Camino Francés by bike
The French Way is the most iconic Way of St. James and the favourite of cyclists making the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
Covering more than 750 kilometres from the Pyrenees, this cycling journey stands out for its excellent infrastructure and signposting, making it accessible to cyclists of all levels.
Physical Difficulty
Medium
Technical Difficulty
Medium-Low
Approximate Distance
750 - 800 km
Elevation
+12.9k -12.8k
Main Surface
Very varied (asphalt, dirt, stone)
Recommended Bike Type
Gravel, Trekking, MTB, E-Bike
Highlight
Excellent infrastructure and social atmosphere
Best Time to Go
Spring and Autumn (avoid peak season)
The best routes for cycling the Camino Francés
From 735 €
From 1.465 €
From 515 €
From 910 €
From 335 €
From 1.345 €
Stages of the Camino Francés by bike
| Stage | Destination | Km | Elevation gain |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Stage 1
Roncesvalles - Pamplona
|
Stage 2
Pamplona - Estella
|
Stage 3
Estella - Logroño
|
Stage 4
Logroño - Sto. Domingo de la Calzada
|
|
Stage 5
Sto. Domingo - Burgos
|
Stage 6
Burgos - Frómista
|
Stage 7
Frómista - Sahagún
|
Stage 8
Sahagún - León
|
|
Stage 9
León - Astorga
|
Stage 10
Astorga - Ponferrada
|
Stage 11
Ponferrada - O Cebreiro
|
Stage 12
O Cebreiro - Portomarín
|
|
Stage 13
Portomarín - Arzúa
|
Stage 14
Arzúa - Santiago
|
Stage 1 Roncesvalles - Pamplona
Km: 44km
Elevation gain: +609m
Stage 2 Pamplona - Estella
Km: 45km
Elevation gain: +857m
Stage 3 Estella - Logroño
Km: 49km
Elevation gain: +809m
Stage 4 Logroño - Sto. Domingo
Km: 50km
Elevation gain: +746m
Stage 5 Sto. Domingo - Burgos
Km: 70km
Elevation gain: +925m
Stage 6 Burgos - Frómista
Km: 65km
Elevation gain: +573m
Stage 7 Frómista - Sahagún
Km: 65km
Elevation gain: +304m
Stage 8 Sahagún - León
Km: 55km
Elevation gain: +269m
Stage 9 León - Astorga
Km: 49km
Elevation gain: +378m
Stage 10 Astorga - Ponferrada
Km: 54km
Elevation gain: +808m
Stage 11 Ponferrada - O Cebreiro
Km: 53km
Elevation gain: +1208m
Stage 12 O Cebreiro - Portomarín
Km: 64km
Elevation gain: +917m
Stage 13 Portomarín - Arzúa
Km: 53km
Elevation gain: +1063m
Stage 14 Arzúa - Santiago
Km: 39km
Elevation gain: +630m
Stage 1
Roncesvalles - Pamplona
Km: 44km
Elevation gain: +609m
Stage 2
Pamplona - Estella
Stage 3
Estella - Logroño
Stage 4
Logroño - Sto. Domingo
Km: 50km
Elevation gain: +746m
Stage 5
Sto. Domingo-Burgos
Km: 70km
Elevation gain: +925m
Stage 6
Burgos - Frómista
Km: 65km
Elevation gain: +573m
Stage 7
Frómista - Sahagún
Km: 65km
Elevation gain: +304m
Stage 8
Sahagún - León
Km: 55km
Elevation gain: +269m
Stage 9
León - Astorga
Km: 49km
Elevation gain: +378m
Stage 10
Astorga - Ponferrada
Km: 54km
Elevation gain: +808m
Stage 11
Ponferrada - O Cebreiro
Km: 53km
Elevation gain: +1208m
Stage 12
O Cebreiro - Portomarín
Km: 64km
Elevation gain: +917m
Stage 13
Portomarín - Arzúa
Km: 53km
Elevation gain: +1063m
Stage 14
Arzúa - Santiago
Km: 39km
Elevation gain: +630m
Customer reviews
Camino Francés: A story on two wheels
The French Way is the quintessential Way of St. James and the most popular among cyclists. It is ideal for beginners thanks to the good infrastructure along the route. It links Roncesvalles with Santiago de Compostela over more than 750 km, offering a journey through the diverse landscapes and culture of Spain.
Starting in the Pyrenees, the route continues through the valleys of Navarre and La Rioja, crosses the plains of Castile and ends in the mountains of Galicia. Each stage is a new adventure, discovering cities such as Pamplona, Burgos, León and Astorga, where the food and traditions reflect the essence of the Camino and its history.
