Every great journey begins only with dreaming about it.
Indicates the number of persons
Full and customizable services for a worry-free experience on the Wey of Santiago.
Remember that the cost of the optional services chosen will be added to the base price of your route. We are committed to making your pilgrimage an unforgettable and carefree experience. Welcome to the Wey!
Discover the Wey of Santiago towards the majestic Santiago de Compostela.
Welcome to the beginning of your journey. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Breakfast and start of the first stage of our French Way from León.
We leave León, like any large city, passing through residential and industrial areas. The stage follows dirt and asphalt tracks, very close to the road.
We highlight the passage through Virgen del Wey, Valverde de la Virgen, and San Miguel del Wey, until our arrival at San Martín del Wey.
Arrival at San Martín del Wey. End of the stage. Lodging.
Breakfast and start of the stage.
A stage similar to the previous one until we reach Hospital de Orbigo, where we encounter the spectacular medieval bridge, which gave rise to the historical event of the Deed of Don Suero de Quiñones.
From here, the Wey of Santiago from León runs along a beautiful path, with wooded areas, moors, and cultivated zones.
The Cruceiro de Santo Toribio precedes our imminent arrival in Astorga, with its fabulous Cathedral and the Episcopal Palace, a work by Gaudí.
Arrival in Astorga. End of the stage. Lodging.
Breakfast and start of the stage.
We enter fully into the Maragateria Region, an area of moors with typical stone houses and large colorful wooden gates. A beautiful stage with no difficulty.
Castrillo de los Polvazares and Santa Catalina de Somoza are some small rural nuclei that we will encounter. Lands known for their famous Cocido Maragato, the only one eaten backward.
Arrival at Rabanal del Wey. End of the stage. Lodging.
Breakfast and start of the stage.
Spectacular stage, with a climb to Foncebadón and the mythical Cruz de Ferro, the highest point of the French Way.
Throughout the route, the landscape will captivate us with splendid views of the Montes de León and the Bierzo Region.
Small and typical towns like Foncebadón, El Acebo, Riego de Ambrós, and Molinaseca, with its beautiful medieval bridge, are some of the localities on our stage today, until we reach Ponferrada, with its magnificent Templar Castle.
Arrival in Ponferrada. End of the stage. Lodging.
RECOMMENDATION
This stage of the Wey of Santiago from León is the longest, so if your intention is to do the route without rushing, it would be advisable to split the stage into two days:
Stage from Rabanal del Wey to El Acebo (16 Kms)
Stage from El Acebo to Ponferrada (16 Kms)
Breakfast and start of the stage.
Stage that initially passes through numerous urban areas until Camponaraya. From there, areas of vineyards and dirt tracks, with Cacabelos as the main witness, will accompany us on our Way to Villafranca del Bierzo with its wonderful monuments and churches, such as the Romanesque Church of Santiago.
Arrival in Villafranca del Bierzo. End of the stage. Lodging.
Breakfast and start of the stage.
The arrival in Galicia, ending in the mythical O Cebreiro, marks today’s stage. Paths, starting from Villafranca, until entering the Valcarce Valley, with its numerous and typical Berzian villages, with slate roofs and granite walls.
Las Herrerías and Hospital lead directly to the steep ascent to La Faba and Laguna de Castilla, with impressive views, until our long-awaited arrival at O Cebreiro, with its Romanesque Church of Santa María, one of the historical gems of the Way, and the birthplace of the legend of the Galician Holy Grail.
Arrival in O Cebreiro. End of the stage and of our Way of Santiago from O Cebreiro. Lodging.
If you have more days, you can extend your Way of Santiago from O Cebreiro.
We’re coming to the last day of your trip! Enjoy breakfast and conclude this unforgettable experience with us. Thank you for being part of this adventure!
This itinerary will take you through the most popular stages, allowing you to experience the beauty and culture of the Wey of Santiago. Be sure to book accommodation in advance, as it can get crowded, especially in the high season.
Safe travels and buen Wey!
In our constant effort to provide the best experience to our customers, we want to assure you that we are committed to your rest and comfort. The accommodations we offer have been carefully selected and provide private rooms with private bathrooms, along with all the necessary services to make the most of your stay. It is important to note that we will never put you up in hostels.
