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Bike Tour in the Camino de Santiago - Cycling the French Way from León

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CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
/
Start location:
León
/
Price from:
1790€ per guest
Follow the ancient pilgrimage trail, across the rolling plains of Castile-Leon, over the mountains and into the more isolated and culturally independent Galicia.
Duration
8 days, 7 nights
Altimetry
800 › 1200 m, daily average
Distance
50 › 60 km, daily average
Bike type
E-BIKE, MOUNTAIN BIKE, TOURING BIKE
Level
INTERMEDIATE, EXPERIENCED

Highlights:

This tour in a nutshell

A bike tour in the French Camino de Santiago: A Pilgrimage through Time and Terrain

Embark on an immersive cycling journey along the French Camino, commencing in the historic city of León. Begin your pilgrimage with a visit to the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Santa Maria de León, setting the tone for an enchanting adventure. Cycle through picturesque landscapes, from Astorga's medieval charm to Villafranca del Bierzo's rustic allure. Conquer the famed climb to O Cebreiro, a gateway to Galicia's mystical landscapes, and continue through the Galician countryside to the ancient town of Portomarín.

Explore the 6th-century Benedictine Monastery of San Julián in Samos and pedal through the rolling hills of Arzúa, reveling in lush greenery. Culminate your journey in Santiago de Compostela, where the iconic towers of the cathedral greet you. Each day unfolds a tapestry of historic landmarks, charming villages, and the serene beauty of the Camino. Conclude your pilgrimage with a transfer to Santiago or Vigo airport, carrying the spirit of the French Camino's timeless legacy.

Hear from our guests

Gallery:

A closer look at the region
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada Church 1
Bike Tour French Way 2 1
Bike Tour French Way Bridge
Bike Tour French Way Yellow Arrow
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada 7
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada 5
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada 3
Bike Tour French Way Molinaseca 1
Bike Tour French Way
Cycling Camino Frances Astorga 3 1
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada Castle
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada Church 1
Bike Tour French Way 2 1
Bike Tour French Way Bridge
Bike Tour French Way Yellow Arrow
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada 7
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada 5
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada 3
Bike Tour French Way Molinaseca 1
Bike Tour French Way
Cycling Camino Frances Astorga 3 1
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada Castle
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Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada Church 1
Bike Tour French Way 2 1
Bike Tour French Way Bridge
Bike Tour French Way Yellow Arrow
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada 7
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada 5
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada 3
Bike Tour French Way Molinaseca 1
Bike Tour French Way
Cycling Camino Frances Astorga 3 1
Bike Tour French Way Ponferrada Castle
previous arrow
next arrow

Day to Day:

What you'll be experiencing everyday

Day 1: Pick up from the airport/train station of León and transfer to your hotel

Tour briefing and bike setup at your hotel. Free afternoon to visit the spectacular monuments of the city like the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria de León, the Guzmanes Palace or the Casa Botines, among others.

Hotel:
Hospedaria Monastica Pax or Hotel Real Colegiata San Isidoro // Parador de León (“premium” option)


Day 2: Ride from León to Astorga's outskirts – 58 to 62km and 561mts of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel. To mark the start of your Camino, visit the city’s Cathedral if you haven’t done so yet. Start by riding towards the San Marco roman bridge and leaving León. Soon after Virgen del Camino the route will take you southwest, mostly on flat agricultural gravel roads, past Hospital de Orbigo and Cruz de Santo Toribio. Soon you’ll arrive in Astorga, known for its medieval, walled Old Town. Ride eastwards for more 4 to 9km, and arrive at your hotel.

Hotel
: Casa Rural Las Águedas or Hotel Rural Via Avis (“premium” option)

Day 3: Ride from Astorga’s outskirts to Villafranca del Bierzo - 71km and 937mts of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel. Pedalling along the well-worn path, a gentle ascent will take you to Cruz de Ferro, where for centuries pilgrims have left stones, brought from their hometowns, symbolizing their burdens. Keep riding through the charming town of Ponferrada, until arriving in Villa Franca del Bierzo, welcoming you with its cobbled streets and rustic charm, a resting haven for pilgrims and travellers alike.

Hotel: Parador Villafranca or Plaza Mayor // Las Doñas del Portazgo (“premium” option)

Day 4: Ride from Villafranca del Bierzo to Samos - 59 to 65km and 1285mts of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel. On this day you will face the famous climb of the French Way - the long and asphalted uphill to the mystical village of O Cebreiro, the gateway to Galicia. Perched atop a mountain, O Cebreiro boasts traditional stone houses with thatched roofs and unique paloozas, offering a glimpse into the region's rustic past. It was a parish priest of o Cebreiro in the 80s who first created the "famous" yellow arrows on the Camino, pointing the way to Santiago. Your journey brings you to Samos, where the 6th century Benedictine Monastery of San Julián awaits.

