Camino Francés by bike

Day 1: Arrival
Individual arrival at your hotel in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

Day 2: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Roncesvalles/ Burguete (approx. 15 miles / approx. 2.5 hours / challenging / high mountain stage and technical complexity on the bike)
The first stage of the Camino Frances leads from the French border town of Saint Jean Pied de Port over the Pyrenees to Roncesvalles in Spain. A 20km long but mostly leisurely ascent, along flocks of sheep and always with wonderful views, leads the pilgrim to the highest point, the Col de Lepoeder, and then (sometimes somewhat challenging) downhill to Roncesvalles.

Day 3: Roncesvalles/ Burguete - Pamplona (approx. 26 miles / approx. 3.5 hours / medium)
We leave the impressive monastery complex of Roncesvalles behind us. A very varied route, partly on asphalt, partly on forest and gravel paths or on old Roman roads, leads us through small villages and finally to Zubiri. We cross a picturesque bridge to reach the idyllic village, whose route today leads mainly through the valley of the Rio Arga. After a few kilometers, we reach Larrasoana and, after another beautiful stretch, the village of Zuriain. It is worth taking a short break here. The stage ends in Pamplona. The afternoons and evenings are best spent strolling through the old town and soaking up the flair of the city.

Day 4: Pamplona - Estella (approx. 28.3 miles / approx. 4 hours / easy)
Leaving the city behind you, you soon reach Cizur Menor (Romanesque church from the 12th century). Then the gravel road winds along a mountain flank and up to the Alto del Perdón. The sculpture of the pilgrims' caravan is a classic photo spot. Then it's back down into the valley via a somewhat difficult, stony section. After Obanos, you finally reach Puente la Reina, from where the path leads over the elegant Queen's Bridge of the same name. One of the most beautiful stages of the Camino Francés leads along grain fields and lonely vineyards. The Pyrenees are now behind us and the landscape changes. The small town of Lorca with its bars invites you to take a break. We reach our destination of Estella-Lizarra along the Rio Ega.

Day 5: Estella - Logroño (approx. 30.4 miles / approx. 4.5 hours / easy)
Shortly after Ayegui you reach the famous wine fountain of Irache. Then mostly gravel paths lead along fields and vineyards back to Los Arcos. Narrow alleyways, small bars and cafés as well as the impressive Iglesia de Santa Maria make the town a perfect stage destination, and after an unspectacular, flat first section to Sansol, the route becomes more varied again. Many beautiful views of the hilly landscape with idyllic villages and impressive mountain peaks characterize this stage. We leave the Navarra region and reach Logroño, the young and lively capital of La Rioja.

Day 6: Logroño - Santo Domingo de la Calzada (approx. 30.9 miles / approx. 4.5 hours / easy)
Today we first leave Logroño and cycle through the Parque de San Miguel recreational area. In Navarrete, it is worth visiting the old pilgrims' hospital and the Iglesia de la Asunción. You then continue on a red sandy path typical of the region along vineyards and partly next to the highway.after the two long stages of the last few days, you can relax today. Apart from a few small sleepy villages and the Cruz de los Peregrionos, this section is relatively unspectacular. However, our stage destination Santo Domingo rewards us with its charm. The monastery, the free-standing church tower and the cathedral with the “chicken” miracle of Santo Domingo are well worth a visit!

Day 7: Santo Domingo de la Calzada - Burgos (approx. 44.5 miles / approx. 6 hours / medium)
A few kilometers after Santo Domingo we reach the village of Grañon, which is ideal for a (second) pilgrim's breakfast. Shortly afterwards, we leave La Rioja and enter the Castilla y León region. On the next very rural section, some nice villages offer a short rest before we reach Belorado, a very varied and hilly stage. The last few kilometers before San Juan, which lead through a fragrant pine forest, are also beautiful and picturesque. Once you reach your destination, the monastery complex of San Juan de Ortega is well worth a visit.today's stage first leads through forests, then along fields in the direction of Burgos. After Orbaneja-Riopico there are 2 variants, one along the airport and through the industrial area and a second that first leads to the southwest and finally through a beautiful park directly into the center of Burgos.

