Of the many reasons pilgrims choose to walk the Camino de Santiago—cultural, historical, religious, spirituality, fitness, nature, solitude, looking for love, running away from love, finding themselves, losing themselves, meeting new people—one of the main features that is sometimes overlooked are the beautiful flowers that welcome you in the spring. I knew there would be flowers along the Camino when I walked the French Way in the spring of 2010. However, I had never expected how beautiful the scenes would be alongside the path, especially in Eastern Spain. If you don’t mind the possibility (most likely, probability) of some inclement weather, you’re in for a special treat.
These photos were taken from late April to mid May. I had poor weather for much of the time, but that was part of the journey. Although I complained a little (sometimes a lot), I intended to make the best of my time in Spain, and walked every day, no matter the weather. If you haven’t seen my blog post that takes you along from St. Jean Pied de Port toward Santiago de Compostela, you may want to start On the Camino de Santiago: St. Jean Pied de Port to the Pyrenees.
As was implied by the title, this post focuses on the flowers along the French Way or Camino Francés, and features…
Poppies…
and mustard flowers. This cute horse greeted me as I entered Estella.
Often, flowers adorned the banks along the path. Here, the poppies were scattered with the mustard. The village of Cirauqui is in the distance.
 Along the road as I approached Sansol in Navarra.
 On a dark morning between Viana and Logroño.
 Along the Roman Road, east of Lorca.
Although I’ll never forget walking through this mud, I thought the colors here were striking.
 Along the Camino as I entered Estella.
Between the villages of Azqueta and Villamayor de MonjardÃn.
The approach to the Alto del Perdón, west of Pamplona.
As I approached Villamayor de MonjardÃn, I stopped for a moment to watch an artist sketch on his pad.
Another favorite photo: an ancient Roman bridge, just west of Cirauqui. The stretch of Roman Road, between Cirauqui and Lorca was the most important left along the French Way.
 Sometimes, the poppies were scattered. This was just west of Estella.
Sometimes, there was just a lone poppy. Facing a monastery, west of Villamayor de MonjardÃn.
Overlooking a vineyard, east of Viana.
Poppies and mustard along the senda, leaving El Burgo Ranero.
 The ruins of a long abandoned home, east of Viana…
 and along the Roman Road.
I hope you enjoyed this post as I revisited some of my favorite photos of flowers along the Camino de Santiago. If you’re able, I would really recommend walking the Camino in the spring. The flowers were amazing.
If you have my book, Camino de Santiago In 20 Days, or have ordered it, I really appreciate your support. It’s also out on Kindle and Kobo. My Goodreads and Amazon pages have reviews and more information. Please share this post, and thanks for your time.
About Randall St. Germain
Randall St. Germain, author of Camino de Santiago In 20 Days, is a middle-aged Canadian Boy who is passionate about nature, photography, hiking, music, and self-improvement. After the death of his mother, he chose to walk the famous pilgrimage, the Camino de Santiago, across the north of Spain, despite knowing little about it. He certainly didn’t plan to write a book until the latter days of his Camino. Similar to walking the Camino, writing and publishing a book was a learning experience. It was also very rewarding, and part of his ongoing journey. Please join him as he takes you along on his journey in Camino de Santiago In 20 Days, and on his blog Camino My Way.
I always enjoy your pictures, Randall. And yes, the weather that give us the mud, also present us with mustard flowers and poppies. Kind of a metaphor, isn´t it?
Yes it is, Felipe. I live in Vancouver which is considered a rain forest. People complain—I have complained myself—about the amount of rain here. Similar to the flowers in Spain, we wouldn’t have our own lush forests, waterfalls, and mountain scenery without the rainfall, especially during the winter. Having said this, I hope summer arrives to the west coast of Canada very soon.
I walked these path 2003 and 2005 and seeing your photos of 2012 makes me see myself there again.
The longing to return to Santiago never ceased in my mind.. I want to go back.
Thanks for the comment. I hope you get to return to Santiago soon. I walked the Camino Del Norte, finishing in early August, and was very happy to complete my second Camino. I wish you the best.
Great pictures Randall! when I look at them it makes me want to “walk” as well. You do a great job representing your walk with pictures.
Are you going to write another book about the second walk?
Thank you very much, Carla. I wish I had better weather for these photos but that’s how it was while I walked. I have roughed in a little of the second book, but still have lots to do before I disappear and write another one.
The photo “Along the Camino as I entered Estella.” There’s a signficant sense of calm. The lush greenery bordering the pale road, invites one to cross its path. The cross on the right gives way to hope. There is something good here.
Thank you for sharing.
I’m very glad you recognize calmness of that photo. I didn’t know much about Estella, but really enjoyed my short time in the city. It also helped that the sun came out for the afternoon, which provided for much more enjoyable walking.