Camino francés from Roncesvalles to Logroño

We are in the Navarrese Pyrenees, where the old medieval streets that started in the interior of Europe came together and are now the traditional starting point of the modern way in Spanish territory. The architecture, the interesting monuments, including the Collegiate Church of Santa María from the 13th century, the house of the beneficiaries or the old hospital of Itzandegia are very worth seeing.

Arrive in Roncesvalles on your own.

Accommodation in Roncesvalles.

Difficulty level: medium.

The first day of the French way from Roncesvalles follows a typical mountain route, but it does not pose any major difficulties. Almost the entire stage descends, although we have to climb two climbs: the high Mezkiriz and the Alto de Erro.

Accommodation in Zubiri / Akerreta.

Difficulty level: easy.

We continue downhill, over gentle hills and leave the mountain path behind us. On today’s stage we will pass through an important medieval town that has grown under the guise of the Larrasoaña pilgrim pass. We will also cross the Arga River several times over numerous bridges. Once in Pamplona, ​​it is inevitable to mention the famous Saint Fermín festivities. But in every season this city is worth seeing with its important monumental complex, which is dominated by churches and medieval walls.

Accommodation in Pamplona.

Difficulty level: medium.

The most important landmark of this stage is the Alto del Perdón, although the climb is not without, with a height difference of 260 meters. The descent is a bit more rugged, quite rocky and therefore a bit slippery. Once at the top, we have to take a short break to enjoy the view. It is quite a windy area, so on the summit we find not only the pilgrimage monument, but also the company of windmills.
In Puente La Reina it is worth visiting the large medieval bridge with its five arches, the 14th-century Church of San Pedro and the Comendadoras de Sancti Spiritus monastery.

Accommodation in Puente La Reina.

Difficulty level: medium.

We will start the stage with a gentle descent of almost 5 kilometers in order to face the ascent to Mañeru, which is not very long but has quite a difference in altitude. Then we walk through the town of Cirauqui, where the medieval Gothic church and the Roman road stand out, of which some original sections are still preserved. The last section of the stage, which leads us to Estella, goes down again.

Accommodation in Estella.

Difficulty level: medium.

Stage with very cheap footpaths. Immediately after leaving Estella, we find the famous “wine fountain”. The last 12 kilometers from Villamayor de Monjardín to Los Arcos, although easy to walk, can be a bit difficult between farmland and side streets, with hardly any shade, which is why we should start early, especially in the summer months, to avoid the greatest heat.

Accommodation in Los Arcos.

Difficulty level: medium.

This stage has a comfortable start on dirt roads, which make the first route very pleasant. The olive groves and almond trees, but above all the vineyards, accompany us at the entrance to the land of wine par excellence, La Rioja. The middle part of the stage is much more abrupt and will cause us some difficulties. Before we reach the end of the stage, we pass the ruins of Clavijo Castle. The last stretch is easy to walk on pedestrian paths. In Logroño we should not miss the opportunity to take a stroll along Calle Laurel to taste some good local wines accompanied by delicious tapas.

Accommodation in Logroño.

Buen Camino!!! See you next time.