- 📏 Distance: ~719 km/446 mi
- ⛺ Avg Stage Length: 20-25km/12.4-15.5mi
- 🥾 Longest Walking Day – 26 km/16 mi
- 👣 Walking Days – 32 days
- 🏨 Accommodation: Albergues, guesthouses, hotels & apartments available
- 📱 Navigation: Google Maps or GPX files (follow yellow arrows & waymarks)
The Camino Francés, or French Way, is the most famous and well-traveled route of the Camino de Santiago, the ancient pilgrimage leading to the tomb of the Apostle St. James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. For over a thousand years, pilgrims from across Europe have followed this path seeking spiritual meaning, personal reflection, adventure, or simply the joy of walking through some of Spain’s most beautiful landscapes.
The official starting point of the Camino Francés is the small French town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees. The full route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela covers approximately 788 kilometers (489 miles), typically walked over 30 to 35 days.
Pamplona is a popular starting point for the Camino de Santiago because it offers an ideal balance between accessibility, manageable distance, and cultural significance. The first city along the French Way, Pamplona is easy to reach by public transport, making it a convenient choice for pilgrims with limited time. Starting in Pamplona shortens the overall journey while still allowing walkers to experience some of the most iconic sections of the French Way. From here, pilgrims avoid the demanding Pyrenees crossing from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, making it a good option for first-time pilgrims or those seeking a gentler beginning. Pamplona also has deep historical ties to the Camino, with medieval walls, pilgrim hostels, and centuries-old churches welcoming walkers. Famous worldwide for the Running of the Bulls during the San Fermín festival, the city adds a unique cultural dimension to the journey. Leaving Pamplona, pilgrims quickly enter peaceful countryside and traditional villages, creating a smooth transition from city life to the reflective rhythm of the Camino.
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GPS Navigation on the Camino Frances with your Phone
See here for a detailed post on the Camino Frances walking stages with GPX map files that can be downloaded for navigating on this route by phone and PDFs for planning. We created these maps by following the yellow arrows on the Camino.
See our video walking from Pamplona to Logrono
Camino de Santiago Information
Camino Frances Resources
- Camino Frances (the French route) walking stages
- The Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles stage
- The French Camino de Santiago – a detailed guide
- Best towns on the Camino Frances
- Camino Frances from Sarria – walking stages
- Camino de Santiago from Sarria – a detailed guide
- How to get to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (the starting point of the Camino Frances)?
- Best places to stay in Santiago de Compostela
- Best things to do in Santiago de Compostela
- Pilgrim’s Reception Office in Santiago de Compostela