Pilgrimage in France
Four historic Camino routes run through France, and three of them meet before the Pyrenees. There are also the routes to Mont-Saint-Michel, the circular route through Brittany and pilgrimage sites such as Lourdes. Hostels here are called gîtes. They cost more than in Spain, but a shared dinner is often included.
14 routes in France
| Route | Length | Duration | Difficulty | Best time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via Francigena | around 1,900 km | about 3 months | moderate | April to June, September and October |
| Huguenot and Waldensian Trail | around 1,800 km | in sections | moderate | April to October |
| Tro Breizh | around 1,500 km as today's circular route | in sections | moderate | All year, best from May to September |
| Via Lemovicensis | around 1,100 km | 7 to 8 weeks | moderate | May to October |
| Via Turonensis | just over 1,000 km from Paris | 6 to 7 weeks | easy | April to October |
| Via Tolosana | around 800 km | 5 to 6 weeks | moderate | Spring and autumn |
| Way of St James (Camino Francés) | around 780 km | about 5 weeks | moderate | Spring and autumn |
| Via Podiensis | around 750 km | 4 to 5 weeks | moderate | May to October |
| Voie du Piémont | around 700 km | 4 to 5 weeks | hard | May to October |
| Via Gebennensis | around 350 km | about 2 weeks | moderate | May to October |
| Pilgrimage to Chartres | around 100 km | 3 days | hard | Pentecost |
| Paths to Mont-Saint-Michel | several routes, often 100 to 300 km | a few days to 2 weeks | easy | Spring to autumn |
| Lourdes | Place of pilgrimage | 1 to 3 days | easy | April to October |
| Rocamadour | Place of pilgrimage | 1 day | moderate | Spring to autumn |
Way of St James (Camino Francés)
around 780 km, about 5 weeks
Via Podiensis
around 750 km, 4 to 5 weeks
Via Tolosana
around 800 km, 5 to 6 weeks
Tro Breizh
around 1,500 km as today's circular route, in sections
Paths to Mont-Saint-Michel
several routes, often 100 to 300 km, a few days to 2 weeks
Via Francigena
around 1,900 km, about 3 months
Via Turonensis
just over 1,000 km from Paris, 6 to 7 weeks
Via Lemovicensis
around 1,100 km, 7 to 8 weeks
Voie du Piémont
around 700 km, 4 to 5 weeks
Pilgrimage to Chartres
around 100 km, 3 days
Lourdes
Place of pilgrimage, 1 to 3 days
Rocamadour
Place of pilgrimage, 1 day
Huguenot and Waldensian Trail
around 1,800 km, in sections
Via Gebennensis
around 350 km, about 2 weeks
Frequently asked questions
What pilgrimage routes are there in France?
On this page you will find 14 routes and places in France, for example Way of St James (Camino Francés), Via Podiensis, Via Tolosana, Tro Breizh, Paths to Mont-Saint-Michel, Via Francigena, Via Turonensis, Via Lemovicensis.
What is the longest pilgrimage route in France?
Of the routes presented here, Via Francigena is the longest: around 1,900 km, duration about 3 months.
What is the shortest pilgrimage route in France?
The shortest here is Pilgrimage to Chartres at around 100 km, duration 3 days.