Frequently Asked Questions

The website is run by Lionel de Compostelle, a passionate French walker who has been covering thousands of kilometers off the beaten track since 2013, in the spirit of medieval pilgrims. He is very active on social media. I invite you to discover his many posts, photos, and videos on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, and more. On the website's homepage, you will find all the links to access his various platforms.

The main objective of this website is to share the benefits of long-distance walking on the Camino de Santiago and other routes with as many people as possible (hikers and future pilgrims alike). This is what Lionel de Compostelle calls Santiago Therapy or Camino Therapy. He dedicates several pages to it on the website, drawing on key ideas and quotes. His approach will resonate with people seeking meaning and a profound and transformative experience.

Because the routes presented by Lionel de Compostelle don't follow the classic paths. He favors back roads, detours through the mountains, and historical or religious sites, for a more introspective walk, far from the crowds. His journey, once completed, will trace a figure eight (a symbol of infinity), if he's lucky enough to reach the end! In addition, he sets himself a new challenge each year. He plans to walk (completely independently) around the islands of the Mediterranean and far beyond…

Lionel de Compostelle shares a variety of itineraries: notably in France, including the crossing of the French Pyrenees on the GR10 trail, the Stevenson Trail, the Saint-Guilhem Way, the Way of St. James via the Puy-en-Velay route and the Rocamadour variant, as well as in Spain, with the Camino Primitivo, the Camino de San Salvador, the Camino Francés, and even tours of Mediterranean islands (Menorca, Ibiza, Elba, etc.).

No. It is an independent, amateur website. It is neither a travel agency, nor an official organization, nor a commercial service. The site was created in 2020 by Lionel de Compostelle, a passionate French hiker who wants to share his experience of long-distance walking off the beaten track and explain what it has brought him in terms of personal development. The content is based on his thousands of kilometers walked, which guarantees a sincere and authentic approach.

Lionel de Compostelle stands out for its highly personal approach: with its alternative, less-traveled routes, practical advice, and spiritual vision of the pilgrimage. The site prioritizes simplicity, nature, and freedom over mass tourism.

No. External links are provided to help pilgrims, but Lionel de Compostelle has no control over their content, updates, or reliability. The information is carefully selected, but its accuracy or availability cannot be guaranteed over time. Each user should therefore verify the information with official sources.

All his videos are available on his associated YouTube channel, "Compostelle autrement" (Compostela Differently). They allow you to visualize the landscapes, the different routes, and appreciate the atmosphere of the paths he traveled. They show the reality of the terrain: the elevation changes, the technical sections, the villages and local services, the resupply points... His YouTube videos will complement the stories presented on the website and help you prepare for your Camino.

Yes. On the homepage, you can select from seven languages ​​(English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, and Korean) to allow international walkers to discover Lionel de Compostelle's alternative routes, practical advice, and reflections. The original French version is more comprehensive than the other versions.

A free subscriber area is available. This allows you to ask questions on the forum and stay up-to-date with the site's news, which is updated annually following Lionel de Compostelle's adventures. The site already has over 300 subscribers (pilgrims and hikers alike) and a little over 10,000 followers on its social media. With a subscription, members can also download all the GPS tracks (in GPX format) for the routes featured on the site.

No. The trails are constantly changing (weather, roadworks, closures, natural hazards, etc.). Lionel de Compostelle does not guarantee the condition of the trails or their accessibility. The content published on this site and the GPX tracks are provided for informational purposes only and reflect a route completed at a specific time. They are not a substitute for a map or the use of a reliable GPS. Each hiker must check local conditions and remain vigilant. As stated repeatedly on the site, the information reflects personal experience and does not replace professional advice. Lionel de Compostelle cannot therefore be held responsible in the event of an accident on the trail.

The content (photos, quotes, and text, etc.) is protected by copyright. Any reproduction, distribution, or commercial use requires the prior authorization of Lionel de Compostelle. The website is a personal and creative space. You can use its original itineraries to create your own routes, but for personal use only. The itineraries are shared and available for free download to inspire walkers, not for commercial or professional use.

Since Compostelle Autrement is not an official agency and does not sell paid services, there are very few external reviews on the site. Lionel de Compostelle volunteers his time to provide this sharing space. To support his efforts and express your support, you can leave your review on the website in the "Your opinion matters" section.