The Way of Saint James

The Way of Saint James is an extraordinary journey that attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the world every year. These routes, which form a network converging on Santiago de Compostela in Spain, are home to the tomb of St. James the Apostle.

This journey—which is at once spiritual, cultural, and physical—has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.

Are you wondering how to plan your pilgrimage? Which routes should you choose? What advice and insights can you get from those who have already made this journey?

In this comprehensive guide, we provide you with all the information you need to prepare your pilgrimage on the Way of St. James.

Preparing your pilgrimage: key stages

Setting off on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela requires meticulous preparation to guarantee an enriching experience. Discover the essential steps for planning your pilgrimage.

Choose your route

Various routes lead to Santiago de Compostela, depending on your starting point, the time you have available, your physical condition and your preferences. In France, the main routes include the Puy Trail (GR65), the trail from’Arles (GR653), the Tours route (GR655) and the Vézelay route (GR654).

Each path offers its own unique features landscapes and a rich cultural heritage to explore. Use maps, guidebooks, or websites to choose the itinerary that suits you best, and consider combining several routes as you see fit.

The most important thing is to go at your own pace and savor every moment of the trip.

Equipment and practical tips

As with the hikingAdequate, lightweight equipment is essential for your walk to Compostela. Your rucksack should not exceed 10% of your body weight, or around 7kg for a 70kg person.

It should include everything you need: sleeping bag, first-aid kit, water bottle, flashlight, knife, change of clothes, comfortable shoes, hat, sun cream, etc. Detailed lists are available online.

The credencial, or pilgrim’s passport, is essential for accessing lodging and obtaining the Compostela, the pilgrimage certificate, upon arrival. You can obtain it from Santiago de Compostela associations, churches, or tourist offices. A guidebook or map is also necessary to find your way and learn about available services.

It's important to follow a few basic rules: walk at your own pace, drink water regularly, take breaks, listen to your body, and be respectful of the environment and other pilgrims.

Logistics: accommodation, food and luggage transport

The trail offers a variety of lodging options: vacation rentals, mountain huts, inns, bed-and-breakfasts, and hotels, with a range of rates and services. It is recommended that you make reservations in advance, especially during peak season.

Directories and websites provide information on accommodation along your route. For food, you can choose between cooking, buying local produce or eating out. Plan a budget in line with the cost of living in the regions you'll be visiting.

The generosity of local people or associations can sometimes provide you with meals or donativos. If you find carrying your backpack a bit of a hassle, there are baggage transport services that can take your belongings to your next stop.

Information on these services is available online or from your accommodation.

The most popular routes on the Way of St. James in France and Spain

Many routes lead to Santiago de Compostela, but some attract more pilgrims thanks to their beauty, ease of use or rich history. Discover three of the most popular routes, winding through the France and Spain.

The 4 historic routes of the Camino de Santiago in France

In France, the main routes include the Puy Trail (GR65), the trail from’Arles (GR653), the Tours route (GR655) and the Vézelay route (GR654).

The Puy-en-Velay Way (Via Podiensis)

Considered the oldest and busiest of France's four major historic routes, the Voie du Puy-en-Velay begins in the town of the same name in Auvergne. This starting point is marked by Notre-Dame du Puy Cathedral, a major pilgrimage site.

After traveling about 740 km, passing through regions such as the Velay, the Margeride, the Aubrac, the Quercy, and the Béarn, it joins the Camino Francés in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the Basque country. Pilgrims can enjoy a variety of landscapes and a rich cultural and religious heritage, including churches, abbeys, chapels, crosses, and Romanesque bridges. The route follows the GR®65 trail and offers a wide range of lodging options and services for travelers.

Itinerary of the Via Podiensis

Le Puy-en-Velay, a City of Art and History, is an iconic starting point. The Notre-Dame du Puy Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see for pilgrims.

As you progress through the stages, you’ll pass through a variety of landscapes: the Allier Gorges, the Margeride Plateau, the Aubrac, and the Lot Valley. Each region offers its own charms and architectural treasures.

Key stages in the journey

• Le Puy-en-Velay: Starting point and historic town.
• The Allier Gorges: Wild, grandiose landscapes.
• The Margeride plateau: A granite plateau with lunar landscapes.
• The Aubrac: A volcanic plateau with vast expanses.
• Conques: A medieval village famous for its abbey church of Sainte-Foy.
  
