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Bike Tour in the Camino de Santiago - Cycling the French Way from León

Highlights:

This tour in a nutshell

Bike Tour in the Camino de Santiago - Cycling the French Way from León

Camino de Santiago, Galiza, León
 - 
Spain

The so-called French Way is the Jacobean route par excellence and, undoubtedly, the most travelled at all times in the history of the pilgrimage to Santiago.

Several texts from the XI century speak of it and it is already described as a “mass phenomenon” in a text written by a monk in the 12th century, known today as the “Codex Calixtino” and considered the first tourist guide of history. The French Way was the first to be properly signposted and this is thanks to a parish priest of O Cebreiro, the creator of the yellow arrow symbol. The priest, named Elías, decided to rehabilitate the hospital of pilgrims in his parish and, as the pilgrims told him that they were lost on the way from France, in 1984 he bought surplus paint to mark the roads. With a carriage and two horses, he went from Roncesvalles to Santiago, marking with an arrow all the intersections susceptible of creating confusion for the pilgrims. The yellow arrow as well as the scallop, are used and present to date, throughout the several routes of this pilgrimage. Starting from León and cycling just over 300 km until the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, you'll ride across the Iberian plateau through the trails, woods and ancient roads of the Way (or "Camino" in Spanish). Witness the architectural and artistic religious heritage of towns and cities like León, Astorga, Ponferrada and Sarria, while savouring the rich Spanish gastronomy and wines. Stay in a variety of historical and charm rural hotels, or a SPA hotel set in the countryside.

Hear from our guests

Terrain Type
Mountain
Altimetry
833m daily average
Distance
54km daily average
Duration
8 days
Rider Type
Experienced, Intermediate
Bike Type
E-Bike, Mountain Bike, Touring Bike
Arrival Airport:
León / Madrid
Departure Airport:
Santiago de Compostela / Vigo
Start Location:
León
Finish Location:
Santiago de Compostela

Gallery:

A closer look at the region
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada Church 1
Bike Tour French Way 2 1
Bike Tour French Way Bridge
Bike Tour French Way Yellow Arrow
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada 7
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada 5
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada 3
Bike Tour French Way Molinaseca 1
Bike Tour French Way
Cycling Camino Frances Astorga 3 1
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada Castle
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada Church 1
Bike Tour French Way 2 1
Bike Tour French Way Bridge
Bike Tour French Way Yellow Arrow
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada 7
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada 5
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada 3
Bike Tour French Way Molinaseca 1
Bike Tour French Way
Cycling Camino Frances Astorga 3 1
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada Castle
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Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada Church 1
Bike Tour French Way 2 1
Bike Tour French Way Bridge
Bike Tour French Way Yellow Arrow
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada 7
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada 5
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada 3
Bike Tour French Way Molinaseca 1
Bike Tour French Way
Cycling Camino Frances Astorga 3 1
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada Castle
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Day to Day:

What you'll be experiencing everyday

Day 1: Pick up from the airport/train station of León and transfer to your hotel

Tour briefing and bike setup at your hotel. Free afternoon to visit the spectacular monuments of the city like the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria de León, the Guzmanes Palace or the Casa Botines, among others. Hotel: Hospedaria Monastica Pax or Hotel Real Colegiata San Isidoro // Parador de León (“premium” option)

Day 2: Ride from León to Astorga's outskirts – 58 to 62km and 561 meters of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel. To mark the start of your Camino, visit the city’s Cathedral if you haven’t done so yet. Start by riding towards the San Marco Roman Bridge and leaving León. Soon after Virgen del Camino the route will take you southwest, mostly on flat agricultural gravel roads, past Hospital de Orbigo and Cruz de Santo Toribio. Soon you’ll arrive in Astorga, known for its medieval, walled Old Town. Ride eastwards for more 4 to 9km, and arrive at your hotel. Hotel: Casa Rural Las Águedas or Hotel Rural Via Avis (“premium” option)

Day 3: Ride from Astorga’s outskirts to Villafranca del Bierzo - 71km and 937 meters of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel. Pedalling along the well-worn path, a gentle ascent will take you to Cruz de Ferro, where for centuries pilgrims have left stones, brought from their hometowns, symbolizing their burdens. Keep riding through the charming town of Ponferrada, until arriving in Villa Franca del Bierzo, welcoming you with its cobbled streets and rustic charm, a resting haven for pilgrims and travellers alike. Hotel: Parador Villafranca or Plaza Mayor // Las Doñas del Portazgo (“premium” option)

Day 4: Ride from Villafranca del Bierzo to Samos - 59 to 65km and 1285 meters of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel. On this day you will face the famous climb of the French Way - the long and asphalted uphill to the mystical village of O Cebreiro, the gateway to Galicia. Perched atop a mountain, O Cebreiro boasts traditional stone houses with thatched roofs and unique paloozas, offering a glimpse into the region's rustic past. It was a parish priest of o Cebreiro in the 80s who first created the "famous" yellow arrows on the Camino, pointing the way to Santiago. Your journey brings you to Samos, where the 6th-century Benedictine Monastery of San Julián awaits. Hotel: A Casa da Botica or Hotel Rural Casa de Díaz / Casas de Outeiro ("premium” option)

Day 5: Ride from Samos to Portomarín – 37 to 52km and 642 to 998 meters of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel. Begin the day on rolling hills, riding past quaint Galician villages while surrounded by lush greenery. Soon enough you’ll arrive in Sarria, with its historic streets and charming cafes, and the starting point for many walking the Camino. Continuing, the path takes you through picturesque woodlands, through the tranquil Galician countryside. Then, across the Miño River, you'll arrive in Portomarín, a town steeped in history and adorned with Romanesque architecture. Hotel: Vistalegre Hotel Spa or As Torres da Hermida (“premium” option)

Day 6: Ride from Portomarín to Arzúa – 42 to 55km and 692 to 1034 meters of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel. Riding out of Portomarín, you’ll be immersed in the region's stunning landscapes, adorned with lush greenery and rolling hills. Passing by historical towns such as Palas de Rei, the route will lead you to the bustling town of Melide, renowned for its delectable Galician cuisine. Reaching Arzúa, the end of this stage, take some time to explore the town's landmarks, such as the Chapel of La Magdalena or the Church of Santiago, each bearing tales of centuries-old devotion. Hotel: Rectoral de Boente or 1930 Boutique Hotel (“premium” option)

Day 7: Ride from Arzúa to Santiago de Compostela - 39km and 729 meters of total climbing

This stage begins by running along long stretches of forest tracks between trees, with stops in small villages. The N-547 will be always close, crossing occasionally, and more often from Salceda onwards. After passing O Amenal and Lavacolla, we take the last ramp of the French Way: the ascent to O Monte do Gozo, the first place from which we will see the towers of the cathedral. Another 3 Km and you’ll arrive at Santiago’s Cathedral. Hotel: Virxe da Cerca // Parador Santiago or Quinta da Auga (“premium” option)

Day 8: Transfer to Santiago/Vigo airport

Breakfast at your hotel, followed by check-out. At the scheduled time, transfer from your hotel to Santiago de Compostela or Vigo's airport.

Map:

Where you'll be riding

Options and Prices

Choose how you want to experience this tour

Self Guided

- Private tour, starts any day -
- Minimum of 2 guests -
from 1790€ per guest

Guided

- Private tour, starts any day -
- Minimum of 4 guests -
from 2700€ per guest

Premium

- Private tour, starts any day -
- Minimum of 4 guests -
from 3500€ per guest
- Guaranteed departures -
- No minimum of guests required -

Join a Group Tour

Join this tour on a group with other riders, on the following dates:
from 2700€ per guest

Book this tour

Choose your start date and tour option to book

Why choose Live Love Ride

What can you expect in this tour

Bikes you'll be using in this tour:

A brand new bike fleet, with the best gear and equipment for you to enjoy this tour

You'll also be enjoying:

Authentic experiences to showcase the best of this region

This tour is better suited for:

Tours designed for different types of riders

We'll support you on this tour

All our guided and premium options include:

Trip Leader

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European Offices

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Portugal

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E-mail: ridewithus @ https://llride.com
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