Camino Francés
Saint-Jean to Santiago, 500 miles of waymarkers and albergues.
The route
The Camino Francés runs 500 miles from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela. It's not wilderness — it's a long walk through towns, farm roads, and a thousand years of pilgrim trail.
At a glance
length 500 mi (800 km) term Apr–Jun or Sep–Oct lodging albergues every ~15 mi markers yellow arrows + scallop shells
Why hikers love it
You carry almost nothing, sleep in a bed most nights, and eat well. It's the gentlest way to walk 500 miles, and the community is international in a way no other trail matches.