Hotel: A Casa da Botica or Hotel Rural Casa de Díaz / Casas de Outeiro ("premium” option)

 

Day 5: Ride from Samos to Portomarin – 37 to 52km and 642 to 998mts of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel. Begin the day on rolling hills, riding past quaint Galician villages while surrounded by lush greenery. Soon enough you’ll arrive to Sarria, with its historic streets and charming cafes, and the starting point for many walking the Camino. Continuing on, the path takes you through picturesque woodlands, through the tranquil Galician countryside. Then, across the Miño river, you'll arrive in Portomarín, a town steeped in history and adorned with Romanesque architecture.

Hotel: Vistalegre Hotel Spa or As Torres da Hermida (“premium” option)

Day 6: Ride from Portomarín to Arzúa – 42 to 55km and 692 to 1034mts of total climbing

Breakfast at your hotel. Riding out of Portomarín, you’ll be immersed in the region's stunning landscapes, adorned with lush greenery and rolling hills. Passing by historical towns as Palas de Rei, the route will lead you to the bustling town of Melide, renowned for its delectable Galician cuisine. Reaching Arzúa, the end of this stage, take some time to explore the town's landmarks, such as the Chapel of La Magdalena or the Church of Santiago, each bearing tales of centuries-old devotion.

Hotel: Rectoral de Boente or 1930 Boutique Hotel (“premium” option)

Day 7: Ride from Arzúa to Santiago de Compostela - 39km and 729m of total climbing

This stage begins by running along long stretches of forest tracks between trees, with stops in small villages. The N-547 will be always close, crossing occasionally, and more often from Salceda onwards. After passing O Amenal and Lavacolla, we take the last ramp of the French Way: the ascent to O Monte do Gozo , the first place from which we will see the towers of the cathedral. Another 3 Km and you’ll arrive to Santiago’s Cathedral

Hotel: San Francisco Hotel Monumento // Parador Santiago or Quinta da Auga (“premium” option)

Day 8: Transfer to Santiago/Vigo airport

Breakfast at your hotel, followed by check-out. At the scheduled time, transfer from your hotel to Santiago de Compostela or Vigo's airport.

Map:

Where you'll be riding

Tour options:

Choose how you want to experience this tour

Included

Self-guided

Starts on any date; private tour, minimum of 2 guests

Guided

Starts on any date; private tour, minimum of 4 guests

Premium

Starts on any date; private tour, minimum of 4 guests
Transfer in from arrival airport to start of the tour and transfer out from end of the tour to departure airport
7 nights in charm 4 star hotels, in double/twin bedroom with breakfast included
Upgrade to 7 nights in charm 5 star hotels (or superior rooms), in double/twin bedroom with breakfast included
Rental of a Touring or MTB bike (Scott Sub Sport 20 or Scott Aspect 930), helmet and spares
Detailed briefing, bike fit and routebook provided before the tour by a local guide
Personal guide accompanying your group, providing restaurant reservations, booking of local experiences and all passenger transfers throughout the tour
Support vehicle (SAG Wagon) throughout all the rides
Ride along guide (1 for every 6 guests)
Luggage transfer between hotels
Sports Nutrition, hydration and snacks during our rides
Garmin GPS with preloaded daily tracks
Access to the Live Love Ride app, that you can use to navigate and explore the best this tour has to offer
Personal accidents insurance during our tour
Remote contact to your dedicated local guide throughout your Tour
Live Love Ride Jersey
Live Love Ride full cycling kit (jersey, bib shorts and cap)
Visit to wineries, museums and other select experiences during the tour

Prices:

Book the trip of a lifetime

Prices

Self-guided

Guided

Premium

Per guest
1790€ per guest
2690€ per guest
3500€ per guest
High season supplement (May to October and Festivities)
400€
400€
550€
Single room supplement (mandatory for solo riders)
500€
500€
750€
Premium hotel upgrade supplement
650€
650€
Already included in price

Add-ons

Half-Board - 7 dinners at handpicked restaurants (selected drinks and spirits included)
455€
(at your hotel)
455€
Full-Board - 6 lunches and 7 dinners at handpicked restaurants (selected drinks and spirits included)
not available
715€
Upgrade to E-bike
400€
400€
400€
Ride along guide
3200€
(per guide, per group)
3200€
(per guide, per group)

