Camino Frances Route Map
The French Way or Camino Frances is the most well known of the Camino pilgrim paths and goes for 775km across northern Spain. During the peak of the summer months, 1000s of pilgrims undertake El Camino and arrive in the fabled city of Santiago de Compostela.
Our Camino Map shows you all the main stops en-route with kilometer markers to help you plan your Camino de Santiago.
Many thousands of pilgrims make the journey by starting in St Jean Pied de Port, just over the border in France, but walkers and cyclists start at all points along the way. Many more actually start from Sarria, where there is 116 km to Santiago and the cathedral square.
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Our Camino de Santiago Map
Sarria, which is 116km from Santiago, is the most popular starting point. The reason is because in order to gain the compostela from the cathedral in Santiago, one must have walked at least 100km to Santiago, this is why Sarria is so popular, particularly with Spanish pilgrims.
There are many other popular starting places along the Camino Frances. Here are a number of popular places.
St Jean Pied de Port Camino
Very popular with international pilgrims, St Jean is just over the border in France and is also the end point of Caminos from other parts of France, including the Le Puy route. St Jean is easily accessible by train or bus from Bayonne and there is a season bus service from Spain too, provided by Alsa.
Pamplona Camino
The city made famous by the running of the bulls is a very popular starting point for the Camino Frances also. It is the first major city along the route and is a very popular start point for Spanish. Pamplona is easy to get to from Madrid and other parts of Spain.#
Burgos Camino
Burgos is one of the main cities along the Camino de Santiago and is a popular starting place, at just under 500km from Santiago. It would take on average 25 days to walk to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Burgos itself is a wonderfully vibrant city to spend a few days and is just before the Meseta, the flat vast expanse that will be the pilgrim’s main environment for a couple of weeks.
Leon Camino
Leon is another major stop on the Camino Frances and is also a popular starting point for pilgrims. It’s very accessible from Madrid and is around 310 km to Santiago. There is a lot to see in Leon, least not it’s splendid cathedral, one of the most handsome in all of Spain.
Astorga Camino
Astorga is at the junction of the Camino Frances and the Via de la Plata, which starts in Seville. Some pilgrims start their journey from Astorga as it’s a pretty accessible town. It’s a wonderful small place to walk around and has a very good public albergue too.
The Way of St James
The Camino France is just one of many Caminos in Spain. There are probably over 50 throughout the country!
The starting points tend to be major towns and cities. Caminos actually start all over Europe too, but all roads lead to Santiago de Compostela!
You may also like our map of all the Camino routes…
There are many other Caminos that start from many destinations right across Spain.
The more popular Caminos include the Portuguese Camino, particularly starting in Porto. The Camino Norte starts in Irun and runs across the north coast of Spain to Santiago, eventually joining the French way just a few stops away.
The Via de la Plata, combines with the Camino Sanabres are becoming popular routes now, but are best started outside of summer, where temperatures in Andalusia can be very high, particularly around Sevilla!
The Camino de Santiago, a network of ancient pilgrimage routes, offers travellers a unique blend of history, spirituality, and breathtaking scenery. From the lush landscapes of Galicia to the historic towns along the way, the highlights of the Camino de Santiago include diverse cultural experiences, stunning architecture, and a profound sense of community among pilgrims.
Each route presents its own distinct charm, with paths winding through picturesque villages, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and majestic cathedrals. As pilgrims walk, they often encounter a rich tapestry of traditions and local cuisines, enhancing their journey with memorable encounters.
The pilgrimage is not merely about reaching Santiago de Compostela; it is about the journey itself. Many find that the Camino offers personal reflection and a chance to connect with others from around the world. The stories and experiences shared along the way create lasting impressions that extend well beyond the end of the trail.
History of the Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago has a rich history that spans centuries, deeply intertwined with religious significance and cultural evolution. Its origins trace back to the early Middle Ages, with a continuous transformation reflecting society’s values and practices.
Origins and Medieval Pilgrimages
The Camino de Santiago emerged in the 9th century, centred around the pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela. This journey gained popularity following the discovery of the saint’s remains, which were believed to promote healing and divine intervention. The route soon became one of the most important pilgrimage paths in Christianity, comparable to those leading to Jerusalem and Rome.
During the medieval period, large numbers of pilgrims traversed the varied landscapes of Spain and France. Various routes developed, such as the French Way, the Portuguese Way, and others, accommodating diverse pilgrim travels. Monasteries and hospitals were established along the routes to provide support and shelter for these travellers.
The Way of St. James in the Modern Era
The Camino experienced a decline during the Renaissance and Enlightenment, as pilgrimage practices became less common. Nonetheless, the 20th century revived interest, driven by spiritual seekers and adventurers. The establishment of the “Friends of the Camino” and organisations like the Confraternity of Saint James helped promote the route.
In 1987, the Camino was declared the first European Cultural Route by the Council of Europe, increasing its visibility. Today, millions of people walk the Camino each year, drawn by spiritual, cultural, and physical motivations. The rise in popularity of the Camino is evident in the numerous guidebooks, documentaries, and online communities dedicated to sharing experiences.
Cultural Impact and Recognition
The Camino has left a lasting cultural mark on Spain and beyond. It has influenced art, literature, and architecture throughout history. In towns along the route, traditional festivals and local customs continue to celebrate its significance.
Inherent in the journey are diverse experiences and interactions, contributing to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. This recognition has fostered international awareness and respect for the Camino’s historical and cultural value. As a symbol of peace and unity, it continues to inspire pilgrims from all walks of life.