French Way
The French Way is the quintessential Way of Saint James in Spain, standing as the best-known and most heavily traveled Jacobean route. It takes its name from the path historically followed by pilgrims arriving from France, who entered the Iberian Peninsula via the Pyrenean passes of Somport or Valcarlos. This route has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.
The Navarrese variant of the French Way begins in the French town of Saint Jean Pied de Port, although many pilgrims start directly in Roncesvalles, having already crossed the Pyrenees. It runs entirely through Navarre, passing through the city of Pamplona, and joins the Aragonese variant at Obanos before finally reaching Puente la Reina.
The Aragonese variant of the French Way begins at the Somport pass in the Pyrenees, on the border with France. It crosses the provinces of Huesca, Zaragoza and Navarre, joining the Navarrese variant at Obanos before continuing to Puente la Reina. There is also an alternative itinerary to the main route that passes through the Channel of Berdun.
From Puente la Reina onwards, the shared route of the French Way traverses the provinces of Navarre, La Rioja, Burgos, Palencia, Leon, Lugo and La Coruña, leading to its final destination in Santiago de Compostela. Major cities along the way include Logroño, Burgos, and Leon, but the route also passes through many other towns and historical sites, making it a premier cultural itinerary.
The French Way serves as the main Jacobean route where many other paths from various parts of Spain converge, much like tributaries flowing into a river. In this way, the French Way gathers pilgrims from these other routes as it draws closer to its final destination: Santiago de Compostela.
The Metro Chart of the French Way is designed to be printed as a 175x30 cm poster. Those interested can contact Cool Hispania via email at info@coolhispania.com.
