Doing it the Way of St. James

The number of reasons to choose the Way of St. James while exploring Spain is varied. There is, however, one primary decision that you will have to take right before your onset. You’ll have to decide which route it is that you’re deciding to take. Two primary routes are available – the French Way and the Northern Way.

In older times, the choice of route depended on the starting point of the journey. In the modern day scenario, however, it would depend on what path you choose to explore.

The French Way

In the past, almost all of the pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela were known to originate in France. This resulted in the French Way or the Via Regia, which has continued to be in use for centuries now. This journey will generally begin at the Saint Jean Pied de Port, which lies on the French side of the Pyrenees, and is known to be the final of the resting places when it comes to the apostle St. James’ journey at Santiago de Compostela.

Saint Jean Pied de Port – This is a quaint little French town which can roughly be translated to ‘St John at the foot of the pass’. It is a commune which is situated at the River Nile. This is approximately around five miles of the Spanish border. This small village is made up of cobblestone streets and can be easily covered on foot.

Roncesvalles –
This small village will provide for some relief after all that walking. The humble church serves as a resting spot for most pilgrims. Travelers will also be blessed.

Pamplona –
Time your trip correctly and you will end up passing through Pamplona while the San Fermin Festival is on (beginning of July). This is that time of the year when the historic Running of the Bull occurs.

Burgos –
This little town boasts of a number of ancient monasteries and churches.

Leon –
This is another great spot for you to rest those aching muscles.

The Northern Way

This is considered to be the more scenic of the two routes. This was originally used as a route to avoid the more Muslim occupied lands that lie to the south. This route follows the northern coastline of the Spanish region and ends up offering you some rather dramatic views of the sea. But do not forget, this route needs some more arduous hiking.

Irun, France –
This is where the journey will, traditionally speaking, begin. Ensure that you check out Junkaleko Andre Maria church.

San Sebastian –
This region is splattered with its own share of lovely beaches. You get the opportunity to enjoy some beach holidaying when you’re here.

Guernica –
A lot of heavy bombing that had occurred during the time of the Spanish Civil war ended up destroying a lot of town’s old attractions. Several others, however, survived. This city can easily be explored on foot to visit the attractions that survived.

Bilbao –
With a population of over 300,000 people, this is perhaps one of the most populated places along this tour.

Oviedo –
Make sure that you roam around the old part of this city. Several well preserved palaces lie in the Casco Antiguo.

Regardless of which route you decide you take, this will turn out to be one iconic journey, which you’ll be least likely to forget.