Walk the Camino Frances: St-Jean to Pamplona

location_onPamplona, Spain | Health Spas & Retreats
The Camino Frances, the French Way is the most traditional of all the pilgrims' ways to Santiago de Compostela and the best known internationally. This specific route is the starting point of the Camino Frances, the French Way and is 69km.
Starting at $425 per trip
Surrounding Areakeyboard_double_arrow_up
The Camino Frances, the French Way is the most traditional of all the pilgrims' ways to Santiago de Compostela and the best known internationally.

This specific route is the starting point of the Camino Frances, the French Way. It starts in France at St-Jean-Pied-de-Port and finishes in Pamplona, the town famous for its Bull Running festival, the San Fermin, described by Ernest Hemingway. At first it follows the 'Route de Napoleon' over the Roncesvalles Pass (1500m) in the Basque country, and then crosses onto more gentle terrain to the great region of Navarra.

This walk can be physically demanding and requires a reasonable level of fitness as you are going to cross over the Pyrennees. However, it's a highly rewarding walk which includes numerous cultural highlights and a breathtaking scenery second to none! Pamplona is also the capital for some of the best tapas in Spain (Pintxos).

On top of this, as the beginning of the French Way is in Saint Jean Pied de Port, the atmosphere is very special, full of enthusiasm, spirituality and joy from pilgrims from all around the world!

Accommodationskeyboard_double_arrow_up
Day 1 - Arrival in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

You will be booked into a hotel in the heart of the small town. The rooms are en-suite.


Day 2 - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port To Roncesvalles (8h,25km).

This first day is considered the most difficult as the Camino crosses the Pyrenees. The "Camino Napoleon" kicks off with a steep climb, on through orchards and past country houses and then, later, through Alpine style meadows, before weaving its way alongside leafy beech woods towards the border and the descent into Roncesvalles. The Valcarlos Camino mainly follows the road which runs through the valley alongside the river Nive or river Valcarlos. Don't miss the "Collegiate Church" in Roncesvalles.

NOTE: If you would like to walk at a more relaxed pace, we can arrange an alternative route (though not as rewarding) that splits this walking day into 2 stages (12km & 14km), staying overnight in the village of Valcarlos. Here you will be staying a charming 2* hotel. We recommend taking this route during the winter months when snow can make the higher route impassable. Please note that this is itinerary though Valcarlos is not the usual Camino itinerary and that the walk is not as rewarding.

Day 3 - Roncesvalles to Zubiri (7h, 22km)

The Camino crosses two beautiful mountain passes and continues on through beech and oak woods and meadows before coming to Espinal, where the panoramic views of the countryside with the Pyrenees in the background are a sight to behold. The river Arga runs alongside this part of the Camino and continues its course all the way to Larrasoana.


Day 4 - Zubiri to Pamplona (6h, 21km)

The Camino runs along the river Arga, at the foot of a group of hills covered in beech, oak and Scots pine. As we approach Pamplona, the landscape shows the obvious influence of civilisation; with its conifers, reforestation and farmlands.


Day 5 - Pamplona, end of the walking holiday

After breakfast we bid you farewell.

keyboard_double_arrow_up
Included:
- Mix of accommodation in 2*, 3* or 4* hotels
- Bed & Breakfast
- Daily luggage transfers
- Our Holiday/Pilgrim Pack
- 24/7 Customer service

Map & Directionskeyboard_double_arrow_up

Pamplona, Spain

Points of Interest

Map Pin 1

Walk the Camino Frances: St-Jean to Pamplona

St Jean Pied de Port, France
Map Pin 2

Walk the Camino Frances: St-Jean to Pamplona

Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
Host's Infokeyboard_double_arrow_up

Follow The Camino
Follow The Camino is a walking holiday tour operator, with our products focusing on the Camino pilgrimage trips in Spain. Follow The Camino invented a new approach to this ancestral pilgrimage, respecting its spirit and enhancing its values, while making it more accessible, enjoyable and achievable ...
View Full Profile

place    
Pamplona, Spain

person_outline    
Follow The Camino
Second Floor, 16/17 Suffolk Street,
Dublin 2
Dublin 2,
Ireland


Listing # RA-1285453








Similar Listings   (See All)   keyboard_double_arrow_up
Featured Adventures near Pamplona, Spain   (See All)   keyboard_double_arrow_up
Featured Accommodations near Pamplona, Spain   (See All)   keyboard_double_arrow_up


Create A Listing

Add Your Travel Services and Accommodations

Create a listing on RealAdventures and be seen by millions of travelers making plans for their next vacation.

Create Your Listing