The Camino Francés (French Way) is the Jacobean itinerary with the greatest historical tradition and the most internationally known.
El the Camino de Santiago It has multiple routes, the French Way is the Way par excellence. The Jacobean itinerary with the greatest historical tradition, described as early as 1135 in the Codex Calixtinus, fundamental book of the Jacobean tradition.
El Camino Francés It takes a precise route in France through the four main routes already described in the Codex Calixtinus. Three of these routes (Paris-Tours, Vézelay-Limoges y Le Puy-Conques) enter Spain through Roncesvalles, in Navarra, while the fourth (Arles-Toulouse) enters through the port of Somport and continue until Pony, in the lands of Aragon. The Roncesvalles route, which crosses the city of Pamplona, joins with Aragonese in Puente la Reina (Navarre).
On our way from León, you'll have the opportunity to visit León, Astorga, Ponferrada, O Cebreiro, Sarria, Palas de Rei, and Santiago de Compostela.
The León-Santiago section we propose is one of the most popular routes for today's pilgrims who don't have time to complete the entire route. León has become one of the most influential cities on the French Way, perhaps due to the beauty of its historic center and cathedral, which makes it very appealing to arrive early, even a day before starting the Camino, and thus get to know the city much better before beginning the experience.
Only one difficulty along the route separates us from our destination, O Cebreiro. We're just entering Galicia through the Bierzo region. From the top, it seems (although this isn't true) that we can already see the towers of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.
The French, English, Northern, and Primitive Routes, as well as all the entrances to Santiago de Compostela, are officially demarcated by the Xunta de Galicia (Galician Regional Government). Information can be found at www.cultura.gal/es/caminos-santiago.
Once in Santiago, after a well-deserved breakfast, you can continue enjoying Santiago de Compostela and its historic center, a World Heritage Site. You can also stop by the pilgrim's office to have your Credential stamped and continue your experience in the city.