Since these accommodations have a limited capacity, we will provide you with the exact name once you confirm your reservation and we verify availability on the dates of your choice. Your satisfaction is our priority!
The French Way is one of the most popular routes to Santiago de Compostela. It is chosen by thousands of pilgrims every year, who apart from charming landscapes and steeped in history, have plenty of amenities on their way. You will meet the friendliness of all its citizens, as well as good signposting, shelters and so on.
Gastronomy is another point worth highlighting in this section. You will enjoy options tailored to all tastes and requirements, always prepared with fresh local products, where tradition is always present.
In this guide, we want to show you some of the most typical dishes of your organized trip along the Way of Santiago as you pass between León and Lugo. We will also suggest some of the best restaurants along this stretch.
Recipes loaded with tradition, passed down from generation to generation, and in many cases still prepared following the same processes. Here are some typical dishes you can savor from León to Lugo.
Includes a sauce that becomes the protagonist of the dish. It will allow you to have a different perspective on the typical omelette once you try this peculiar and unique version.
Firstly, it’s a common potato omelette, and you can choose whether you want it with onion and garlic or if you prefer to skip these. The sauce is made from sautéed garlic and onion in a pan, accompanied by bay leaves and some chili peppers.
To this preparation, sweet paprika, wheat flour, and white wine are added, and then grated tomatoes and a touch of water are added. Afterward, all these ingredients are blended, and the sauce is used to cook the omelette for a few more minutes, and it’s ready.
Another classic from León that you must try, no matter what. This is a very traditional alternative in this area. In ancient times, it was very common to feed field workers due to its high caloric content. It provided them with energy to face long days.
It is made with chorizo, pork cuts such as ribs, trotters, bacon, and fat, vegetables and legumes, and, of course, chickpeas. Additionally, you can also include eggs and crumbs of hard bread.
You should know that it is eaten “upside down”. First, the meats, then the chickpeas, vegetables and legumes, and finally the broth.
We must say it from the outset; it is not a precisely cheap dish, but its exquisite flavor deserves it.
It is a traditional lobster from the area but prepared in a particular way. There are two forms: the first is grilled or grilled, and the second is boiled.
Another characteristic that makes this preparation so special is that this species is quite scarce, so it is not widely exported.
Another of the preparations with a long tradition in Lugo and the entire Galicia region in general. History says that this was the ideal preparation. It was also very common for field workers returning home after a long winter day.
It is made from turnip tops, turnip greens, potatoes, cabbage, pork fat, white beans, as well as chorizo or bacon. All the ingredients are cooked together, and once ready, they are served with slices of fresh bread.
Made with cow’s milk, it is one of the most traditional and consumed cheeses throughout Galicia. It has a distinctive taste and a characteristic mushroom-like shape.
You should know that O Cebreiro is the Galician gateway to the Way of Santiago, and this cheese has been a true tradition among pilgrims for many centuries. In fact, it was the favorite of the Spanish Crown for a long time, with significant orders placed for long periods.
If you’re a lover of good cheeses on your way through the town of Arzua on the Way of Santiago from Sarria, you can taste their famous Tetilla cheeses with designation of origin.
Once you enter this stage, there are many excellent options to enjoy traditional cuisine at its best. Among the best establishments in the area, these are worth a visit:
Located on Santiago Street in Astorga, Las Termas is a traditional inn in this area. In the heart of the city, its name is due to the fact that the ancient Roman baths were located right in this area.
Their specialty is the “cocido maragato” (Maragato stew). However, they have a fairly varied menu, always featuring cured meats, León-style cured beef, scrambled eggs, and croquettes. If you’re not a fan of stews, they also offer fish and meat dishes.
You should know that this restaurant is very popular in the area, so the recommendation is always to make your reservation at least two days in advance.
Very close to the Town Hall square, O Xantar is one of the most popular restaurants in Ponferrada. Their offer is quite extensive and varied, so you will undoubtedly find a dish that suits your preferences while maintaining local tradition.
Its menu includes seafood, meats and, of course, many cured meats and wine so that you can enjoy your best moments here.
On Truqueles Street, Mesón Don Pancho lives up to its name from every point of view. Regardless of the time or day you come, you will enjoy traditional cuisine at its best.
You can taste broths, stews, meats, fish, seafood, and cured meats. Its menu is extensive, varied, and generous, not forgetting its selection of wines, where you will be amazed by the variety at your fingertips.
