Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port → Roncesvalles
The first major stage of the Camino, crossing the Pyrenees before reaching Roncesvalles.
780 km
Distance
36 days / 35 nights
Duration
Half Board or Only Breakfast
Meals
Hotels and Country Cottages
Accommodation
Quote within 24 hours
Price
The full Camino de Santiago from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is one of the most iconic pilgrimages a walker can experience. This historic town in the French Basque Country marks the traditional starting point of the Camino Francés, the most famous and most walked Camino route in the world.
From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela, you will cover nearly 800 kilometres, crossing the Pyrenees, Navarra, La Rioja, Castilla y León and Galicia while walking through some of the most historic stages of the Camino de Santiago.
Completing the entire Camino Francés is a unique experience, not only because of the physical challenge, but also because of the changing landscapes, culture and pilgrim atmosphere you will encounter throughout more than 30 days on the trail.
At Santiago Ways, we organise the full Camino de Santiago with selected hotels, luggage transfer and support throughout the journey, allowing you to focus entirely on enjoying the experience without worrying about the logistics.
If you are looking to walk the Camino de Santiago from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in a comfortable and well-organised way, this is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the full Camino all the way to Santiago.
FULL ITINERARY
Stages of the Camino de Santiago from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Explore the full Camino Francés itinerary divided into stages, from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela, including alternative routes and recommendations to help you organise the full Camino.
The first major stage of the Camino, crossing the Pyrenees before reaching Roncesvalles.
Optional route variation that divides the Pyrenean stage into two easier days.
A gradual descent through Navarrese forests and small Camino villages.
A comfortable stage to Pamplona, one of the major cities of the Camino Francés.
An iconic stage featuring Alto del Perdón and finishing in one of the most historic pilgrimage towns.
A route through medieval villages, Romanesque churches and open countryside.
A route through medieval villages, Romanesque churches and open countryside.
Entering La Rioja, a region known for its historic towns and vineyards.
Optional route variation to divide the stage before reaching Logroño.
A route through vineyards and traditional Riojan towns with a strong pilgrimage heritage.
A historic stage leading to one of the most symbolic towns of the Camino.
A transitional stage towards Castilla, following open paths and peaceful villages.
A rural stage through the Montes de Oca, rich in Camino history and tradition.
Arrival in Burgos, one of the most important historic cities on the Camino Francés.
The first stage across the Meseta, with wide trails and endless horizons.
Austere Castilian landscapes leading to one of the most recognisable villages of the Meseta.
The final day in the Burgos region and the highest point of the Meseta.
A classic Meseta stage featuring Romanesque heritage and quiet villages.
A long stage of straight tracks, typical of the Castilian Meseta.
Arrival in Sahagún, a historic town closely linked to the Camino Francés.
A peaceful stage through the province of León, with open landscapes and a relaxed pace.
The final kilometres before reaching the city of León.
Arrival in León, a monumental city and one of the great highlights of the Camino.
Leaving León behind, following quieter trails and traditional pilgrimage villages.
A stage leading to Astorga, one of the most important historic cities on the Camino.
Optional route variation to divide the stage and enjoy Hospital de Órbigo.
The beginning of a gradual ascent into the mountains of León.
One of the most iconic stages of the Camino, passing the Cruz de Ferro before descending into El Bierzo.
Optional route variation to make the descent towards Ponferrada more manageable.
A route through vineyards, traditional Bierzo villages and landscapes that gradually lead towards Galicia.
A memorable stage towards Galicia through mountain landscapes and historic villages.
Optional route variation that divides the climb to O Cebreiro.
The first Galician kilometres through mountains, hamlets and lush green scenery.
A transitional stage towards Sarria, the most popular starting point of the Camino Francés.
The beginning of the busiest final section, passing through Galician villages and rural tracks.
A classic Galician stage with gentle climbs and small villages.
One of the longest stages of the final section, with a constant pilgrim atmosphere.
The penultimate stage through forests, villages and paths that draw ever closer to Santiago.
The final stage leading to Santiago Cathedral and the completion of the Camino Francés.
Organising the full Camino de Santiago from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port means walking nearly 800 kilometres over more than 30 days, which is why a good night’s rest can make a huge difference to the overall experience.