   
• Figeac: A remarkably well-preserved medieval town.

The Arles Route (Via Tolosana)

Visit Arles Routealso known as Via Tolosana, is one of the oldest and most popular pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. It crosses southern France, offering pilgrims diverse landscapes, a rich history, and a deeply rooted culture.

Itinerary of the Via Tolosana

This route, which once connected Rome to Santiago de Compostela, has seen countless pilgrims pass along it over the centuries. It passes through historic cities such as Arles, Montpellier, Toulouse and Aucheach offering a unique architectural and cultural heritage.

• Arles : As the traditional starting point of the Arles Trail, this Roman city is home to many ancient ruins, including the amphitheater.
  
   
• Montpellier : This vibrant college town offers a harmonious blend of the old and the new.
  
   
• Toulouse The Ville Rose is famous for its pink brick, its many historic monuments and its warm atmosphere.
  
   

A Variety of Landscapes

The Arles Trail winds through landscapes that are as varied as they are magnificent:

• The Alpilles These limestone hills offer panoramic views and unspoilt nature.
  
   
• The Canal du Midi : This historic waterway is a true gem of UNESCO’s World Heritage.
  
   
• The Pyrenees The route crosses the Pyrenees via the Col du Somport, offering breathtaking views of the mountains.
  
   

The Way of Tours (La Via Turonensis)

The Via Turonensisalso known as Chemin de Tours or Way of Saint James, is one of the four main French routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. This historic route offers a journey rich in history, culture, and spirituality, crossing the heart of France from Paris to the Pyrenees.

Itinerary of the Via Turonensis

• Origin: Its name comes from Tours, the city that is home to the tomb of Saint Martin, a major figure in medieval Christianity. Pilgrims would first travel to Tours before continuing on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
• Course : The route usually starts at the Saint-Jacques tower in Paris and heads southwest, passing through such emblematic cities as Chartres and Orléans, Tours City, Poitiers and Bordeaux. The route then offers many variations before reaching Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the starting point for the final Spanish stage.
• Length : The total distance is about 1,000 kilometers, making for a long-distance hiking experience.

The Vézelay Way (Via Lemovicensis)

Visit The Vézelay Wayalso known as Via Lemovicensis, is one of the oldest and most beautiful pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. It takes its name from the Basilica of Vézelay, in Burgundyfamous for housing the relics of Mary Magdalene and for having been a major centre of medieval Christianity.

A rich and varied itinerary

This pilgrimage route spans approximately 1,100 kilometers, passing through a variety of landscapes: from the hills of Burgundy to the plains of Limousin, through lush valleys and forests.

The main stages of the Voie de Vézelay include :

• Vézelay The Basilica: A historic starting point, the Basilica is a must-see.
• La Charité-sur-Loire This medieval town boasts a magnificent priory church.
• Bourges : A Gothic cathedral listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Limoges : A City of Art and History, known for its enamelwork.
• Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port : Gateway to the Pyrenees and junction with other St. James routes.

Other routes of the Camino de Santiago in Spain

The Plata Way (Via de la Plata)

Starting in Seville in southern Spain, the Vía de la Plata stretches for about 1,000 km to Santiago de Compostela. Following an ancient Roman road, it passes through regions as varied as Extremadura, Castile and León, and Galicia, offering scenery that ranges from arid plains to lush mountains.

This route invites you to explore an exceptional historical and artistic heritage, featuring Roman ruins, medieval monuments, Romanesque and Gothic churches, and cities listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Less crowded than the Camino Francés, it promises a more peaceful and authentic experience for pilgrims.

The Northern Route (Camino del Norte)

The Northern Way follows the northern coast of Spain, from Irún in the Basque Country to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, through Cantabria and Asturias, covering a distance of approximately 825 km. It partly retraces the medieval coastal pilgrimage route.

Offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, cliffs, beaches, and fishing ports, it also passes through charming towns and villages rich in local cuisine and culture. Pilgrims have the opportunity to discover exceptional sites such as the Cathedral of San Sebastián, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Altamira Cave, the Sanctuary of Covadonga, and the Cathedral of Oviedo.

More challenging than the Camino Francés due to its elevation changes and less developed infrastructure, this route captivates travelers with its wild, untamed character and its diversity.

The Pilgrimage Experience: Tips and Testimonials

Taking the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela is more than just a hike - it's an unforgettable human and spiritual adventure. But how can you make the most of this pilgrimage experience?

