Walk this Way

Published on 11 March 2026 at 13:38

Why A Level & Uni Students Are Choosing the French Camino for a Summer That Actually Means Something

Swap doom-scrolling, overpriced festivals and “I’ll do something productive next week” vibes for something unforgettable. This summer, A Level and university students across the UK are lacing up their boots and heading to France to walk one of Europe’s most iconic long-distance routes: the French section of the Camino de Santiago.

Yes — that Camino. The legendary pilgrimage that ends in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. But before Spain comes France… and it might just be the best bit.

What Is the French Camino?

The most famous route, the Camino Francés, traditionally begins in the medieval town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees. From there, pilgrims cross into Spain and continue west across the country to Santiago de Compostela.

But the French stages — especially routes like the Via Podiensis starting in Le Puy-en-Velay — are where many seasoned walkers say the magic truly begins.

Think rolling vineyards. Sunflower fields. Tiny stone villages. Fresh baguettes. Deep conversations. No WiFi (sometimes). Maximum main-character energy.

Why It’s the Ultimate Student Summer Upgrade

🌍 Affordable Adventure

Hostels (known as gîtes), pilgrim albergues, and simple guesthouses make it budget-friendly. You can walk for weeks without spending what you’d drop on one city break.

🧠 Reset Your Brain

Exam burnout? Dissertation fatigue? Post-results existential crisis? The Camino is basically a walking gap month compressed into a few weeks. It’s active meditation. Therapy, but with better views.

🏃 Active But Accessible

You don’t need to be ultra-fit. You just need decent shoes, a backpack, and the willingness to walk 15–25km a day. You get stronger as you go.

🤝 Built-In Community

You’ll meet students, graduates, creatives, career-changers, retirees — all walking for their own reasons. It’s social without being forced. Deep chats > awkward small talk.

📸 Actually Post-Worthy

Medieval bridges. Mountain sunrises. French markets. Romanesque churches. Your camera roll will thank you.

The Secret Weapon: Miam Miam Do Do

Every Camino student needs one essential item: the guidebook known affectionately as Miam Miam Do Do.

The Miam Miam Do Do is the cult-favourite guide to accommodation and food along the French Camino routes. It lists gîtes, pilgrim hostels, campsites and places to eat — all in one compact book that fits in your backpack.

It’s practical. It’s trusted. And yes, the name literally means “Yum Yum Sleep Sleep.” Iconic.

Not Religious? Not a Problem.

While the Camino has medieval Christian origins, today’s walkers go for all sorts of reasons
Adventure

Mental clarity
Post-exam reset
Pre-career reflection

Fitness challenge

Creative inspiration

Or just… because they can

You walk at your own pace. For your own reasons.

A Summer That Stays With You

Three weeks on the French Camino can feel like three months of growth. You’ll come back stronger, clearer, more confident — and with stories that beat “I worked retail again” or “I stayed in my uni house all summer.”

Instead of watching someone else’s adventure on TikTok, you’ll be living yours.

This year, trade passive for purposeful.
Trade scrolling for strolling.
Trade “meh” for meaningful.