Cycling the Camino Frances on a Budget

Starting in Roncesvalles, cycling the full French Way will bring you to the most stunning places along the Camino. Passing by the most important regions in the north of Spain will teach you a lot about Spanish culture. This trip is amazing for the cyclist who loves to see different landscapes. It's also the best way to see many picturesque towns and learn about the lifestyle and the people that have been influenced by the Camino along your way.

Starting in Roncesvalles, this leg of the French Way will bring you to the vibrant city of Burgos. This section is great for cyclists who want to enjoy different landscapes, from the foothills of the Pyrenees to fields of sunflowers, from woodland to red earth vineyards. It also has many historical cities as well as picturesque towns, and visitors can enjoy different regional cultures as they journey from the Basque Country to Castilla y Leon, not to mention the wine-dedicated region of La Rioja.

Starting from Burgos, mediaeval city and home of a UNESCO World Heritage listed cathedral, this section of the French Way by bike offers some of the best historical and cultural sights of the whole Camino. It passes through Leon and the vast Castilian Plateau before reaching another mediaeval bastion – the buzzing city of Ponferrada. The mostly flat and gentle terrain makes it accessible to any cyclist with an average level of fitness.

Starting in the mountain-hugging town of Ponferrada and finishing in Santiago de Compostela, this section crosses both the Castilla y Leon and Galicia regions. Leaving the mediaeval city of Ponferrada, this Camino crosses the magnificent O’Cebreiro Mountains before heading towards the heart of Galicia and its lush green hills. This section can be physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness, but it is also a highly rewarding leg of the Camino, offering beautiful landscapes and numerous cultural sights.