A Pilgrimage on Two Wheels
Being accorded a status similar to other well-known routes in the Christian world, the Way of Saint James has been one of Europe’s most important pilgrimages since the Middle Ages. Its importance lays on the very reason for its existence: to behold the relics of James the Apostle, which legend holds are buried in what’s nowadays the city of Santiago de Compostela, capital of the autonomous community of Galicia in northwestern Spain.
Furthermore, there are many forms of completing the Way along its route. Mostly done on foot, you can also traverse it on other transportation methods. Also, as it has been noted by scholars, physicians and even pilgrims themselves, the Way Is a transcending experience on which both the physical and spiritual worlds mingle through the efforts of those who realize it.
Certainly, with over 60% of the pilgrims partaking through its layout, the French Way (Camino Francés in Spanish, or Camiño Francés in Galician) is by far the most popular itinerary followed in order to reach the gates of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Indeed, the sight of this formidable Romanesque church, with details in Gothic and Baroque styles over its main façade looking the city’s Praza do Obradoiro, is a great reward after the toil and effort that over 750 kilometers of the pilgrimage represent.
If you’re a cycling lover, then there is an option for you, as it is possible to bike through the French Way as an alternative to walking, during 15 days as Viajes Camino de Santiago offer you. Besides, you can also enjoy the gorgeous landscapes through which the Way travels, as you get off your bicycle into a small detour. Therefore, not only pilgrimage is on the table, but also the possibility for a true touristic experience on which you can know places of peculiar and particular interest that will add tales to the unforgettable Way.
First, start at the small village of Roncesvalles, located on the foothills of the Pyrenees near the border between Navarre (Spain) and France, from which your journey will take you to the city of Pamplona (also called Iruña in Basque), famous for its medieval center and pintxos. Be sure to enjoy the capital of Navarre before heading towards Estella and, from there, to the city of Logroño, capital of La Rioja and a true gastronomic destination.
Afterwards, reach Santo Domingo de la Calzada and, after visiting its 12th-century cathedral, roam in the direction of Burgos, inside the autonomous community of Castilla y León. Surely, this city is home of a magnificent Gothic cathedral that’s been catalogued as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along its many landmarks. Also, you can glimpse human evolution at a local museum on which remains found in nearby Atapuerca are shown.
Then, after a stop in the town of Carrión de los Condes, arrive at León, the former royal capital, on which history, architecture and gastronomy are forever at balance. Its streets are home to tapas bars where you can taste Leonese cuisine after having visited local landmarks such as the cathedral, the Plaza Mayor and even Gaudí’s Casa Botines. Thereafter, your route will take you to Astorga, a city on which the French Way is joined by the Vía de la Plata, and where you can visit places as the cathedral and the Episcopal Palace.
Further along the route, you’ll reach Ponferrada and visit its curious castle, as you try the best of the culinary traditions of El Bierzo, accompanying them with a glass of wine. Later on, as you bike through vineyard-filled hills, enter Galicia and arrive at the town of O Cebreiro, where remains dating from pre-Roman times give account of the Celtic origins of Galicians. Afterwards, reach Portomarín on the shores of the Miño and behold the ancient town submerged under the river, whose damming led to its moving to a higher point.
Subsequently, as you cycle towards Arzúa, where sampling of the local cheese is mandatory, stop by the village of Melide where you can taste what has been called the best Galician octopus. From Arzúa, a day’s ride is what separates you from Santiago de Compostela, whose cathedral towers will be a pleasant sight as you enter the city through an area called Monte do Gozo. In conclusion, as you reach the Praza do Obradoiro, feel the excitement of having completed the French Way on two wheels.
To sum up, share with us at #Tripsst! this incredible voyage through Northern Spain, where faith and physical prowess team in an effort to reach the relics of Christ’s apostle, the saint of the scallop and cross.
Pedal all the Way, you’re up!
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