<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><HTML><FONT SIZE=3 PTSIZE=12 FAMILY="SERIF" FACE="Palatino Linotype" LANG="0">Apparently what has made the Camino Frances the most traveled upon by pilgrims is the fact that it offers the most direct access to and from the rest of continental Europe.<BR>
As far as qualifying for the Compostela, all different routes are equally valid.<BR>
Most of the other Caminos are older than the Camino Frances, including the Via de la Plata and the Portuguese Way. The Primitive Way was, of course, the first one established as a recognized way for pilgrims with hospitals, caring monks, albergues and the like.</FONT></HTML>