At Santiago Ways, we carefully select hotels, rural houses, guesthouses and charming accommodation throughout the Camino Francés to ensure comfort, peace of mind and proper recovery after each stage.
All reserved rooms include a private bathroom and have been chosen by our team according to strict standards of quality, location and pilgrim-friendly service. We also prioritise accommodation that offers a comfortable and quiet environment, something especially important on a long-distance route such as the Camino Francés.
We work with accommodation providers that often have limited capacity and high demand, particularly in some of the most popular stages of the Camino Francés. For this reason, the final accommodation list is usually confirmed approximately 30 days before the start of your trip.
Should any of the planned accommodation become unavailable, our team will arrange an alternative of the same or a higher standard to maintain the quality of your journey.
We also offer single rooms for pilgrims who prefer additional privacy and comfort during the Camino de Santiago. These rooms are subject to availability, and we recommend booking as early as possible.
Our goal is to allow you to enjoy the full Camino Francés with the peace of mind that every stage has been organised for you, your accommodation has been booked in advance, and support is available throughout the journey.
This way, you can focus entirely on walking, enjoying the experience and making the most of your Camino to Santiago.
Accommodation in Hotels and Country Cottages.
Rooms with private bathroom.
Meal plan of your choice.
Baggage transfer between stages.
24 hours Telephone assistance on route.
Travel navigation app made for each traveler.
Complete route itinerary.
Assistance vehicle in case of emergency.
Information pack for the Camino de Santiago.
VAT.
Additional single room.
Extra night in Pamplona.
Transfer from Pamplona to St Jean Pied de Port.
Travel assistance insurance.
Cancellation insurance.
Planning the full Camino de Santiago from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port often raises many questions, especially about the length of the journey, the difficulty of certain stages and the logistics involved in a trip that lasts more than 30 days.
Here you will find answers to the most common questions about the full Camino Francés, including stages, distance, accommodation, luggage transfer and practical advice for organising your Camino comfortably and confidently.
BEFORE YOU START
Walking the full Camino de Santiago from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is a unique experience that combines nature, physical challenge, historic heritage and pilgrim life over more than 700 kilometres to Santiago de Compostela.
Over several weeks, you will walk some of the most iconic stages of the Camino Francés, crossing the Pyrenees, passing through historic cities such as Pamplona, Burgos and León, and following the green landscapes of Galicia before reaching Santiago Cathedral.
The full Camino Francés is usually completed in around 30 to 35 stages, depending on each pilgrim’s pace and how the route is organised. Although many people choose to walk it independently, planning a journey of several weeks requires arranging accommodation, luggage and rest days in advance.
The difficulty of the Camino Francés varies from stage to stage. Some days are comfortable, while others are more demanding, especially during the Pyrenean crossing between Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Roncesvalles, or on certain mountain sections before Galicia.
You do not need to be an experienced hiker, but it is advisable to have a basic level of fitness and to use walking shoes that have already been tested before the trip.
Organising the full Camino Francés means coordinating accommodation, stages and logistics over several weeks of travel.
At Santiago Ways, we support you before and during the journey so you can walk with peace of mind, knowing that assistance is available at every stage of the Camino. Our team is available to help with any issue related to accommodation, luggage or route planning.
Walking the full Camino de Santiago for more than 30 days is much more comfortable when you only carry what you need for each day’s stage.
That is why we include daily luggage transfer between accommodations, allowing you to enjoy the Camino Francés with greater freedom, less physical effort and a much more comfortable experience, especially on long or hilly stages. Each morning, you simply leave your luggage at reception, and it will be waiting for you at the next accommodation when you finish the stage.
Spring and autumn are generally considered the best times to walk the full Camino Francés, thanks to mild temperatures, beautiful landscapes and a very pleasant pilgrim atmosphere.
In summer, there is more atmosphere and more services open along the route, although there are also more pilgrims and higher temperatures in some areas.
The full Camino Francés is not just a walking trip. As you move forward, the experience also changes: the landscapes, the people, the rhythm and the feeling of gradually making your way towards Santiago.
For many pilgrims, completing the Camino from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is a transformative experience that combines personal challenge, disconnection and cultural discovery.
We can help you choose the route that best suits your available time, fitness level and the type of experience you are looking for.