Walking the Camino Frances

The Camino Frances is one of the routes that make up the network of routes to Santiago de Compostela called the Camino de Santiago. These routes have been walked by pilgrims for over 1000 years – but in recent years it is more adventure walkers than pilgrims.

The Camino Frances is 780km and starts in Saint Jean Pied de Port in Southern France, St Jean is a small village tucked away in the Pyrenees foothills. However starting here causes two specific problems, one is getting to St Jean and the other is the first day walking the Camino Frances is the hardest of the whole route.

It is a tough one day up the Pyrenees and then down again into a tiny hamlet called Roncesvalles. But the views are splendid and well worth the struggle.

Most walkers on the Camino Frances have arranged their own travel and will sleep in the pilgrim’s hostels. To sleep in these hostels you must have a pilgrim’s passport; it can be collected from most hostels along the way, but certainly in St Jean and Pamplona where a lot of people start – due to the ease of getting there.

The Walk

If you plan on walking the whole way you should allow about 34 days at least, though it can be done in less. Most walkers carry their own luggage, so it is important to keep it ultra light – however if you go with one of the many Camino tour companies often you will have your bags transported for you and all you will need to carry is a small day pack.

It can be very hot along the Camino Frances during midsummer, July and August, but you also have to be prepared for rain. Good boots or walking shoes are a must, and good socks will help. After that the clothing doesn’t matter too much. Bear in mind if you are walking the whole route that the two sets of clothes you take might well be fit for nothing else when you are finished due to the daily hand washing.

Where to Stay

In pilgrims hostels – remember you will need a pilgrim’s passport. Pensions are cheap and cheerful at about €30 per night. Hotels are few and far between and can be expensive in the main cities €70+

Getting there

Fly to Biarritz and get the bus to Bayonne changing to a local train that goes to St Jean Pied de Port.

Fly to Parris and get the TVG to Bayonne and then as above.

Fly to Bilbao and get the train or bus to Pamplona and either walk from there or get a local bus to Roncesvalles, and start from there. This is a very popular place to start.

Fly to Madrid and train or bus to Pamplona and then as above.

Where to start and how much time

Most hikers don’t have the time to walk the whole route in one go. You can start anywhere along the route. Most walking companies will get you to your start point and have you finish in Santiago.

Getting Home

Fly from Santiago de Compostela, really it is the only way. Though there are some who will bus it and others who drive to the start in Roncesvalles and leave their car in the car park there, getting a train or bus back from Santiago de Compostela.

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