ABOUT PART 1 OF THE CAMINO FRANCÉS

The Camino Francés, also known as the French Way, is one of the most famous traditional pilgrimage routes in Spain. For over a thousand years, pilgrims have taken this profound and transformative journey to the shrine of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Join us for Part 1 of the Camino Francés, which takes you from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to Burgos, Spain. Over 14 days, you will walk approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) through some of the toughest, yet most rewarding terrain the Camino has to offer.

You will start your journey in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a charming French town with cobbled streets and medieval architecture nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains. From here you will bravely scale the Pyrenees and cross into Spain. Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring views of lush green valleys, rugged peaks, and alpine landscapes that await you. The ascent will present both challenges and rewards, allowing you to forge a deep connection with yourself and the natural world.

As you descend from the Pyrenees, the Camino leads you through the rolling hills of the Navarra region. Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of vineyards, sunflower fields, and idyllic villages that dot the landscape. This section abounds with historical and cultural treasures waiting to be discovered. The medieval town of Pamplona, famous for the Running of the Bulls, welcomes pilgrims with its well-preserved city walls and vibrant atmosphere. Other notable places include Puente la Reina, known for its magnificent Romanesque bridge, and Estella, which boasts beautiful Gothic and Romanesque architecture. Finally, we will end our journey in Burgos, where we will take a private tour of the Burgos Cathedral, one of the most important religious buildings in Spain.

Indulge in a gastronomic journey along the Camino, savoring delectable local delicacies at every turn. From tantalizing tapas in Logroño to exquisite wines in Navarra, each day offers a chance to delight your taste buds. Where we do not provide meals, we will give you recommendations to our favorite eateries. Our clients consistently highlight food as being one of the most memorable aspects of their tour.

This section of the Camino is very well marked and follows mainly forest trails, paths joining villages, and some secondary roads. This is the most challenging section of the Camino, most notably the first section from Saint Jean to Roncesvalles. We recommend a reasonable level of fitness. The daily distances that we walk each day correspond to the typical etapas, or stages of the Camino.

Restful and refreshing sleep is a high priority on all of Andaspain’s tours. We carefully choose all of our accommodations for their proximity to the Camino, charm, and the quality of service provided. We try to use small rural farmhouses or manor houses wherever possible. These are similar to bed and breakfasts and are usually traditional houses typical of the region, full of character, and run by local people. On some nights, we use hotels so you will experience a variety of high-quality accommodation.

From the starting point in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to the ending point in Burgos, we take care of all luggage handling and transportation. We also have a support vehicle available throughout the day, which allows you access to a small bag of essentials.

This tour attracts a diverse group of pilgrims from around the world, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and community. Sharing experiences, stories, and meals with fellow pilgrims along the way creates lasting friendships and memories. These meaningful connections, along with the natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage are just a few of the reasons why you should join us for Part 1 of the Camino Francés.