Aragonese Camino (Lourdes to Jaca) 2018: 27 May - Stage 7

If you are returning to the Pass to walk to Villanua, have a look at the profile map below. From Canfranc Estación we continue south along the Camino Aragones. The path follows the Aragon River most of the way and the sound of running water is often heard along the trail. Canfranc – originally ‘Campus Francus’ or place of foreigners, a medieval frontier village. Almost totally destroyed by fire in 1944, the medieval street pattern remains with its pilgrim street, as does the church of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion. There is a café and panaderia here.

Past Canfranc proper we descend into the valley, to the foot of a huge dam holding back the Rio Aragon. The medieval 12th century bridge at its base is still above water. The path to Villanua goes through Pyrenean landscape on a rocky path with beautiful mixed deciduous woods.

This part, and most of the Aragones Way, passes through villages with a real Alpine feel to them and the hilly (some would say mountainous) terrain offers stunning vistas of mountain peaks and valleys. Most of the villages you pass through are rather small and are built on the top of hills or along the river.
At Villanua remains of the ancient Roman Road survive. There is a witches’ Guixas Cave is at the entrance of Villanua. We walk past the booth that sells the tickets and from there we can choose to turn right and head towards the modern part of Villanua, or go straight through the old town of this locality where there is a bar for refreshments. We recommend the latter because it is more interesting and historical. There is the C12th church of San Esteban with a fine statue of Santiago. Alfonso will collect you from Villanua and take you back to Canfranc Estacion for your 2nd night at Casa Le Tuca.

We were collected by car and taken to Canfranc.