Origin
Destination
Distance
22.00 km
Duration
5.50 h
Difficulty
Media
Ascent
15 m
Stage of the Camino
Stage Description
Stage of the Camino del Valle de Mena, historical branch that links Bizkaia with the Mena Valley in the province of Burgos. The 22 km cross the Ordunte Mountains through medium altitude passes, with a landscape of Atlantic forests and mountain meadows. Villasana de Mena is the capital of the Mena Valley, a region of Burgos with a strong identity of its own, rich Romanesque heritage and the fortress-tower of Lezana de Mena (14th century).
The Camino Baztanés begins in the beautiful city of Bayonne, in French Basque country. This first stage is a gentle and pleasant journey that serves to bid farewell to urban surroundings and venture into Lapurdi's countryside. The path largely follows the banks of the Nive River along a scenic river trail of great beauty. The profile is completely flat, allowing for comfortable and relaxed walking. The landscape is dominated by dense green pastures, soft hills, and characteristic Basque-French farmhouses with their vibrant wooden latticeworks. It's an episode to enjoy the scenery and the tranquility of the surroundings. Arrival in Ustaritz, a locality that was once an important administrative center in Lapurdi's history, marks the end of the stage. Its old town, with its church and traditional houses, has great charm. It is a perfect place for a restorative break and to immerse oneself in French Basque culture.
Last updated: 15/05/2026
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