Thousands of the faithful throughout the Middle Ages walked the path to Santiago de Compostela, a village in Galicia. In the 9th century, the discovery of Saint James's tomb led to the construction of a church where people come to pay their respects. The Camino de Santiago has four main routes, complemented by secondary paths. The French routes are waymarked with the red-and-white markings of the FFRP. Today, alongside pilgrims, many hikers embark on this adventure with a wide range of motivations. Exceptional heritage and wonderful landscapes await along the various routes taken.
Explore the various Camino de Santiago routes in France and Spain, along with all their key characteristics.
The routes of the Camino de Santiago
The Puy-en-Velay route
You will find the Via Podiensis (the Puy-en-Velay route), located in the Auvergne region. The Bishop of Puy-en-Velay was the first non-Hispanic pilgrim to set out on the Camino de Santiago routes. He was accompanied by an escort of clergymen, nobles, and armed men tasked with keeping highway bandits at bay. This route is today the most popular. It passes through the Gévaudan, the Landes, Conques — a medieval village of stunning architectural beauty — and Cahors. This itinerary is of exceptional beauty owing to its architectural treasures. Numerous accommodation options and welcome facilities line this route. Waymarking is present throughout. You will find plenty of explanatory documentation to guide you with ease.
The Arles route
Then there is the Via Tolosana, better known as the Arles route, which is the artery travelled by pilgrims coming from Rome. This path, also called the "Route de Provence", allows hikers to pass through renowned towns and villages such as Arles, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, and Castres… Following this Camino de Santiago itinerary, you will discover part of the Camargue as well as the garrigue of Languedoc, passing through the Canal du Midi, Toulouse, the Pyrenees, before crossing into Spain.
The Vézelay route
The Voie de Vézelay, or Via Lemovicensis, begins at a deeply symbolic location — the Basilica, where the relics of Saint Mary Magdalene are kept. It was the natural path for pilgrims coming from northern Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, the Ardennes, Lorraine, or Champagne who wished to set out on the Camino de Santiago itineraries. Two routes were available to them: via Bourges with its imposing cathedral, or via Nevers for its cathedral. This route crosses the Limousin region, passing through Limoges. This itinerary links highly prestigious sites such as the "eternal hill" of Vézelay, the Abbey of Saint-Martial in Limoges, and the cathedrals of Bourges. Accommodation options continue to grow along this route.
The Tours route
The Via Turonensis, better known as the Tours route, is home to the basilica (destroyed during the Revolution) and the tomb of Bishop Martin. This route attracted all the pilgrims coming from Anglo-Saxon countries (such as Ireland and England) as well as from northern Europe. It was one of the most frequented routes before being somewhat overshadowed by the popularity of the Puy-en-Velay itinerary.
Nevertheless, activities and services are increasingly being put in place, enabling significantly higher visitor numbers. It departs from Paris, at the foot of the Tour Saint-Jacques, or from Tours. This route offers two variants: one passing through Chartres and another through Orléans. The towns you will pass through include Tours, Poitiers, Saintes, and Bordeaux. It is one of the Camino de Santiago itineraries richest in Jacobean sites and Romanesque churches.
The Pyrenean Piedmont route
Less well known and less frequented than the Puy route, it is an excellent alternative for reaching Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port from Montpellier, travelling from east to west along ancient Roman roads. The Pyrenean Piedmont route is packed with magnificent landscapes and a unique heritage, passing through Carcassonne and Lourdes, as well as many characterful small villages. Its moderate footfall makes it a route of choice for pilgrims seeking calm and introspection.
The Camino de Santiago routes on the Spanish section
On the Spanish side, several pilgrimage routes are possible. The itinerary known as the Camino del Norte, or the Northern Way, is very ancient and takes its name from the fact that it runs along the Atlantic coast of northern Spain. Pilgrims arriving from the Basque Country by sea would travel this route. It sets off from the Basque Country and ends in Galicia, giving it a wild and sporty character. You cross mountainous regions while passing through pleasant coves. The pre-Romanesque architecture will leave you speechless. This route takes you along the Atlantic coast from Bayonne to Santiago de Compostela, and if you feel like it, you can even push on to Cape Finisterre with just three additional stages.
The Camino Francés, the Way of the Franks, also forms part of the Camino de Santiago itineraries. It begins in the French Basque Country at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and takes its name from the "Franks" and the pilgrims who came from France. It served as a settlement corridor along the border of the Moorish territories. You will pass alongside magnificent towns and stunning landscapes such as the Meseta, a splendid plateau. This trail is very well waymarked and sees heavy footfall.
We have introduced you to the best-known Camino de Santiago itineraries, but bear in mind that a significant number of variants exist. Everyone can create their own itinerary based on their preferences, goals, and desired accommodation. Whatever route you take, the magic of hiking will work its spell and unforgettable encounters will be waiting along the way.
Other articles in the series on the Camino de Santiago:
