Camino de Santiago - Cycling the French Way from León

The so-called French Way is the Jacobean route par excellence and, undoubtedly, the most traveled 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 the surplus paint to mark the roads and with a carriage and two horses he went from Roncesvalles to Santiago. It marked with an arrow all the places susceptible to create confusion for the pilgrims. Since then, that symbol of signaling, along with the scallop, has been maintained.

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, as said 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.

Type of Terrain: Mixed with hilly, rolling and mountainous areas. Best ridden on a Touring or Mountain bike.
Rolling stages: Flatter and rolling stages of León to Astorga, Ponferrada to Las Herrerias, after O Cebreiro until Sarria, and then all the way to Santiago.
Hilly stages: Mountainous section of Astorga to Cruz de Ferro, O Cebreiro and to the town of Arzúa.
Landscape: Iberian central plateau, mountain range, agricultural fields, small populations along the main road, historical buildings as monasteries and churches