The French Way
Nature, tradition, and tranquility along one of the most authentic routes of the Camino de Santiago.
The great Way of St James route that crosses Navarre
From the Pyrenees to the vineyard-dotted lands of Tierra Estella, the French Way winds its way through Navarre amongst mountains, forests, historic villages and some of the great monuments of the Way of St James. Pilgrims have travelled this route for centuries, leaving behind a shared history that can still be seen in its churches, bridges, hospitals and streets. Designated a World Heritage Site and a European Cultural Route, it is one of Europe’s great pilgrimage routes and the best-known Way of St James.
Why walk the French Way?
Walking the French Way as it passes through Navarre allows you to discover, within just a few kilometres, a wide variety of landscapes and heritage. The route enters the region via Luzaide/Valcarlos or via the Napoleon Route in the Pyrenees, and continues on to Orreaga/Roncesvalles, one of the places most closely linked to the tradition of the Camino de Santiago. From there, the route descends through beech woods and valleys until it reaches Pamplona, where the path meets the city’s history, walls and ancient bridges.
Further on lies the Sierra del Perdón, one of the most recognisable landmarks on this route thanks to its sculpture complex and the views over the Pamplona basin and Tierra Estella. The route continues to Puente la Reina, a town closely linked to pilgrimages and the junction between the French Way and the route from Sangüesa.
From here, the landscape changes and some of the most iconic sites along the Navarrese section come into view: Estella-Lizarra, the wine fountain at the monastery of Irache, the church of Santa María in Los Arcos, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Torres del Río and, finally, the city walls of Viana, the last town in Navarre before entering La Rioja.
Beyond its heritage, the route offers an insight into an essential part of Navarran culture. The cuisine, wines, local traditions and the hospitality of the villages accompany the pilgrim along the way, giving each stage its own unique character.
Frequently Asked Questions
The entire French Way is approximately 780–800 kilometres long, depending on the chosen route. The main section in Navarre, between Orreaga/Roncesvalles and Viana, covers around 134 kilometres, although the distance increases if you start at the border and include the approach via Luzaide/Valcarlos or the Route of Napoleon.
There isn’t a single stage that can be considered the most beautiful, as it depends on each pilgrim’s preferences. In Navarre, the Pyrenean route between Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Orreaga/Roncesvalles stands out in particular for its forests and mountain scenery, as does the stage between Pamplona and Puente la Reina, which crosses the Sierra del Perdón and offers sweeping panoramic views.
The stage between Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Orreaga/Roncesvalles is one of the most demanding on the French Way. The mountainous route involves an elevation gain of over 1,000 metres over some 25 kilometres. During the winter, between 1 November and 31 March, it is recommended to take the Luzaide/Valcarlos alternative route, which is safer than the route along the Route de Napoléon.
To walk the entire French Way takes approximately 30–35 days, although the time depends on your pace, the stages you choose and the stops you make. The Navarre section can normally be completed in 6–7 days.
The difficulty varies considerably along the route. The initial section through the Pyrenees is the most demanding, particularly due to the steep gradients. There are also stony descents, such as that of the Sierra del Perdón, and some sections in the Central Zone with considerable distances between towns. It is advisable to plan your stages carefully, carry sufficient water and wear suitable footwear.
