The French Way is the most iconic route of the Camino de Santiago. After travelling hundreds of kilometres from France, it enters Galicia through the stunning O Cebreiro, a mountain village with a magical atmosphere. Here, the pallozas (old stone houses with thatched roofs) and the pre-Romanesque church of Santa María transport travellers to another era.
From O Cebreiro, the path descends towards Triacastela, surrounded by mountains and Galician forests. One of the most interesting decisions at this stage is to choose between two variants: continue through Samos, where one of the oldest monasteries in Spain is located, or head to San Xil, a shorter option but with spectacular scenery.
The next big stop is Sarria, the most common starting point for pilgrims looking to complete the last 100 km to Santiago and obtain the Compostela. In Sarria, it is worth exploring its old town and visiting the Fortress Tower.
The tour continues to Portomarín, a town rebuilt stone by stone after the construction of a reservoir. Its church-fortress of San Nicolás dominates the main square and is an ideal place to rest before continuing the route.
The following days take the traveller through the landscapes of rural Galicia, with stops in Palas de Rei, Melide (famous for its Galician-style octopus) and Arzúa, known for its cheese with Denomination of Origin. Finally, after crossing Monte do Gozo, Santiago de Compostela appears on the horizon, with the majestic Cathedral awaiting the pilgrims.
👉 Unique experience: Watch the sunrise in O Cebreiro and try octopus in Melide.
STAGES:
1️⃣ O Cebreiro → Triacastela (21 km)
Mountain landscapes and traditional villages mark the start in Galicia. O Cebreiro, a stone-built village, offers stunning views of the Galician valleys. The trail passes through villages like Liñares and Hospital de la Condesa before descending to Triacastela.
2️⃣ Triacastela → Sarria (18 km or 25 km via Samos)
Two routes: via San Xil (shorter, mountainous) or via Samos (with its Benedictine monastery). The San Xil route goes through thick forests, while the Samos path offers the chance to visit one of Spain’s oldest monasteries.
3️⃣ Sarria → Portomarín (22 km)
Forests, rivers, and small villages lead to the historic Portomarín. This stage crosses oak and chestnut groves, passing villages like Barbadelo and Vilachá before reaching Portomarín via the iconic bridge over the Miño River.
4️⃣ Portomarín → Palas de Rei (25 km)
Initial climb followed by a gentle route through Galician fields. The path passes through villages like Gonzar and Ventas de Narón before reaching Palas de Rei, known for its medieval heritage.
5️⃣ Palas de Rei → Arzúa (29 km)
A long stage passing through Melide, famous for its Galician-style octopus. Forests and charming villages lead to Melide, where pilgrims enjoy the traditional octopus before continuing to Arzúa, a town renowned for its cheese.
6️⃣ Arzúa → O Pedrouzo (19 km)
A peaceful walk through eucalyptus forests and rural villages. A transition stage before the final arrival in Santiago.
7️⃣ O Pedrouzo → Santiago de Compostela (20 km)
Exciting final stage, ending at the Praza do Obradoiro. Passing through Lavacolla and Monte do Gozo, pilgrims get their first view of the Cathedral before the emotional arrival.
