Hector France’s 'Sac au dos à travers l'Espagne' is a journey told from the dusty roadside. Written in the late 19th century, it follows the author—a French soldier and writer—as he travels on foot across Spain with little more than the pack on his back.

The Story

This isn't a grand tour of palaces. France walks us through sun-baked plains and mountain passes, focusing on the everyday. He sleeps in rough inns, bargains for cheap meals, and gets by on his wits. The plot is the journey itself: a series of encounters with mule drivers, farmers, beggars, and priests. He faces suspicion as a foreigner, deals with petty officials, and experiences both astonishing generosity and sharp distrust. The land is depicted in all its stark beauty and poverty, a world away from the romantic Spain of popular imagination.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book special is its honesty. France doesn't paint himself as a hero. He gets tired, frustrated, and sometimes scared. His observations are sharp and unsentimental. You get a real sense of the social tensions, the humor, and the struggle of life in that era. It reads like a long, fascinating letter from a friend who’s seen the unvarnished truth of a place.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love immersive travel writing, historical eyewitness accounts, or stories about underdogs. If you enjoy books where the setting itself is a character—a challenging, complex, and unforgettable one—you’ll be captivated by France’s backpacking adventure. It’s a reminder that the best trips aren't about comfort, but about seeing clearly.