French Way from Sarria
The last 115 km of the French Way from Sarria to Santiago. The most popular section with the greatest pilgrim atmosphere, perfect for obtaining the Compostela in less than a week.
Route description
French Way from Sarria
The French Way from Sarria is the favorite Jacobean route for thousands of pilgrims worldwide to experience the magic of the Camino de Santiago and earn the coveted Compostela certificate, comfortably exceeding the required 100 km on foot.
The itinerary crosses the greenest and most authentic rural Galicia: stone villages with centuries-old granaries (hórreos), lush oak and chestnut forests, and historic towns like Portomarín, Palas de Rei, Melide, Arzúa, and O Pedrouzo.
With handpicked charming stays, daily luggage transfers, and continuous support, you will enjoy the authentic pilgrim adventure with complete peace of mind and the best value for money.
Highlights
- Medieval historic quarter and fortress of Sarria
- Crossing the Miño River into historic Portomarín
- Romanesque fortress-church of San Nicolás in Portomarín
- Lameiros stone cross and traditional rural Galician villages
- Traditional gastronomy: pulpo á feira in Melide and Arzúa cheese
- Monte do Gozo with the first panoramic view of the Cathedral towers
- Triumphant arrival at Plaza del Obradoiro in Santiago de Compostela
Technical Sheet
Day by day planning
Recommended Stages
Sarria
Individual arrival in Sarria and check-in at your accommodation. Free afternoon to explore its medieval old town, visit the fortress and Santa Mariña church, and pick up your pilgrim credential.
Points of interest
- Fortress and medieval quarter of Sarria
- Magdalena Monastery
- Rúa Maior and valley viewpoint
Sarria → Portomarín
First walking day through lovely forest corridors, oak groves and small Galician hamlets with traditional granaries. Descend across the bridge over the Miño river into Portomarín.
Points of interest
- Traditional hamlets of Barbadelo and Rente
- Bridge over Belesar reservoir and Miño river
- Fortress-church of San Nicolás in Portomarín
Portomarín → Palas de Rei
Gentle initial ascent crossing the Sierra de Ligonde along rural paths and tracks surrounded by meadows and centuries-old stone crosses to reach Palas de Rei.
Points of interest
- Sierra de Ligonde and Lameiros stone cross
- Romanesque church of Vilar de Donas
- Rural cattle-farming landscapes of Lugo
Palas de Rei → Arzúa
Stage entering the province of A Coruña, passing through the town of Melide, the junction with the Original Way (Camino Primitivo) and the best spot to taste authentic Galician octopus.
Points of interest
- Medieval bridge of Furelos
- Melide: junction with Camino Primitivo and octopus taverns
- Land of Arzúa-Ulloa designation cheese
Arzúa → O Pedrouzo
Pleasant and comfortable walking day through shaded forest tracks of eucalyptus and oak trees, passing quiet hamlets before the final evening prior to Santiago.
Points of interest
- Chapel and fountain of Santa Irene
- Oak and eucalyptus woodlands
- Pilgrim eve atmosphere in O Pedrouzo
O Pedrouzo → Santiago de Compostela
Final and exciting stage. Reach Monte do Gozo to catch your first glimpse of the Cathedral towers, and descend triumphantly into the Plaza del Obradoiro.
Points of interest
- Monte do Gozo and Pilgrim Monument
- Porta do Camiño entry into the historic center
- Plaza del Obradoiro and Cathedral of Santiago
Get Inspired
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