Although it is of medium difficulty, it includes demanding challenges such as the Alto del Perdón, the Cruz de Ferro and the climb to O Cebreiro. The route follows comfortable tracks and paths. However, there are alternative sections for bikes to avoid footpaths or rough terrain, such as the approaches to Molinaseca and La Faba.
Excellent signposting and specialised services —accommodation with garages, e-bike charging points, bike workshops and shops— make the French Way a safe and highly recommended option for cycle touring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trip Planning
When is the best time to cycle the French Way?
The ideal time to cycle the French Way is spring and autumn. During these months you avoid the extreme temperatures of summer and winter, and it is also best to try to avoid peak season. Although the route can be done all year round, these seasons offer the best balance between weather and crowds.
How many days do I need to cycle the whole French Way?
To complete the whole route we recommend around 14 days. However, unlike walking pilgrims, there are no standard stages for cyclists. We adapt the route and daily distances to your fitness, the time you have available and the terrain.
Can I do shorter stages or customise the route?
Yes, of course. We design customised routes to suit your needs. If you prefer shorter stages or have less time, we can adapt the itinerary to fit your plans perfectly.
The Compostela and Regulations
Can I get the Compostela if I do the Camino by bike?
Yes, to obtain the Compostela by bike you must ride the last 200 km on a “muscle-powered” (non-assisted) bike. The recommended minimum starting point is Ponferrada, which is roughly that distance from Santiago de Compostela. You must also get your Pilgrim’s Credential stamped at least twice a day along that section.
Can I cycle the Camino from Sarria?
Yes, it is a very popular section. However, it is only about 100 km from Sarria to Santiago, so it would not meet the 200 km minimum required for the Compostela when cycling. To obtain it, you would need to start from Ponferrada at the very least.
Preparation and Packing
How difficult is the French Way by bike?
It is considered medium difficulty, although it includes some demanding sections such as the Alto del Perdón, the Cruz de Ferro and the climb to O Cebreiro. You don’t need to be an athlete, but we do recommend a level of fitness suited to the stages you choose.
What should I bring?
A helmet is essential. We recommend wearing suitable technical clothing for cycle touring; ideally, dress in several layers so you can easily regulate your temperature throughout the stage. Always pack waterproof, breathable clothing for rain and wind.
We take care of transferring your main luggage between accommodations, so during the stages you only need to ride with what you need for the day (water, food, basic tools and a warm layer or rain jacket).
Navigation and Safety
How do I follow the route? Do you provide maps?
Yes. We provide you with a “documentation pack” that includes detailed maps and, most importantly, the GPS track for your device or phone. We also include short descriptions of the stages, alternative bike-friendly sections and the main points of interest.
Is it safe to ride the French Way?
The French Way is perfectly signposted and well suited to cycling pilgrims. It is essential to remember that walking pilgrims always have priority. There are a few specific sections that are not rideable, for which we provide safe alternatives so you can carry on without any hassle.
Do I need a helmet and tools?
Yes, they are mandatory and highly recommended.
- Helmet: Under Spanish law, wearing one is mandatory for under-16s on all roads. For adults, it is mandatory on interurban roads (outside built-up areas).
- Tools: Although we transfer your main luggage, it is essential to carry a basic tool kit (for fixing punctures, etc.), as well as water, food and a rain jacket.
What if I have a mechanical breakdown during the trip?
Don’t worry. Our rental bikes come with a basic repair kit, and we also provide instructions for fixing simple breakdowns. In addition, we give you a 24-hour assistance number for emergencies, and we have a network of specialist bike workshops along the Camino.
The Bike: Use, Rental and Breakdowns
What type of bike is best?
The most versatile and recommended option is a mountain or gravel bike, as they are best suited to the Camino’s varied surfaces and terrain. If you are looking for comfort or need to cover longer stages, you can opt for an electric bike (e-bike). We also offer personalised advice for road and trekking bikes.
Can I travel with my own bike?
Of course. We recommend giving it a full service before you set off to make sure it is in perfect mechanical condition.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes. We have a wide range of rental bikes (MTB, gravel, e-bikes, hybrids, road…) that meet our strict quality standards. All of them are checked by our technical department before and after every trip.
What if I have a mechanical breakdown during the trip?
Don’t worry. Our rental bikes come with a basic repair kit, and we also provide instructions for fixing simple breakdowns. In addition, we give you a 24-hour assistance number for emergencies, and we have a network of specialist bike workshops along the Camino.
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