The Upper Nive Valley Circuit
Author: Christophe
Just in case you were wondering what the page name was about: Its my home circuit – the Upper Nive Valley Circuit. Traditionally, experienced guides recommend to ride it in four stages, which is what I would say as well. You will have the time to stop and enjoy the amazing scenery on the way, from the green mountain of the Pyrenees to ancient Roman towers more than two millennia old. Stage One takes you from St. Jean Pied de Port to Koskoleta and covers a little more than 18 Kilometers.
Stage two then takes you from Koskoleta to the Mendilatz hostel, a course of striking beauty that crosses the French-Spanish border. A visit at Mendilatz will be reward enough for a very painful second stage. Check out their homepage for more. The third stage then continues on from the “Albergue” to the Orisson hostel. More than just a course connecting two mountain refuges, it will guide you past the Urkulu summit at 1420m which features some Roman constructions from the time of Augustus. The final and fourth stage takes you back to St. Jean Pied de Port. With the work done, should take the time to enjoy this wonderful mediaeval town which has its roots way back in the eighth or ninth century, possibly even before that.
Of course, this route is not my creation. For more details, images, and precise data on the climbs as well as contact information for the hostels, check out: http://thvn.free.fr/sources/thvn/thvn_etp_gb.php3?etp=00