The (French) Way of Santiago de Compostella is a complex and not always easy itinerary, for this reason it is important to be equipped in the right way and collect some preparatory information for the trip.
The French Way is the one that starts from the city of Saint-Jean Pied de Port, on the French side of the Pyrenees, crosses the regions of Navarre, La Rioja, Castilla y Léon and Galicia, and ends in Santiago de Compostela. The route is about 800 km long (on foot) and is traditionally divided into about 35 stages, arranged along generally dirt roads between woods and plateaus. The cities, villages and countryside crossed by this path have a remarkable artistic, cultural and landscape wealth and you will often stop to take photos: Pamplona, Logrono, Leòn, Astorga and Santiago de Compostela itself are just some examples.
The French Way is the most popular and most organized route: every 10-25 km there are hostels (albergue) for pilgrims along the road, where you can eat and sleep at reduced prices. Although it is not necessary to be an expert cyclist, the bike ride can be challenging, also due to the variable climate: the stages of this walk are in fact all flat, but there is no lack of elevations that require a discreet commitment, especially if you are carrying a heavy luggage.