Here you’ll find all the essential tips you need to know to make the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela a success.
The pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela is one of the « three great pilgrimages of Christianity », along with those to Jerusalem and Rome. For centuries, pilgrims have taken the roads to Compostela to visit the tomb of James of Zebedee, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ.
When you hike to Santiago de Compostela with La Pèlerine, you join the hundreds of thousands of walkers who cover 1,500 kilometers of mythical paths every year. To avoid hassle, disappointment and wasted time, Generation Voyage has put together a list of 5 tips you need to know before embarking on this exceptional journey. Buckle up, lace up your boots and let’s go!
1. Choosing the right route
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gena Melendrez
Departure point
The best-known route to Santiago de Compostela is undoubtedly the Camino Francés. This route links the French commune of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) to Santiago de Compostela. Depending on your point of departure, this common route can be preceded by a number of different routes across France. The four main routes are :
- The Via Turonensis: departure from the Saint-Jacques Tower in Paris.
- The Via Lemovicensis: departure from Limoges.
- The Via Podiensis: departure from Le Puy-en-Velay.
- The Via Tolosane: departure fromArles.
People taking part in the trip
Photo credit: Shutterstock – DELBO ANDREA
Men, women, young and old, sporty or not: everyone is capable of walking the Camino de Compostela. That said, some will go faster than others, or feel the fatigue generated by tens of kilometers of daily walking.
Knowing the abilities and needs of each participant is therefore essential to ensure that the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela is completed in the best possible conditions. Children and the elderly, for example, will need longer and more frequent breaks, and greater comfort during night stops.
Desired length of pilgrimage
The route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela is around 800 kilometers long. Walking an average of 25 kilometers a day, it will take you just over thirty days to reach the tomb of James of Zebedee. And that’s not all: count on an average of between 30 and 40 additional walking days to cover the four main French routes to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Did you know? The average speed of a pilgrim in France is slightly lower than in Spain. This is due to the greater difference in altitude on the French sections, particularly in the Pyrenees. Of course, you can reduce the overall difficulty by moving further along the route. The train is undoubtedly the best option for this. Take advantage of the many railway stations along the pilgrimage route to save time and energy!
Must-see villages
Photo credit: Shutterstock – leoks
The Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela in France is part of an exceptional historical and cultural heritage. 71 monuments and 7 sections of the GR 65, totalling 160 kilometers, are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Camino Francès (Spanish section) was listed in its entirety by Unesco in 1993. Saint-Côme-d’Olt and Estaing in Aveyron, and Lauzerte and Auvillar in Tarn-et-Garonne are among the most beautiful « jacquaire towns » crossed by these legendary routes.
There’s also the village of Rocamadour, in the Lot department. Pilgrims come here to venerate the « Black Virgin » or to visit the tomb of Saint Amadour. Another marvel on the route is Conques, in Aveyron, listed as one of the « Most Beautiful Villages in France ». Here, pilgrims can visit Sainte-Foy-de-Conques Abbey, home to one of the best-preserved relic treasures of the Middle Ages.
Motivations
What could possibly motivate hundreds of thousands of walkers to make the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela every year? From a religious point of view, tackling these hundreds of kilometers had an expiatory aspect. Penance, that is. The religious dimension of this Catholic pilgrimage can be coupled with particular inner reasons: to pay tribute to a departed loved one, to meet a psychological challenge or to celebrate a particular event.
Many pilgrims simply enjoy walking alone or, on the contrary, in a group. Some want to take on a particularly demanding sporting challenge, running long distances or reducing the number of stages to a minimum.
Whatever your reason for leaving, and even if you can’t think of any, the experience is yours alone. Very often, in fact, you’ll be surprised by the lasting inner well-being and serenity it brings.
2. Don’t neglect preparation
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gena Melendrez
The pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela is a physical and mental act of endurance that requires special preparation. On the physical side, walking training is essential. Not only to improve your performance, but above all to know exactly what you’re capable of during a hike!
Several months before departure, organize regular outings, gradually increasing length, duration and loads carried. A healthy diet and good sleeping habits are essential beforehand, to make this fabulous pedestrian odyssey a success… and reach your goal in the best possible conditions, without injury.
On the mental side, try to condition your mind for this extraordinary adventure by precisely listing your motivations. You can, for example, write them down and reread them frequently to increase your determination. Prayers, meditation, walks in nature… Everyone has their own way of preparing for this feat, which is as much psychological as it is physical. Finally, on a purely practical level, leave nothing to chance: to make the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela with complete peace of mind, choose your departure date precisely and estimate your arrival date.
Make the necessary formalities and reservations well in advance: travel insurance, train tickets, accommodation, catering… Government is all about planning ahead, especially in high season!
3. Choosing the right equipment
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gena Melendrez
The equipment required for the Camino de Compostela is much the same as for a classic hike. Shoes are the most important item in your pilgrim’s outfit. Make sure you select the right model for your body type. For a winter pilgrimage, opt for sturdy, waterproof ankle boots, and for a lighter pair in summer.
The amount and type of clothing you pack obviously depends on the estimated duration of your trip. A simple rule applies when hiking: weight is the enemy, so be sure to adapt your outfit to the season. In summer, there’s no need for heavy parkas, wool sweaters or thermal tights. However, keep a waterproof jacket under your elbow in case of thunderstorms. Finally, a breathable headgear and good sunglasses are useful in any season.
Choose a lightweight, high-performance tent if you’re planning daily bivouacs. It should be roomy enough to ensure optimum comfort, whether you’re traveling solo or with others. Choose a comfortable bag with padding around the shoulders or lower back.
Ideally, it should be equipped with the following: a first-aid kit complete with bandages and sun cream, a Swiss Army knife, one or more water bottles, and a supply of energy-dense food in case of hunger pangs. A final word of advice: test your equipment before the big day – it could save you a lot of hassle!
4. Leave at the right time
Photo credit: Shutterstock – gregorioa
While it’s possible to make the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela all year round, the experience is very different depending on the season you choose. Summer is the busiest time of year, partly due to the summer vacations. Temperatures often exceed 30°C and thunderstorms are more frequent. The advantage? You can travel lighter than in winter, and walk for longer as the sun shines brightest.
Winter, on the other hand, is the slowest season in which to make the pilgrimage, due to the increased difficulty involved. In addition to the capricious weather, night falls very quickly, the bag is much heavier and many places to stay or eat are closed.
The ideal season, in fact, does not exist and depends on your aspirations, practical possibilities and general capabilities. However, if we had to give you some advice, we’d suggest spring or autumn. Conditions are then almost as favorable as in summer, while visitor numbers remain reasonable.
5. Anticipating your return
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gena Melendrez
The return journey is almost as important as the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage itself. Yet this part of the experience is all too often neglected by hikers. First of all, it’s imperative to anticipate the essential reservations concerning your return long before departure: the means of transport envisaged, for example.
Once you’re back home, before returning to your daily routine, plan a few days to recover from this rewarding but exhausting adventure. You may feel the need to indulge in a few cocooning moments: invigorating meals, quiet moments indoors, cuddles or simply naps galore.
In any case, don’t be too quick to reintroduce stress into your life after a pilgrimage that is normally totally stress-free. To digest this wonderful experience as well as possible, keep things simple: surround yourself with the things and people that make you feel good… and then stay away from everything else!