Choosing your Camino de Santiago route is the first big...
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Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port→ Roncesvalles
24 km
Walking stage
How many stages and kilometres does the French Way by bike have?
The full route from Roncesvalles to Santiago is around 750 kilometres, which by bike is usually organised into approximately 13 or 14 stages, with an average of around 50 km per day.
This is only a guideline: the final distance depends on the variants you choose and your own pace, and some days are considerably longer while others are shorter.
| Stage | Route | Approx. distance |
|---|---|---|
| Optional Stage 0 | Saint Jean Pied de Port – Roncesvalles | 30 km (+1,430 m) |
| Stage 1 | Roncesvalles – Pamplona | 44 km |
| Stage 2 | Pamplona – Estella | 45 km |
| Stage 3 | Estella – Logroño | 49 km |
These figures come from standard itineraries used by specialised operators and may vary slightly depending on the source and the route variants you choose.
Start in Saint Jean or in Roncesvalles?
Here is the most important advice for cyclists. Starting in Saint Jean Pied de Port, in France, means facing a fairly demanding mountain pass right at the beginning: there is no other way to cross the Pyrenees. It is a beautiful section, but also a challenging one.
If you are not in top physical condition or prefer to save your legs for the rest of the journey, the most recommended option is to start directly in Roncesvalles. You also remain in Spanish territory, which makes logistics easier. The first stage from there is mainly downhill, with only the short climbs of Alto de Mezquíriz and Alto de Erro adding some difficulty.
The most demanding sections for cyclists
The profile of the French Way by bike accumulates around 10,000 metres of positive elevation gain in total. Two climbs concentrate much of the difficulty:
Key climb
O Cebreiro
The gateway into Galicia is the stage many cyclists fear most: the mountain pass gains around 700 metres of elevation in just 9 kilometres.
Technical section
The final stretch to Santiago
The terrain becomes more difficult near the airport, and many pilgrims choose to get off the bike at certain points.
In return, the reward before arriving is Monte do Gozo, with its first panoramic view of the Cathedral towers, followed by an almost direct descent to Plaza del Obradoiro.
Practical recommendations before you start
Full cycling itineraries are usually recommended for cyclists with some experience in mountain routes and basic maintenance knowledge, as there are dirt sections, constant ups and downs, and some demanding mountain passes.
If this is your first time, consider using a mountain bike or gravel bike suited to the terrain, and plan each day with some margin.
And one motivating detail: many cycling pilgrims, once they arrive in Santiago, decide to extend the adventure to Finisterre, about 90 kilometres further on, to literally finish at the end of the earth.
