What would a pilgrim discover if they dedicated one more afternoon to getting to know León? The province will bring twelve proposals to INTUR 2026 to enjoy the French Way beyond the walking stages. The Valladolid fair, which opens its professional day today, November 12, will host this Turisleón initiative with an eye toward Xacobeo 2027.
The Provincial Council and the León City Council, which make up the Provincial Tourism Consortium, have prepared an offer that covers the province from east to west. The announcement, made on November 10, comes on the eve of the fair open to the public from November 13 to 15.
For those who are organizing their pilgrimage, the proposal raises a practical question: reserve time to get to know the places they pass through. A stage does not necessarily end when you leave your backpack at the hostel. It can also be the opportunity to visit a monument, discover a local tradition or talk to those who live along the Camino.
From Sahagún to León: look beyond the yellow arrow
Sahagún opens the tour of the announced experiences with a proposal dedicated to its Jacobean heritage. The town is a prominent stop on the French Way and preserves examples of medieval architecture that help understand the history of the pilgrimage.
Four activities are concentrated in the Leonese capital. Two revolve around the pilgrim identity of the city, another brings the visitor closer to the gastronomic products of the province and the fourth is dedicated to Antoni Gaudí.
León allows you to combine the visit to the cathedral with the discovery of Casa Botines, one of the works of the Catalan architect outside of Catalonia. These are possibilities that may interest both the pilgrim who has a few hours and those who travel accompanying him without going through all the stages.
Astorga and El Bierzo: Roman history, Templars and flavors
In Astorga, the program incorporates an experience focused on Roman heritage. Ancient Asturica Augusta offers a different historical context than the medieval monuments usually associated with the Camino.
The city is also a meeting place for itineraries. At RTV we have recently collected the debate on the future of the Vía de la Plata in Astorga, which reminds us of the importance of preserving routes as well as promoting them.
Upon arriving at Bierzo, the proposals change landscape and theme. Molinaseca incorporates an activity around wine, while Ponferrada brings together three experiences related to its Templar history, cuisine and wine tradition.
Ponferrada Castle constitutes a visual reference for those passing through the city. A visit to this heritage can complement the passage along the French Way, while the gastronomic offer allows you to get closer to the products of the region.
Camponaraya and Cacabelos, together with Villafranca del Bierzo, complete the catalog with activities linked to wine. The program seeks to distribute tourist interest among different locations, not concentrate it exclusively in the best-known cities.
What visitors can find at INTUR
The Valladolid fair will serve to publicize the catalog before the Holy Year. The institutional communication does not yet detail rates, schedules or reservation conditions for each experience, so it is advisable to consult with Turisleón before incorporating them into a specific plan.
The Leonese programming also includes three audiovisual presentations. On Friday the 13th, at 5:00 p.m., the Route of the Renaissance Altarpieces of Eastern León will be announced; At 6:00 p.m. it will be the turn of La Bañeza cultural. On Saturday the 14th, at 5:00 p.m., a video about the Laciana Biosphere Reserve will be presented.
These activities broaden the interest of the fair for those who want to see other corners of the province. For pilgrims preparing the Xacobeo , it is also an opportunity to learn about the heritage and services of the municipalities before traveling.
León's challenge before 2027 is to ensure that pilgrims find reasons to stop, get to know their towns and remember something more than the kilometers traveled.
Cover photo: JRA, public domain, Wikimedia Commons.
Sources: Provincial Council of León; Europa Press.
Images: Photo: Jose Luis Filpo Cabana · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Resized | Photo: Andreaperjo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Resized | Photo: JuanBZamorano · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Resized.
