In La Rioja the vineyards spread out among charming medieval villages that dot the landscape. A fertile land, where the natural and architectural landscape is of great richness.
As lovers of our beloved land, in this article from Santa María Briones we want to share with you the curiosities of some of the most emblematic villages of La Rioja that are part of the French Way, a route that reaches our beloved Briones.
Our beloved Autonomous Community is known worldwide for its magnificent wines and majestic wineries, but in the past it was also the scene of numerous legends.
As a result of these legends, the French Way was born, which became, from the 11th century onwards, the busiest pilgrimage route to the tomb of St. James the Apostle. It was the Navarrese King Sancho III the Great and the Leonese King Alfonso VI who, taking advantage of the route of the old Roman road from Astorga to Bordeaux, modified the route to reinforce the Christian frontier against the Muslim kingdoms of the Peninsula after the recent conquest of these territories.
As new towns were incorporated along the route, they were enriched with new Frankish settlers who brought their craft and commercial trades. These new structures in turn served as a call effect, facilitating the transit of new pilgrims from all over Europe.
A common attribute of all the towns we present here is the excellent gastronomy, complementing our famous wines. The products of our fertile orchards watered by the Ebro, such as beans, peppers and artichokes, together with the game from our mountains and river fish, offer us a diverse cuisine rich in flavors. Among our most traditional dishes are potatoes with chorizo sausage, stuffed peppers and chops roasted in vine shoots.
Being the French Way one of the most relevant and enduring over time we present a tour of the strategic points of La Rioja.
Haro
Our journey along the French Route begins in Haro, the epicenter of one of the most influential wine-growing areas in the world. In its Barrio de la Estación, it is possible to enjoy several unique oenological experiences.
At the end of the 19th century, phylloxera devastated the French vineyards, giving Rioja winegrowers the opportunity to export their excellent wines to France thanks to the newly established railroad, as local experts relate. Since then, La Rioja has grown to become one of the most prosperous regions in Spain.
The old town of Haro retains the charm of a provincial town of the last century, combining tradition with the comforts of modernity. Its heart is the Plaza de la Paz, surrounded by elegant buildings and historic premises. Nearby, Santo Tomás Street is home to some of the city’s best restaurants and taverns.
Logroño
Well fed, we continue our journey along the N-232 towards Logroño, the capital of La Rioja, an excellent starting point for those arriving from the east of the country. The road allows us to enjoy the scenery, which at this time of year is reminiscent of Tuscany, according to the words of writer Bernardo Atxaga.
It is difficult not to stop and make a stop along the way to walk along Calle Laurel, the epicenter of life in the city, with a large concentration of bars and restaurants where you can taste pinchos and wine.
Briones
About 13 kilometers from Haro, the road reaches Briones. Our beloved village, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, is an architectural jewel. It is located on top of a hill with panoramic views over the Ebro River and extensive vineyards. An architectural jewel.
Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Following the A12, in about 22 kilometers you will reach Santo Domingo de la Calzada, an obligatory stop on the Camino de Santiago. History and legend are intertwined in this place, where the hermit Domingo built a hospital for pilgrims, as well as a road and a bridge over the Oja River. Santo Domingo de la Calzada is another of the villages near Briones that is undoubtedly worth a visit.
Get ready for an unforgettable trip...
At Santa María Briones we are passionate about our local culture and disseminators of its excellence and goodness, a land full of life, wine and passion. We encourage wine tourism by providing our guests through our blog with the necessary information and arrangements to organize their trip to La Rioja and visit the wineries in the area.
And no matter how much we tell you about the experience in Santa María Briones, nothing is comparable to living it yourself, we are waiting for you!
For more information and reservations:
reservas@santamariabriones.com
+ 34 941 991 599
+ 34 623 481 218