Day 8: Burgos - Carrion de los Condes (approx. 52.4 miles / approx. 7 hours / easy) 
The Meseta, the central Spanish plateau, begins behind Burgos. Initially hilly, the landscape becomes flatter towards León. Grain fields and partly abandoned old stone villages line this stage. In keeping with the landscape, Hornillos del Camino looks like an old western town, with houses lined up to the left and right of the Camino, and after a few kilometers we reach Hontanas, another sleepy village in a small valley. On the way there, we pass San Antón, an old monastery and pilgrims' hospital. We reach our destination for the day, Castrojeriz, via an alleyway. If you still have energy left, you can visit the castle ruins towering above the town and enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the Meseta. The following plateau puts the pilgrim in a meditative mood before an equally steep descent awaits. The beautiful views of the vast landscape are worth the effort. The last few kilometers to Frómista run along a scenic canal, and in the village of Poblacion de Campos you can again choose between two options. The slightly longer but more beautiful route leads to the right via Villovieco in the direction of Villacázar de Sirga. Once there, it is worth visiting the imposing church and enjoying a drink in the café on the opposite side.

Day 9: Carrion de los Condes - Léon (approx. 58.6 miles / approx. 8 hours / difficult)
A typical Meseta stage is on the program today - it goes straight ahead for miles along grain fields. If you set off early, you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise in good weather. Terradillos de los Templarios used to belong to the Knights Templar and still exudes the charm of the old order of knights. After a few smaller villages, we come to the small chapel Ermita de la Virgen del Puente just before Sahagun. Whether this is really the halfway point of the Camino Francés remains questionable, but in any case it is a nice resting place for a nice photo. After Sahagun, shortly before Calzada del Coto, we can again choose between 2 options. We take the southern route towards Bercianos del Real Camino and today the landscape becomes more varied again. The plains of the meseta slowly change into a gentle hilly landscape. Sunflower fields and cornfields line the path. 
A rather unspectacular stage that takes us through the suburbs of León today. The camera can safely remain in the backpack until the end of the stage. But León is full of charms. A visit to the imposing cathedral is a must, and an extensive long walk through the beautiful old town.

Day 10: Léon - Astorga (ca. 52.5 km / ca. 4.5 hours / easy) 
The route out of the city is also an experience. You will pass the former monastery of San Marco and the Basilica de San Isidoro. After the village of Virgen del Camino, the hustle and bustle of the big city is over. We follow the turnoff to the left and walk along dirt roads towards today's destination, Villar de Mazarife.
After a few kilometers on the country road, the route first goes to Hospital de Orbigo, where an imposing bridge leads into the town. Then it continues mostly hilly on dirt roads. On a plateau just before Astorga, a break in the snack bar “La Casa de los Dioses” is recommended (voluntary donations). Astorga attracts with all kinds of chocolate specialties, a beautiful cathedral and the Palacio Gaudí.

Day 11: Astorga - Ponferrada (approx. 52.6 km/approx. 4.5 hours/easy)
A varied stage, sometimes along country roads, then on old cobblestone streets through picturesque villages, on narrow pilgrimage paths and along forests. In Rabanal del Camino, we recommend visiting the small church, whose simplicity contrasts sharply with the imposing cathedrals in the larger cities.
Today is one of the highlights of the Camino Francés on the program - the Cruz de Ferro. Here, at the highest point of the Way of St. James, pilgrims place a symbolic stone, which they brought from home, under the iron cross. A moving moment for every visitor. Then it's downhill again, through villages with the typical stone houses, until we reach Ponferrada. The old Templar castle is worth a visit, even if your tired legs might say otherwise.
 

Day 12: Ponferrada - O Cebreiro (approx. 52 km / approx. 4.5 hours / easy)
As we walk through the hilly landscape, the vineyards are a welcome change. And they are like a reminder of days gone by on the Camino. In general, this is a scenic stage today. Relax in Villafranca del Bierzo, because tomorrow we have the challenging hike up to O Cebreiro ahead of us. The route first climbs slightly and then steeply from La Faba up to O Cebreiro. Many small towns and viewpoints invite you to take a welcome break. Our destination is an old museum village whose history dates back to the 9th century.

Day 13: O Cebreiro - Portomarín (approx. 68 km/42 miles, approx. 6 hours/medium)
We have now left the region of Castile and León behind us. Ahead of us lies a long but incredibly beautiful descent. The Camino shows itself from its most beautiful side. It only flattens out again just before Triacastela. As long as no herds of cows block our way, we will make good progress. 
From Triacastela, you can take an alternative route via Samos. This is about 7 km/4.3 miles longer, but offers a pleasantly secluded path and a monastery from the 5th century that is well worth seeing. The main route is also scenic and mostly follows narrow roads to Sarria. 
From Sarria, the Camino first leads along forest paths to Barbadelo and then through small villages, along grain fields and finally through forests to Portomarín. In between, small cafés invite you to take a break. Finally, after crossing an impressive bridge, you reach Portomarín.