Discounts

Join a Scheduled Group Tour from our Calendar
not available
Contact us
not available
Non cycling guests and children
not available
Contact us
Contact us

Tour options:

Choose how you want to experience this tour

Self-guided

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 2 guests
from 1790€ per person
click to see what's included

Guided

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 4 guests
from 2700€ per person
click to see what's included

Premium

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 4 guests
from 3500€ per person
click to see what's included

Group Tours:

Join this tour on a group with other riders, on the following dates
No dates found
Start Planning
- Guaranteed departures -
- No minimum of guests required -

Request a Detailed Itinerary

We craft extraordinary experiences, tailor made to meet
your every need, with every stitch of every day crafted
just the way you want it.
Download itinerary

Why Live Love Ride?

Contact us by e-mail, skype or telephone for more information.
GO PRIVATE OR CUSTOMIZE THIS RIDE
EXPERTLY GUIDED CYCLING HOLIDAYS
HIGH-END BIKES AND GEAR
MECHANICAL ASSISTANCE, TRANSFER & VEHICLE SUPPORT
RELAX AND VISIT AT YOUR OWN PACE
ADAPTED TO EVERY RIDER TYPE AND NEED
Private rides:

If you are looking for a different, exclusive experience, you can make this ride private for your group. Just choose any open trip date, get your group together and contact us to know the private trip listing.

Customized rides

If you represent a group and want to schedule a different date than the ones listed, we are available to customize this and other experiences to better suit your needs and availability. Please contact us for more information.
AT YOUR SERVICE

Our team is composed of portuguese tourist guides and bike riders, in love with our country and proud to present the best landscapes, gastronomy, history, culture and experiences to anyone who chooses to ride in Portugal.

For the last five years, our team has been involved in the making of over 200 bike-related events in Portugal, from Granfondos to casual mountain bike rides, throughout the country. We are seasoned travelers and riders, able to tap into our local knowledge to provide great experiences to our guests.

Our team is composed of dedicated guides and riders. We make sure our guests’ cycling holidays run smoothly and exceed their expectations.
We operate with high end bicycles, be it road or mountain bikes. All our bikes are in excellent condition, of the current year and regularly reviewed by our mechanics. Our road bike and mountain bike fleet is composed of carbon and aluminium frame bicycles of the top-notch brand Scott.

Road - Scott Addict or Scott Addict Disc

On the road, you will be riding a Addict - a lightweight and comfortable carbon bike, designed to help you on the climbs and keep your speed on flat sections. Our Addict bikes come equipped with a full Shimano Ultegra kit, for great performance.
Scott Addict


MTB Mountain bikes - Scott Aspect 910

On our mountain bike tours in Portugal, you'll be riding a Scott Aspect 910. These all-rounder, 29 inch wheel size bikes come equipped with front suspension with suspension lock, for better reaction and comfort. They are perfect for short or long distance rides and even for technical trails, and come equipped with Shimano components for the best cycling experience.
Scott Aspect or Spark 930


Touring - Scott Sub-Cross

For mixed terrain, we equip our Scott Sub-Cross fleet with touring tires, so that you’ll roll easily by the countryside backroads and macadam trails alike. These bikes are equiped with a front suspension remote lock-out and handle bar bags, making them the perfect option for touring enthusiasts
Scott Aspect or Spark 930


E-bikes -Scott E-Scale 930 or Scott E-Ride

Our E-bike fleet is composed of the Scott E-Scale 930 and Scott E-Ride bike models, equipped with 500W Bosch batteries, that will allow you to go great distances and with 250W Bosch motors, to assist you during the toughest climbs! These aluminum framed Scott bikes come equiped with front suspension with lockout.
Scott E-Scale 930
The models of the bikes for your tour might not be the ones here depicted, according to availability. All our bikes are perfectly maintained and are fitted to every rider on your first experience with us. If you have a special bicycle request, please feel free to contact us.

In our bike trips, you’ll also get to use our Garmin Edge 820 GPS device, so you can record and upload all your rides.
RIDE SUPPORT AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES

In our cycling holidays, you’ll be accompanied by our always present staff and vehicles. They will provide for all the services you need for the best biking experience in Portugal.

At your service, you’ll have a fleet of premium equipped vehicles with several amenities for your comfort.

/Mechanical assistance during the bike tours;
/Luggage and bike transfer between hotels;
/Transfer to and from hotels/airports;
/Premium passenger transport and assistance during the rides, at your disposal;

Bike touring at it's best!
AFTER A GREAT DAY IN THE SADDLE, IT'S TIME TO RELAX.

We work with the best hotels and SPA's, to guarantee you full-access to great relaxing experiences and a good night's sleep after your bike tour.

/ Acess to the best SPAs;
/ Free time for sightseeing;
/ Experience adapted to your own pace and holiday style;

We strive to provide our guests with time to relax and immerse into the atmosphere, providing a balance between great activities and well deserved “me time” on your cycling holidays Portugal!
CYCLING HOLIDAYS FOR EVERY TYPE OF RIDER

While planning your cycling holidays, our staff may contact you to ask for further details to better design a bike tour more suited to you. However, all our tours are built to adapt to groups with different riding experience, having shorter and longer options. For "expert" riders, we provide additional cycling challenges. On the other hand we invite all our guests to simply hop into our premium equipped vans if they feel so or just enjoy a recovery day without using their bike.

RIDER TYPES:

1 BEGINNER

/ I ride my bike on a regular basis, for fitness, commuting or out with friends. I prefer rolling terrain but enjoy reaching my goals and enjoy an active lifestyle. I like to overcome some challenges on my bike, but mostly enjoy the landscapes and atmosphere during group rides.
You will get to ride at your own pace, in moderate distances and hop on our premium van if you so desire or, you can challenge yourself when you feel comfortable! You’ll get to ride in a peloton with like-minded people and always accompanied by our guides. If you want an extra "help" on your rides, you can also request an e-bike.

2 INTERMEDIATE

/ Riding is a great part of my life, and I ride my bike regularly with my friends. I am comfortable with rides of 2 to 3 hours, or even more at a relatively strong pace. I like to be challenged and to surpass obstacles or just ride smoothly in a peloton.
You will get to feel different riding experiences, from tougher climbs to rolling along in great company. You’ll have time to enjoy the great landscapes, gain speed in the descents and also push yourself and climb those tough hills. You’ll enjoy the variety of terrain, riding in a peloton and pushing a little harder just before the stop at the café.

3 EXPERT

/ I ride my bike an average of 100 kilometres or more per week and enjoy a fast paced ride for an extended period of time. I love to train, improve and be challenged by other riders. I enjoy all riding experiences, from big climbs to long, technical descents, especially the ones that allow me to push my limits and make long lasting memories.
You’ll get to ride in a peloton along with your peers but also challenge them on the long climbs. Lead the pack and take on the special extra-challenges we have in store for you – try to keep up with our guides as you go for the extra mile just before your well deserved rest and massage at the hotel!

Cycling holidays Portugal for all.

GO PRIVATE OR CUSTOMIZE THIS RIDE

Private rides:

If you are looking for a different, exclusive experience, you can make this ride private for your group. Just choose any open trip date, get your group together and contact us to know the private trip listing.

Customized rides

If you represent a group and want to schedule a different date than the ones listed, we are available to customize this and other experiences to better suit your needs and availability. Please contact us for more information.

EXPERTLY GUIDED CYCLING HOLIDAYS

AT YOUR SERVICE

Our team is composed of portuguese tourist guides and bike riders, in love with our country and proud to present the best landscapes, gastronomy, history, culture and experiences to anyone who chooses to ride in Portugal.

For the last five years, our team has been involved in the making of over 200 bike-related events in Portugal, from Granfondos to casual mountain bike rides, throughout the country. We are seasoned travelers and riders, able to tap into our local knowledge to provide great experiences to our guests.

Our team is composed of dedicated guides and riders. We make sure our guests’ cycling holidays run smoothly and exceed their expectations.

HIGH-END BIKES AND GEAR

We operate with high end bicycles, be it road or mountain bikes. All our bikes are in excellent condition, of the current year and regularly reviewed by our mechanics. Our road bike and mountain bike fleet is composed of carbon and aluminium frame bicycles of the top-notch brand Scott.

