The Saint James of Compostela Path, is the example of physical, mental, spiritual, but also practical experience, that one should have done in his/here lifetime.

The spiritual pilgrimage, or personal challenge to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia, can start from four different places;
• From Paris, by the via Turonensis (1,448 km in total – approx. 10 weeks)
• From Vézelay, by the via Lemovicensis (approx. 1,690 km in total, 900 km from Vézelay to Saint Jean Pied-de-Port – approx 10 weeks)
• From Arles, by the via Tolosana (approx. 1,588 km in total – approx. 9 weeks)
• From Le Puy en Velay, by the the via Podiensis (1,530 km in total – approx. 9 weeks)
About the differents paths;
Some paths are more accessible than others, and the path you choose should match your expectations. For instance, if you decide to make it with a bike, you should consider the Via Turonensis, which less bumpy thus more praticable than the others. If your goal is to do a spiritual, religious, or cultural journey, you may want to choose the via Lemovicensis or the via Tolosana, filled with Roman cultural vestiges and churches. Finally, the via Podiensis is the oldest of all routes, and passes by the most important sanctuaries such as Conques, Moissac, Rocamadour and Roncesvalles. Therefore, it is generally one of the most crowded paths.
Practical recommendations;
Make sure to define the timeline of your travel. The Camino being quite popular, you should consider making a detailed planning including; day/location to reach/Accommodation/Distance. This will ensure you have a roof to sleep every night. Booking accommodation the most early possible can be useful as relatively big groups of tend to reserve entire refuges. Another option is homestay accommodations. Lots of offers can be found on airbnb for instance. A ‘Pilgrim passport’ can be bought from spanish tourism agencies or churches or locals. It is a must have for the trip, as the tradition is to stamp the ‘credencial’ with the official Saint James stamp whenever the pilgrim stops by a refuge. If you are not sure of the time it will take you to perform your travel, I recommend that you do not book your way back, thought this involves higher travelling expenses. Another solution is renting an accommodation for a few day at your final step, and shift of a few days the way-back ticket, thus any delay on the last days will not have any impact. Keep in mind that the Saint James of Compostela path primary goal is spiritual, and that this can solely be achieved with a relaxed and peaceful mindset. Guides are essential to ensure the smooth running of the journey. Many pocket-books are available, and mobile applications have even been developped. They help setting a positive mindset, and understanding the mentality of the journey. The Regional Tourism Committee of MMidi Pyrénées offers a free app to assist pilgrims, providing localisation, historical, and useful tips and information. Do not forget Back up equipment. Indeed, you should consider bringing an additional flashlight, some extra batteries, wind/water clothes depending of the weather, and a well furnished first aid kit. An inventory checklist could help organizing, and avoiding omissions.