The Camino Francés: Stretch 1 from Bayona to Pamplona.
1 pax min.
When we speak about the St. James’s Way it is often associated with the so-called “French Way” without considering that only in Spain there are several routes to Santiago coming from different points of the Peninsula. This way, compared to others, is the busiest and the one which has the best facilities.
It dates back to the discovery of the tomb of the Apostle and the first pilgrimages to Santiago from France. It partly runs along old Roman roads that were used by the pilgrims.
There are three branches of the Camino Francés that cross the Pyrenees, the one across Saint Jean Pied de Port which is the busiest, the one across Somport also known as the Camino Aragonés even if it,s part of the French Way and the Camino Batzan which comes from Bayona and joins the Camino Francés in Pamplona.
This variant is the easiest to take of all as it runs near the coast and not directly across the Pyrenees so there’s not so many mountainous areas.
The Camino Baztan
Stretch 1 from Bayona to Pamplona
Program
Day 1: Arrival in Bayona
Flight to Biarritz or Pamplona airport. Transfer to the hotel in Bayona Free time to visit Bayona, above all Santa María’s Cathedral
Day 2: From Bayona to Ustaritz, 14 km approx.
Today we have our first stage before us is of weak difficulty and not very steep. We leave Bayona, this stage takes us along the Cathedral and we follow the river Nive.
Day 3: From Ustaritz to Ainhoa, 16 km approx.
Today’s stage is tougher than yesterday’s but we’ll climb no more that 150m so it’s still being a non-difficult stage. Today we approach the Pyrenee’s westernmost point and we’ll enjoy from very nice views.
We’ll pass by many villages like Esplette, well-kown by its „Piment d´Espelette“ (Espelette’s peppers). Ainhoa is one of the most beautiful villages of this region
Day 4: From Ainhoa to Ariskun, 20 km approx.
We leave Ainhoa and head for the village of Dantxarinea, through which we’ll cross the border between France and Spain. From here, we follow the Cantabrian Sea untill the valley of Ugarana. This region is full of chestnut trees and oaks and is very pretty. We must climb Collado de Otsondo, 570m high. Later we drop down to the Batzan valley which gives this Camino its name. We’ll pass through many villages before reaching Ariskun, where we’ll see the monastery of La Asunción and the churches of San Miguel and Santa Ana.
Day 5: From Ariskun to Almondoz, 16 km approx.
We leave Ariskun and walk through Elbete and Elizondo. In its centre we can see the government body and the University of the Batzan Valley. We pass through the villages of A Irurita, Ziga and Berroeta before reaching Almondoz. Today’s stage is very pleasant as we’ll see charming villages and stunning views.
Day 6: From Almandoz to Lantz, 13 km approx.
Today we have before us the toughest stage and because of that, the shortest. We pass by the former pilgrims hospital of Sanblas, the church of Santiago and the Collado de Belate. Later we’ll get into the Ultzama valley, where we’ll see the convent of Santa María. Along this area already passed the Romans 2000 years ago searching for minerals.
Day 7: From Lantz to Pamplona, 22 km approx.
This is our last stage before arriving in Pamplona, where our camino joins the Pyrenees route in Saint Jean Pied the Port, the busiest route. This is the longest stage but is mainly downhill so it’s of weak difficulty. We’ll pass by several beautiful valleys with its typical villages of the region. We leave the oak forests to enter forests of pine trees. We follow the river until Trinidad de Arre. And then our Camino to Pamplona.
Day 8: Pamplona
Day off to visit this beautiful city well known by its San Fermines, where we can make the same itinerary as the runners do during this festivity. It is also important to see the Gothic Cathedral.
Transfer to the airport.
*There is the possibility to extend the stay in Pamplona, if you are interested in it please don’t hesitate to contact Viajes Orbis. When extending your stay, apart from enjoying the city, we can arrange some excursions.
*It is also possible to combine various trips, e.g. follow the Way of Saint James to Burgos, Astorga or until Santiago..
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