French Way Camino de Santiago E-Bike Tour

Day 1: Arrival in León
Day 2: León - Astorga, 53 mi. (53 km) 
Day 3: Astorga - Vilafranca del Bierzo, 50 mi. (80 km)
Day 4: Vilafranca del Bierzo - Sarria, 43 mi. (70 km)
Day 5: Sarria - Portomarin, 32 mi. (50 km)
Day 6: Portomarin - Arzúa, 28 mi. (45 km)  
Day 7: Arzúa - Santiago de Compostela, 24 mi. (39 km)
Day 8: Transfer to Santiago airport or Vigo airport

Day 1: León
The tour begins in León, a key historic stop on the Camino Francés and a former medieval capital. León is best known for León Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its extensive 13th-century stained glass. The city’s compact old quarter, Roman origins, and long pilgrimage tradition make it a logical starting point for cycling the Camino.

Sample accommodations:

• Standard: Hotel Real Colegiata San Isidoro
• Premium: Parador de León

Day 2: León – Astorga, 53 mi. (53 km)
Departing León, the route follows classic Meseta terrain, passing through agricultural villages that have supported pilgrims for centuries. You arrive in Astorga, a town built on Roman foundations and located where the Camino Francés meets the historic Via de la Plata. Astorga is home to the Episcopal Palace of Astorga, designed by Antoni Gaudí and notable for its contrast to the surrounding medieval architecture. The town is also historically associated with chocolate making, an industry dating back to the 18th century.

Sample accommodations:

• Standard: Hotel Via de la Plata
• Premium: Hotel Via de la Plata, superior room

Day 3: Astorga – Vilafranca del Bierzo, 50 mi. (80 km)
The landscape changes as you enter the Bierzo Valley, a fertile area sheltered by surrounding mountains and known for wine production, particularly the Mencía grape variety. The route passes through Ponferrada, dominated by its well-preserved Templar Castle, built in the 12th century by the Knights Templar to protect pilgrims. The day finishes in Villafranca del Bierzo, historically known as the “gateway to Galicia.”

Sample accommodations:

• Standard: Las Doñas del Portazgo
• Premium: Parador Vilafranca del Bierzo

Day 4: Vilafranca del Bierzo – Sarria, 43 mi. (70 km)
From Villafranca del Bierzo, the route climbs steadily through Las Herrerías and continues to O Cebreiro, one of the most recognizable villages on the Camino. O Cebreiro is known for its stone pallozas - traditional round dwellings with thatched roofs - and marks the historic entry point into Galicia. From here, the ride descends gradually toward Sarria, a major starting point for many pilgrims completing the final 100 km of the Camino.

Sample accommodations:

• Standard: Hotel Alfonso IX
• Premium: Hotel Alfonso IX, superior room

Day 5: Sarria – Portomarín, 32 mi. (50 km)
Leaving Sarria, the Camino follows wooded tracks and small farming villages before descending to the Miño River. After crossing the river, you reach Portomarín, a town relocated stone by stone in the 1960s when the original village was submerged by a reservoir. The Church of San Nicolás was dismantled and rebuilt on higher ground and remains one of Portomarín’s main landmarks. A premium extension continues uphill to O Alto do Hospital, offering broad views across the surrounding countryside.

Sample accommodations:

• Standard: Vistalegre Hotel Spa
• Premium: As Torres da Hermida

Day 6: Portomarín – Arzúa, 28 mi. (45 km)
The route continues through rural Galicia, passing through Gonzar, Ventas de Narón, and Palas de Rei, a traditional Camino service town. Near Melide, the path enters shaded woodland and historic stone lanes. Melide is well known for its pulpo a la gallega (octopus), a regional specialty. The day ends in Arzúa, an area associated with Galician cheese production, particularly Arzúa-Ulloa.

Sample accommodations:

• Standard: Rectoral de Boente
• Premium: Hotel Pazo Santa Maria, superior room

Day 7: Arzúa – Santiago de Compostela, 24 mi. (39 km)
The final route follows forest paths and small villages before reaching Monte do Gozo, traditionally the first point where pilgrims see the cathedral towers. The route continues into Santiago de Compostela, home to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the official endpoint of the Camino de Santiago and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral is believed to house the remains of Saint James the Apostle.

Sample accommodations:

• Standard: Compostela Hotel
• Premium: Parador de Compostela Hotel

Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Santiago de Compostela Airport or Vigo Airport, concluding your Camino cycling journey through northern Spain and Galicia.

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During this tour, you can choose your level of accommodations, standard or premium. Don’t let the ‘standard’ designation mislead you, however! Hotels in this category are typically lovely 4-star establishments.

The premium lodgings are 5-star hotels or upgraded rooms within the 4-star establishments.

Bicycles

Electric Bike

KTM Macina Electric Bicycle (500 Wh)

• 9 gears with Shimano group set
• Bosch electric motor
• Aluminum Frame
• Front suspension
• Schwalbe Energizer tires
• Platform pedals
• Rear rack

Cube Acid Electric Bicycle (500 Wh)

• 9 gears with Shimano group set
• Bosch electric motor
• Aluminum frame
• Front suspension
• Schwalbe Tough Tom tires
• Platform pedals
• Weight: 21.8 kg

Cube Touring Electric Bicycle (500 Wh)
Scott Sub Cross Eride 10 Unisex

• 10 gears with Shimano group set
• Bosch electric motor

Atala B-Easy 9.2

• 9 gears with Shimano group set
• Bosch electric motor

Other models and brands are available with Bosch motors.

Touring Bike

Trek Dual Sport 2 and 1

• 18 gears with disc brake (Dual Sport 2)
• 10 gears with disc brake (Dual Sport 1)