Santiago de Compostela and the Cathedral spires. We can step into the small chapel at this spot before walking across the hill to visit the statues of two pilgrims pointing toward the Cathedral.
We will savor our last steps and our arrival into the Cathedral Square; take individual and group photos in front of the Cathedral of St. James and celebrate our completion of the pilgrimage.
There will be time to attend a Pilgrim Mass at the Cathedral, perhaps with the Botafumeiro incense above us this evening. We will have a light dinner after mass and watch for dancing in the Cathedral square.
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After breakfast we have an open day with time to rest and to explore Santiago de Compostela
Some options and plans for the day: Visit the Pilgrim Office to obtain our “Credential” Pilgrimage Certificate of Completion; optional time to tour the Cathedral and other churches; visit the Pilgrim Museum, explore parks, the city market (Mercado), local shops, and find the ice cream and chocolate shops.
There are opportunities to attend worship services of different religious denominations in addition to the mass offerings at the Cathedral. The Pilgrim Welcome Office and the Pilgrim House are two sites that offer services and times to reflect with others on the Camino experience.
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This is our last full day of our group pilgrimage before leaving Santiago de Compostela.
After breakfast at our hotel we will join a guided Bus tour to Finisterre, Muxia, and other sites along the coast of Spain. This is considered by many to mark the completion of pilgrimage by journeying to what was considered to be the end of the world. We will stop at a medieval bridge and village, visit a waterfall, and have lunch in a fishing village in addition to visiting the coastal areas of Finisterre and Muxia.
We will return from our tour in time for dinner and share some reflections of our pilgrimage as a group.
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Today marks the end of our Camino Frances Way of St. James Pilgrimage. We will say our farewells to one another this morning and to Santiago de Compostela before continuing our journeys home or toward other sites in Spain or elsewhere on our own.
Buen Camino!
Trip cost: TBD
This May 2025 Camino Frances pilgrimage has been fully booked by a group of graduate students and alumni from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. If you would like to schedule a private Camino de Santiago on the French or Portuguese Way, please inquire.
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Single supplement for private room and bath: TBD
Please note there are limited single rooms available for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure a place on this trip
The balance to be paid in full 90 days prior to the start date of the pilgrimage. 50% refund is available until 60 days before the start date, after which time no refund is possible.
Travel insurance is highly recommended through Allianz, Travelex, or another trusted travel insurance provider.
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Guided walking tour for 7 days on the Camino de Santiago, French Way for 100 km (62 miles).
Overnight in Sarria at the start of the pilgrimage and 3 nights in Santiago de Compostela at the close.
All hotel accommodations while walking the Camino de Santiago in private rooms.
Breakfast daily at our hotels.
Dinner for 5 nights while journeying
Group transportation from Santiago de Compostela to Sarria
Bus tour from Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre, Muxia and surrounding coastal areas at the close of the Pilgrimage.
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Flights and any additional travel expense to arrive in Santiago de Compostela, Spain for the start of the Camino Frances; transportation to the airport from Santiago de Compostela at the end of the pilgrimage.
Camino passport for daily stamps and Camino scallop pilgrim shell
Certificate of Completion of Pilgrimage from the Pilgrim Office in Santiago de Compostela.
Daily lunches are on our own; restaurants and cafes are easy to find mid-day and the cost is reasonable.
Dinner during our stays in Sarria and Santiago; dinner for two of our walking days are not included
Entry fee for any tourist sites or museums in Santiago de Compostela are optional and are individual costs.
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Moderate hiking each day, wearing a day pack for water and daily needs such as sunscreen, a snack, and a poncho in case of rain.
Some of the paths are gravel or dirt, others may be paved. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are a must as the terrain is uneven. Many pilgrims choose to use hiking poles for more stability.
It is recommended to be able to walk a minimum of six miles two days in a row wearing your hiking gear and pack before beginning the Camino de Santiago.
