Sarria

On the first day of the French Way of Saint James journey, there’s no walking involved. You’ll arrive in the town of Sarria, settle into your hotel, drop off your belongings, and begin soaking up the Camino’s ambiance. Sarria will serve as your starting point. Use this day to explore the town center, which is full of character. This town is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and as the starting marker for many pilgrims on the French Way to Santiago. We suggest trying the local Galician cuisine along the village’s main street, Rúa Maior. It’s a great way to refuel while enjoying a charming setting with a lively atmosphere.

Iglesia Santa Marina de Sarria

Sarria may be a small town, but it boasts several noteworthy attractions, such as the Church of Santa Mariña, the Castle and Fortress, and the Monastery of Magdalena. These landmarks are all within a short distance of one another—less than a 10-minute walk—and can easily be explored in an afternoon.

The tour includes your first night’s stay at the Hotel Mar de Plata in a private room with breakfast provided. *If the hotel is unavailable on your selected dates, we will arrange accommodations at a similar establishment and notify you in advance.

Sarria

The first day of hiking begins. This section is straightforward, with plenty of rest stops and no steep climbs. In the morning, you'll encounter a large number of fellow pilgrims, but don’t worry— as the day goes on, the crowd will disperse, and the trail will become more peaceful. We suggest stopping to see the Romanesque church in the village of Barbadelo. *If you’d prefer a shorter route, this stage of the French Way can be split into two parts, with an overnight stay in Ferreiros, a charming village located 5.5 miles (9 km) from Portomarín. Reach out to us, and we’ll assist you in tailoring your journey.

Portomarin

On the second night, you'll stay at the Pousada de Portomarín in a private room with breakfast included. *If the Pousada is unavailable for your travel dates, we will arrange accommodations of a comparable standard and notify you in advance.

Palas de Rei

Leaving Portomarín, we’ll start the climb toward the Ligonde Mountain Range, passing through picturesque villages along the way. The second stage concludes upon reaching Palas de Rei. We suggest taking a moment to visit the Romanesque Church of Castromaior or the Romanesque Church of Eirexe.

On the third night of the French Way of St. James tour, you will stay at Hotel Mica in a private room with breakfast included. *If the hotel is unavailable on your travel dates, we will provide accommodations of a similar standard and notify you in advance.

At this stage, we’ll begin trekking along scenic rural paths, particularly the one beside the Iso River in Ribadiso. The route concludes in Arzúa after nearly 11 miles (18 km). We recommend exploring the Church of Santa María and the Chapel of Magdalena, and be sure to try the delicious local cheese. This stage can also be split into two parts, with an overnight stay in Melide, renowned for its "pulpo a feira" dish.

On the fourth night, you will stay at Casa Brandariz in a private room with breakfast included. *If the accommodation is unavailable on your travel dates, we will arrange a similar option and notify you in advance.

Arzua

At this point in the journey, we begin the descent through charming villages and vibrant forests. When you reach A Calle de Ferreiros, be sure to take the right exit and pass through Casa Boavista, a quaint and well-maintained village near Santiago de Compostela. While there, you can visit the Chapel of Santa Irene and make the most of the final leg of the journey before entering A Rúa.

A Rua

On the fifth night of the tour, you will stay at Casa Do Acivro in a private room with breakfast included. *If the accommodation is unavailable on your travel dates, we will arrange a similar option and notify you in advance.

A Rua

The fifth and final stage of the French Way of Saint James begins in Sarria. After departing from A Rúa, head towards A Pedrouzo. Take Concello Street and pass through San Paio, located near the Santiago de Compostela airport. The journey continues with the climb to Monte do Gozo, from where you’ll begin your descent towards the iconic Cathedral of Santiago. Once in Santiago, you can explore the city at your leisure, gradually uncovering why it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you plan to attend the Pilgrim's Mass on this day, it’s important to start your journey early to ensure you arrive on time.

On the final night of the tour, you will stay at the Hotel Pazos Alba in a private room with breakfast included. If you would like to extend your stay in Santiago de Compostela for an additional night and explore the city at your own pace, please get in touch with us. *If the hotel is unavailable on your travel dates, we will arrange accommodations of a similar standard and inform you in advance.

Santiago de Compostela

Now that you've completed the French Way and become a pilgrim, it's time to spend a day enjoying the city. You can take this opportunity to attend the Pilgrim's Mass at noon, get your credential stamped, and collect your certificate. There are many types of journeys, but what you’ve experienced over these 44 miles (71 km) is truly special, leaving you with a sense of pride and fulfillment. Are you ready for the next part of the Camino de Santiago?