What challenges to overcome, what benefits to expect, what emotions to share? Discover practical advice and inspiring stories from those who have walked this path.

Managing physical and mental challenges

The journey to Santiago de Compostela requires rigorous physical and mental preparation. It involves walking for hours every day, over several weeks, while carrying a backpack, regardless of weather conditions or terrain.

Prepare yourself to face fatigue, pain, doubt, and loneliness—but also to embrace joy, gratitude, confidence, and new connections. Listen to your body, stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, take care of your blisters, and don’t forget to nourish your mind as well through meditation, prayer, and rejuvenation.

Be willing to step outside your comfort zone, test your limits, challenge yourself, and transform yourself. Respect your own pace, follow your heart, and blaze your own trail—without comparing yourself to others or letting yourself get discouraged. Remember that this journey isn’t a competition, but a personal and unique quest.

The Spiritual Aspect of the Journey

At its core, the Camino de Santiago is a spiritual journey that invites introspection, encounters with others, and the discovery of the divine. Whether you are a believer or not, it offers a precious opportunity to reconnect with your essence, your soul, and your faith.

It takes us through sites steeped in history, culture, and spirituality, such as churches, abbeys, and chapels. It fosters enriching encounters with people from all walks of life, sharing a moment on the road, a meal, a prayer, or a conversation. These moments of contemplation, silence, and meditation open us to the divine presence, to God’s grace, and to God’s love.

This journey is an experience of conversion, reconciliation and communion, bringing us closer to God and to our true selves.

Pilgrim testimonials

To illustrate the impact of the Camino de Santiago, here are the words of pilgrims sharing their experiences. Michel, from Dieppe, notes: «Striking up conversations with other travelers is truly rewarding; that’s how I came to be invited to share meals and create unforgettable memories.»

José, from La Flèche, advises: «It’s essential to rein in your desire to push forward at all costs and to listen to both your mind and your body to make the right decisions. Missing a point of interest can be frustrating, but turning back is even more so.»

Jean-François, from Paris, reflects: «It’s essential to break free from a set arrival date, not to focus on the final destination, but to experience the journey at your own pace. Few people really take the time needed for such an adventure.»

Patrick, from Orléans, shares a handy tip: «Pack your backpack by always putting your belongings in the same spot, and bring safety pins to secure your personal items (to your bag, to hang them up to dry, etc.). For those prone to blisters, changing your socks every three or four hours can help keep your feet dry and reduce the likelihood of blisters.»

Conclusion

If you dream of an extraordinary adventure, of walking the historic trails of medieval pilgrims, of exploring breathtaking landscapes, of making unforgettable encounters, and of experiencing a profound spiritual renewal, then the Camino de Santiago awaits you. This journey is an invitation to personal growth, inner transformation, and a deeper connection with God and with yourself.

All you have to do is choose your path, pack your bag, and set off on this wonderful adventure. The path is ready to welcome you, guide you, and embrace you in all its splendor.

Enjoy your journey to Santiago de Compostela!

FAQ

Where does the Camino de Compostela begin and end?

The Way of St. James, with its many routes, offers pilgrims a variety of starting and ending points. The most famous route, the Camino Francés, stretches from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Other routes include the Way of San Salvador, connecting León to Oviedo, and the Portuguese Way, which begins in Lisbon and ends in Santiago.

How long is the Camino de Compostela?

The total distance of the Camino de Santiago varies depending on the route chosen. Among the many routes, the Camino Francés is the best known, stretching approximately 930 km from the Pyrenees to Galicia. The other routes, such as the Way of Le Puy, the Way of Arles, and the Way of Vézelay, range in length from 800 km to 1,500 km.

What is the route of the Camino de Compostela?

The routes of the Camino de Santiago all lead to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, famous for its cathedral, which houses the relics of St. James the Apostle. In France, the four main historic routes include the Le Puy Route, the Arles Route, the Vézelay Route, and the Tours Route, each offering unique landscapes, monuments, and challenges.

Where does the Camino de Compostela begin?

The starting points of the Camino de Santiago vary depending on the route chosen. In France, the most popular starting point is the cathedral in Le Puy-en-Velay, while in Spain, pilgrims often begin in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port for the Camino Francés and in Irun for the Camino del Norte.

Find out more: itineraries on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela