LOURDES TO PAMPLONA
VIA TOLOSANA AND CAMINO ARAGONES
5 May - 20 May 2026
VIA TOLOSANA AND CAMINO ARAGONES
5 May - 20 May 2026
NB: This route requires a higher level of fitness than some of the other Camino routes. 
We are thrilled to offer this stunningly beautiful walk from Lourdes to Pamplona again - a route less travelled through majestic landscapes and historic villages. We can only offer 12 places in this group. We will meet in the pilgrimage town of Lourdes in the south of France and spend a day visiting the sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, the shrine of Bernadette, and taking part in a candlelight procession. Let us know if you would like an extra night and we will add it to our booking. We will travel to Oloron Ste Marie, after which we walk south to Sarrance, Borce and the Somport Pass. [1640m ] From there we cross into Spain and walk south visiting the iconic Canfranc station (which some say was used in the filming of Doctor Zhivago). From Jaca we will travel by taxi to the magnificent monastery of San Jan de la Pena, built in the rockface in the middle ages. From Artieda we will be taken to the Monastery of Leyre and will walk from there to Sanguesa, visiting the historic Castle is San Franciso Javier. In Abinzano we will spend two nights in a charming rural Casa, and on our penultimate day we will walk to Obanos, via Santa Maria de Eunate. From there we can take a taxi or a bus to Pamplona where you will stay for two nights. Camino Aragones vs Camino Frances
This stunningly beautiful Camino route, crossing the lush green forests of the French Pyrenean hills and the drier, rugged landscapes of Northern Aragon. The Camino Aragones is advertised as more demanding than the Camino Frances but we have reduced daily stages considerably to make it doable for fit walkers and hikers. As with the Camino Frances the paths can be muddy or rocky in parts requiring concentration plus mental and physical effort. In a few places you might have to cross a stream or a ditch. Then again, if you choose the road option, which you can do in places, you need to be aware of traffic as you may be on main roads with narrow or no shoulder, and you might also experience the effects on your feet of walking on hard road surfaces. Passing through remote areas it is less populated and even though this is also an ancient trail it is less well developed. You have fewer options for coffee and eating stops, often nothing at all along the way, (supply your own), and sometimes only one option for the evening meal. The routes are less well marked, and you are unlikely to encounter anyone if you need to ask the way. In general you encounter far fewer pilgrims and little or no litter. The contrasting landscapes, superb monasteries and outstanding museums on this route make it well worthwhile the effort of walking it, but you will need a good level of fitness and endurance in order to really enjoy it. |
Getting there:
From the UK, fly to Lourdes From other countries, fly to Toulouse or Pau. Train or bus to Lourdes. There are bus and train routes from Toulouse to Lourdes. The bus journey typically takes around 4 hours and 16 minutes, while the train takes about 3 hours and 23 minutes. From South Africa: Fly to Toulouse, returning from Madrid to Johannesburg or Cape Town. PROVISIONAL STAGES 
Please read all the links on this website for more information on how to get to the start, what will it cost, what is included, accommodation and, especially, the FAQ page which might have answers to questions you didn't think to ask!
To go on the waiting list, please send us the contact form below
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OUR WALK INFORMATION
Limited to 10 people
Group accommodation is limited, therefore you might have to share twin rooms in some of the places. Although we walk to Artieda in Spain, we will taxi the group to Leyre from there (on the alternative route) and will spend a night there. The next day we will walk to Sanguesa.
The walk starts with a welcome and orientation get together in Lourdes. This group will be accompanied by Dojema Theron for the duration of the walk.
Cost: from €1825 sharing.
It includes 16 nights accommodation in private, en suite rooms; visits to the famous station at Canfrance de Estacion, taxi to the magnificent monateries of San Juan de la Pena; visit to the Monastery at Lyre, a Spanish credencial, luggage tags, and amaWalkers pdf guide book. If you want a single room [where they are available] a single supplement will be charged.
Luggage transfers: One item is included and extra items will be charged at ± €11 per day
Not included:
Flights to Europe: Your flights to France or Spain. Getting to the start, travel insurance (essential), food and drinks.
Daily spending: You can budget on €40 - €60 per day for food, drinks, snacks, entrance to museums etc. Allow ± €25 per day for food: €3 - €5 for breakfast, €5 - €10 for lunch and €15 - €20 for dinner and a drink (wine, water and bread is generally provided with a meal). If you choose the A La Carte menu, your meals could cost more.
Allow ± €15 per day for incidentals such as entrance fees to museums or cathedrals, alcoholic beverages and snacks.
Taxis usually charge €1 to €1.5 per km.
As we have to work in Euros, but pay from our South African Rand (ZAR), all costs are listed in Euros. Rate of exchange is €/ZAR
