French Camino by Bike
From León to Santiago

Make your way to León to prepare for your French Camino by bike.

Accommodation in León with breakfast included. Take some time to discover this lively city before you set out on your French Camino by bike.

León is famous for its Gaudí-inspired buildings, the iconic Gothic Cathedral, and the energetic vibe of its historic quarter, giving you lots to explore and enjoy.

This first day on the French Camino by bike is relatively straightforward. The terrain becomes easier as you approach Astorga, one of Spain’s oldest and largest dioceses. Along the way, you’ll pass the striking Episcopal Palace, a masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí.

This is a climbing stage of the French Camino by bike, but the rewards are worth the effort. You’ll ride through traditional villages like Foncebadón, a classic Maragato hamlet perched high in the hills.

Soon after, you’ll arrive at the Cruz de Hierro (Iron Cross) — the highest point of the French Camino at 1,500 metres. Here, many pilgrims pause to leave a small stone or memento, symbolising the burdens or hopes carried along the way.

From this emotional peak, it’s a sweeping descent into Ponferrada, where the imposing Castle of the Knights Templar awaits. The castle offers a glimpse into the medieval history of the region, and after touring the fortress, you may want to indulge in the culinary delights of Ponferrada — particularly the region’s Pulpo a Feira (octopus), widely regarded as the best you’ll ever taste. This traditional dish is a must-try, though it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted or vegan crowd! While I have probably totally disenfranchised the vegan and vegetarian community, I have to add the local “botillo“. Some describe it like haggis, for me it’s a reason to meet up with friends.

If octopus or botillo aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other hearty Galician specialties to enjoy, including rich stews, local cheeses, and fresh seafood.

Villafranca del Bierzo is just 24 kilometers away from Ponferrada. From there, the path leads to La Faba, where you can choose between two detours. It’s advisable to take the route that leads to the hostel since it offers an easier terrain.

At this stage, you will be leaving León and entering Galicia, to be specific, the province of Lugo. As you prepare for the last leg of your journey to O Cebreiro, you’ll encounter the impressive pre-Romanesque Church of Santa María la Real, a significant landmark along the French Camino for cyclists.

Following these two climbs, the remainder of the day offers a satisfying downhill ride into Triacastela. At this point, the path divides. One route takes you along the LU-633 to Samos, where you can explore the impressive Benedictine monastery before heading to Sarria. The alternative route veers right through San Xil, which is 6.5 km shorter but requires more physical effort.

No matter which path you select, both will take you to Sarria on the French Camino by bike.

Separated by the Ligonde mountain range, the path goes through Portomarín and Monterroso. As you travel, you can visit interesting places like the Church of Santa María in Portomarín, the Chapel of San Marcos, and the Crucero de Lameiros in Ventas de Narón. A particularly intriguing stop is the Pilgrims’ Cemetery in Ligonde. Your day will conclude in Palas de Rei, where you’ll reach the Church of San Tirso — yet another unforgettable experience on your French Camino by bike.

Today’s journey will lead you through Arzúa and Pedrouzo, where the paths are smooth and easy to navigate. However, as you near Santiago Airport, the landscape gets a bit more challenging. Many pilgrims opt to get off their bikes and walk during this section. An important landmark on this last stretch is Monte do Gozo. At the top, many pilgrims get their first sight of the Cathedral towers. After that, it’s just a few more kilometres until you arrive at the magnificent Santiago Cathedral  — the ultimate goal and finishing point of your French Camino by bike.

• Accommodation in a single or double room with breakfast included.
• Transport of backpacks for each of the stages along the route (max. 15 Kg per backpack).
• Accommodation along the way: Hotels, rural houses, hostels or pensions.
• Guided tour of Santiago (historic centre): 2h in Spanish.
• Information folder.
• Travel insurance with 24-hour telephone assistance service.

• Support car.
• Transfers IN/OUT
• Bicycle rental (this can be arranged)

Price per person (double): €609

Price per person (single): €869

Supplements: July +€25

August, September, Easter, Long-weekends, Bank Holidays: +€50

• Discount for third person in extra bed sharing room with 2 adults 10%.
• Half board supplement (no discount for 3rd person) per person/night €18.00
• Picnic lunch supplement: sandwich, drink and dessert person/day €9.40
• Santiago-Sarria airport transfer supplement: (max. 4)* €162.50
• Santiago city to Santiago airport transfer supplement: (1 to 3 people) €41.25
• Santiago city to Santiago airport transfer supplement: (4 to 7 people) €63.75
• Private transfers and/or support car during the route: please ask.
• Cancellation insurance: please ask.
• Extra excursions available out of Santiago de Compostela.
• * FLIGHT DELAYS OR WAITING FOR LUGGAGE CLAIM: €25.00/HOUR
• ** The prices published on this page come from one provider and are only meant to give you a rough idea of the potential cost.