A surprising itinerary discovering the Camino French way, starting in Pamplona and continuing for 95 km to Logroño, the capital of La Rioja Region.
Start the Camino French way in Pamplona, famous for its Bull Running festival, and finish in Logroño at the heart of the Rioja wine region. Enjoy an attractive hike in hilly Navarra with its 12th-century castles, picturesque villages, and vineyards.
Discover with WAW.travel the steps along the way and our itinerary!
Camino French way: participate in San Fermin festival!
This section of the the Camino French way to Santiago de Compostela starts in the city of Pamplona, world-famous for its San Fermín running of the bulls festival, taking place from 7th July every year. From Pamplona, the Camino French way takes visitors to the photogenic pilgrim sculpture at Alto del Perdón, where you will enjoy fantastic 360 panoramic views of Pamplona, the valley, and the vast countryside ahead, before continuing on your way.
In this section of the Camino French way, you will walk across the mountains of Navarra and the red earth vineyards of La Rioja, passing medieval bridges, castles, churches, and picturesque villages along the way, such as Puente de la Reina, Cirauqui, Estella-Lizarra, and Viana. Stop at Bodegas Irache for a rest and a quick sip at the free wine fountain!
This section of the Camino French way finishes in Logroño, capital of La Rioja wine region, and a fantastic city to discover authentic Spanish ‘tapas’. On the last day, you can choose to split the walking into two days so you can relax and enjoy the scenery a little longer. We highly recommend spending a night in the Viana if you have an extra day.
See these highlights of the Camino French way in our itinerary!
Camino French way: from Pamplona to Logroño!
Logroño
Logroño is the capital city of La Rioja. However it owes its prominence in the region to the Camino de Santiago which has passed through its cobbled streets since the Middle Ages. The Puente de Piedra is the oldest bridge crossing the river Ebo into Logrono and is still used today by pilgrims during the Camino French way. Sampling the local wine when here is a must do but also is trying some of the local dishes in one of the many bars and restaurants you will discover as you wander the historic centre where you will also encounter the Cathedral of Santa María la Redonda where there is a painting of the Christ on the Cross by Michelangelo.
Estella
This vibrant city has been an important stopping point on the Camino French way since the Middle Ages. Walking around its historic centre you can feel the energy of the many people that have passed through on the Camino. With is medieval castles, temples, palaces and squares there is much to see and with it all easily accessible on foot, so be sure to explore!
La Rioja Wine
While travelling the Camino French way, you’ll have the opportunity to sample the world-famous Rioja wine, which is produced with grapes in the region. There is even fountains, that instead of water refresh the pilgrims with wine!! One such famous one is at Bodegas Irache – Funete del Vino.
DAY TO DAY PROGRAM OF CAMINO FRENCH WAY FROM PAMPLONA TO LOGROŃO
Day 1 of the Camino French way: Arrival in Pamplona.
You will start the Camino French way in the heart of Pamplona, a well-preserved, historic city in north-eastern Spain that dates from Roman times. Spend your afternoon visiting Pamplona’s “old town”, La Navarrería and its 12th century neighbourhoods of San Nicolas and Cernin, and indulge in delicious pintxos (tapas) in one of the bars. Pamplona was also the setting for the Ernest Hemingway novel “The Sun Also Rises“, published in 1926 and its world-famous San Fermin festivities. On July 14th Spaniards and tourists alike gather around the gated streets to watch those crazy few run with the bulls to the bullring.
