Itinerary French Way Routes León to Santiago de Compostela

In León you could visit such iconic places as the Cathedral, the “Barrio Húmedo” (tapas zone), the Main Square, the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro or the Contemporary Art Museum of Castilla y León.

Accommodation in León.

Breakfast in León.

Today's stage is quite easy as you will walk on flat paths, surrounded by crop fields. Between León and Villadangos del Páramo, there is a small town called La Virgen del Camino, where you can visit the Sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin.

Accommodation in Villadangos del Páramo.

Breakfast in Villadangos del Páramo.

You will start walking from Villadangos del Páramo and will go through Hospital de Órbigo. The main landmark in this town is the beautiful medieval bridge crossing the river Órbigo. Once you reach Astorga,you can visit the Church of Santiago Apóstol (which dates from the late 17th Century and the beginning of the 18th Century); and, in Astorga, you could see both the Cathedral and the Episcopal Palace, but also the historic Roman legacy that still remains in this town. Moreover, you will be able to taste the traditional gastronomy, specially the “Cocido Maragato” (a typical stew from the area).

Accommodation in Astorga.

Breakfast in Astorga.

This stage, from Astorga to Rabanal del Camino, gives the pilgrim the opportunity to enjoy the amazing views of León Mountains and the Bierzo Region, some of the most beatiful landscapes in Castilla y León.

Accommodation in Rabanal del Camino.

Breakfast in Rabanal del Camino.

The stage for this day will be from Rabanal del Camino to Molinaseca. Walking this stretch, you will pass by Cruz de Ferro, a point to take into account on the Way by the pilgrims. In Molinaseca,you will have lots of interesting places to see (the Sactuary of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias, the Church of San Nicolás de Bari, the Bridge of the Pilgrims and the “cruceiro” of Santo Cristo).

Accommodation in Molinaseca.

Breakfast in Molinaseca.

You will leave the beautiful town of Molinaseca and will start the journey towards another magnificent village in the province of León: Villafranca del Bierzo. On the Way, do not miss the chance to visit Ponferrada and enjoy the charming places this town offers, such as Los Templarios Castle, the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Encina, the Main Square or the Clock Tower.Villafranca is the historic capital of El Bierzo, and it preserves its majestic appearance. In this town you can visit the Church of San Francisco, which has a beautiful Mudejar coffered ceiling, the Main Square and the Church of Santiago.

Accommodation in Villafranca del Bierzo.

Breakfast in Villafranca del Bierzo.

Today's stage is a challenging one, as you will need to ascend about 1000 m in order to get to O Cebreiro. You will cross the Valley of Valcarce and will keep walking until reaching the last stop. Even though is a hard stretch, the outstanding views make this journey worth it.

Accommodation in O Cebreiro.

Breakfast in O Cebreiro.

From O Cebreiro you will depart towards Triacastela. In Triacastela you can visit a church from the 11th Century and other temples located in the village.

Accommodation in Triacastela.

Breakfast in Triacastela.

Departing from Triacastela, the new stage will take you to Sarria, which is the starting point chosen by many pilgrims to begin the Way, and it has remarkable buildings such as the Church of Santa Mariña, the Church of El Salvador and the Convent of Magdalena”.

Accommodation in Sarria.

Breakfast in Sarria.

You will start the Way to Portomarín, a town located next to the River Miño. There, you will find the Chapel of “Virgen de las Nieves”, the church-fortress of San Nicolás, the church of San Pedro and the Pazos of Conde da Maza and dos Pimentales.

Accommodation in Portomarín.

Breakfast in Portomarín

The next step on the Way is Palas de Rei, which has a “concello” with a strong artistic heritage, as the Church of San Tirso, the Castle of Pambre and the Pazo of Ulloa can demonstrate.

Accommodation in Palas de Rei.

Breakfast in Palas de Rei

Moving forward on the Way, you will pass by Arzúa, a place which offers the oportunity to visit some places like the Convento of Magdalena and the Church of Santiago”.

Accommodation in Arzúa.

Breakfast in Arzúa

Soon before arriving at Santiago, you will finish this stage in O Pedrouzo, belonging to the O Pino “concello”. Here you will find the memorable Chapel of Santa Irene.

Accommodation inO Pedrouzo.

Breakfast in O Pedrouzo.

Ready for the last stage, you will leave O Pedrouzo heading to Santiago de Compostela. Once in Santiago, you will be surrounded by many landmarks. The main points of interest are the Cathedral and the Square of Obradoiro, but that does not mean those are the only remarkable places, as it is also recommendable to take a stroll around the historic district, to taste the gastronomy and to visit some other iconic buildings such as the Catholic Monarchs Inn, the Monastery of San Martín Pinario or the Pazo of Raxoi.

Accommodation in Santiago de Compostela.

Breakfast in Santiago de Compostela.