At this point on the Way of Santiago, you’re tired and quite hungry. Mesón Antón is a wonderful place to recharge and regain energy through its exquisite preparations.
Their options are based on traditional homemade cuisine, with fresh products and recipes that remain unchanged over the years.
We provide you with various options on how to get to the French Way starting in León.
Option 1: Private car and leave the vehicle parked in León.
Option 2: Bus. You can reach León with different bus companies.
Option 3: Train (Renfe)
Upon your arrival in León, begins an experience you will never forget, where we recommend what to see and do on your Way of Santiago from León.
STAGE FROM LEÓN TO SAN MARTIN DEL WEY AND ASTORGA
The Gothic Cathedral of León, known for the beauty of its stained glass windows and the balance of its heights, with the Latin epithet “Pulcra Leonina,” opens the door to the medieval center of the city.
The Royal Collegiate Church of León, representing a magnificent monumental complex initiated in the Romanesque style. The museum houses the exceptional Chalice of Doña Urraca. At the end of the 11th century, the Royal Pantheon was constructed.
The Convent of San Marcos in León, which was a former priory of the Order of Chivalry of Santiago, features a spectacular Plateresque facade from the 16th century.
Moving on to the stage, the Church of Villadangos is dedicated to Santiago Apóstol, the patron saint of the town. It is a Latin cross-shaped temple from the late 17th or early 18th century.
In Astorga, the Cathedral of Santa María in Gothic style stands out, along with its neo-Gothic Episcopal Palace designed by Gaudí. We also highlight its magnificent Town Hall and city walls.
STAGE ASTORGA-RABANAL DEL WEY
In Valdeviejas, just 1 km from Astorga, we find the Parish Church of San Verisimo.
In Murias de Rechivaldo, its 18th-century Church dedicated to San Esteban stands out, featuring a relief of the Virgin del Pilar and a statue of San Roque the pilgrim.
In Santa Catalina de Somoza, its Parish Church of Santa Maria stands out, housing a relic of San Blas.
In El Ganso, the parish church dedicated to St. James stands out, which has a carving of the Saint dressed as a pilgrim dating from
16th century In the atrium there is a chapel known as the Christ of the pilgrims.
In Rabanal del Wey, we find the Hermitage of the Holy Christ of the True Cross. On Calle Mayor, there is the 18th-century Hermitage of San Jose, the Hospital of San Gregorio, and the house of the four corners. In the upper part, the Church of Santa María, in Romanesque style, is located.
STAGE FROM RABANAL DEL WEY TO PONFERRADA
At the entrance of Foncebadón, we encounter the Cruz del Ferro: there are many theories surrounding this mythical cross. Some say it dates back to Roman times when travelers would leave a stone at the Sanctuary of the God Mercury, seeking protection on their journey. Others indicate that the stone is taken from each pilgrim’s place of origin as a symbol of their sins, and leaving it there would signify the intention to start a new life. However, the theories are numerous and from different perspectives.
In Manjarín, where there was formerly a 16th-century pilgrims’ hospital.
In El Acebo, the Parish Church of San Miguel and its Calle Real stand out.
In Molinaseca, there is the Chapel of the Virgin of Sorrows, a Baroque-style building from the 18th century. The neoclassical San Nicolas de Bari church highlights its sculpture of San Roque the pilgrim. Also, admire its Romanesque bridge over the Meruelo.
In Ponferrada, the Templar Castle is one of the oldest and most beautiful examples of military architecture in Spain. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Oak and the Convent of the Conceptionists. Noteworthy is its Town Hall with its famous Clock Tower.
STAGE FROM PONFERRADA TO VILLAFRANCA DEL BIERZO
Villafranca del Bierzo is another city that was born and became important thanks to the Way:
The Church of Santiago, a Romanesque single-nave temple famous for the “Door of Forgiveness.” It is the only one that has the privilege, along with the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, of granting full indulgence to pilgrims who, due to physical reasons or illness, cannot complete their journey to Santiago de Compostela during Holy Years.
The Castle of the Marquises of Villafranca.
Calle del Agua, with numerous heraldic buildings.
Church of San Francisco.
The Collegiate Church of Villafranca del Bierzo.
STAGE FROM VILLAFRANCA DEL BIERZO TO O CEBREIRO