Road - Scott Addict or Scott Addict Disc

On the road, you will be riding a Addict - a lightweight and comfortable carbon bike, designed to help you on the climbs and keep. Our Addict bikes come equipped with a full Shimano Ultegra kit, for great performance.
Scott Addict


MTB Mountain bikes - Scott Aspect 910

On our mountain bike tours in Portugal, you'll be riding a Scott Aspect 910. These all-rounder, 29 inch wheel size bikes come equipped with front suspension with suspension lock, for better reaction and comfort. They are perfect for short or long distance rides and even for technical trails, and come equipped with Shimano components for the best cycling experience.
Scott Aspect or Spark 930


Touring - Scott Sub-Cross

For mixed terrain, we equip our Scott Sub-Cross fleet with touring tires, so that you’ll roll easily by the countryside backroads and macadam trails alike. These bikes are equiped with a front suspension remote lock-out and handle bar bags, making them the perfect option for touring enthusiasts
Scott E-Scale 930


E-bikes -Scott E-Scale 930 or Scott E-Ride

Our E-bike fleet is composed of the Scott E-Scale 930 and Scott E-Ride bike models, equipped with 500W Bosch batteries, that will allow you to go great distances and with 250W Bosch motors, to assist you during the toughest climbs! These aluminum framed Scott bikes come equiped with front suspension with lockout.
Scott E-Scale 930
The models of the bikes for your tour might not be the ones here depicted, according to availability. All our bikes are perfectly maintained and are fitted to every rider on your first experience with us. If you have a special bicycle request, please feel free to contact us.

In our bike trips, you’ll also get to use our Garmin Edge 820 GPS device, so you can record and upload all your rides.

MECHANICAL ASSISTANCE, TRANSFER & VEHICLE SUPPORT

RIDE SUPPORT AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES

In our cycling holidays, you’ll be accompanied by our always present staff and vehicles. They will provide for all the services you need for the best biking experience in Portugal.

At your service, you’ll have a fleet of premium equipped vehicles with several amenities for your comfort.

/Mechanical assistance during the bike tours;
/Luggage and bike transfer between hotels;
/Transfer to and from hotels/airports;
/Premium passenger transport and assistance during the rides, at your disposal;

Bike touring at it's best!

RELAX AND VISIT AT YOUR OWN PACE

After a great day outdoors, it's time to relax

We work with the best hotels and SPA's, to guarantee you full-access to great relaxing experiences and a good night's sleep after your hiking is done.

/ Access to the best SPAs;

/ Free time for sightseeing;

/ Experience adapted to your own pace and holiday style;

We strive to provide our guests with time to relax and immerse into the atmosphere, providing a balance between great activities and well deserved “me time” on your walking holidays Portugal!

ADAPTED TO EVERY RIDER TYPE AND NEED

CYCLING HOLIDAYS FOR EVERY TYPE OF RIDER

While planning your cycling holidays, our staff may contact you to ask for further details to better design a bike tour more suited to you. However, all our tours are built to adapt to groups with different riding experience, having shorter and longer options. For "expert" riders, we provide additional cycling challenges. On the other hand we invite all our guests to simply hop into our premium equipped vans if they feel so or just enjoy a recovery day without using their bike.

RIDER TYPES:

1 BEGINNER

/ I ride my bike on a regular basis, for fitness, commuting or out with friends. I prefer rolling terrain but enjoy reaching my goals and enjoy an active lifestyle. I like to overcome some challenges on my bike, but mostly enjoy the landscapes and atmosphere during group rides.
You will get to ride at your own pace, in moderate distances and hop on our premium van if you so desire or, you can challenge yourself when you feel comfortable! You’ll get to ride in a peloton with like-minded people and always accompanied by our guides. If you want an extra "help" on your rides, you can also request an e-bike.

2 INTERMEDIATE

/ Riding is a great part of my life, and I ride my bike regularly with my friends. I am comfortable with rides of 2 to 3 hours, or even more at a relatively strong pace. I like to be challenged and to surpass obstacles or just ride smoothly in a peloton.
You will get to feel different riding experiences, from tougher climbs to rolling along in great company. You’ll have time to enjoy the great landscapes, gain speed in the descents and also push yourself and climb those tough hills. You’ll enjoy the variety of terrain, riding in a peloton and pushing a little harder just before the stop at the café.

3 EXPERT

/ I ride my bike an average of 100 kilometres or more per week and enjoy a fast paced ride for an extended period of time. I love to train, improve and be challenged by other riders. I enjoy all riding experiences, from big climbs to long, technical descents, especially the ones that allow me to push my limits and make long lasting memories.
You’ll get to ride in a peloton along with your peers but also challenge them on the long climbs. Lead the pack and take on the special extra-challenges we have in store for you – try to keep up with our guides as you go for the extra mile just before your well deserved rest and massage at the hotel!

Cycling holidays Portugal for all.
Book with confidence - Check our cancellation policy.

European Offices

Monday to Friday
09AM to 06PM GMT
Telephone: 00351 217 590 365 (Call to the Portuguese national fixed network)
Email: ridewithus @ liveloveride.pt 

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