Discover Aramits, a Hidden Gem in Pyrénées Atlantiques

This is an original challenge for passes collectors, an unusual and colourful cross-border epic. Inspired by the circuits of a renowned cycle sports event, the "Pierre Jacques" is an important circuit between France and Spain. A concentration of high mountain biking: two large passes at an altitude of more than 1,500 m (the Pierre Saint-Martin and the Port de Larrau), three provinces (Bearn, Navarra and Soule) and almost 3,000 m of elevation gain. If the physical challenge is undeniable and reserves this circuit for daring climbers, the quality of the landscapes you will cross is also at the meeting point and contributes greatly to the beauty of this circuit. The mineral atmosphere of the Arres d'Anie, the Roncal valley and the architecture of the Navarrese villages, the flight over the Iraty forest, the passage near the Annie and Orhy peaks and the green picture of the Saison valley.

The 4 km of this "express" ascent will not in themselves be the goal of a Sunday outing; much less will they move the cyclist in search of a mythical pass. Starting in Aramits, the Bugalaran pass should be booked either to finish an easy outing or to add a final climb to your milometer. With an "easy to climb" look the Bugalaran stands out. A few passages at 10% elevate the cardio and the tight corners put the handling to the test. Climbing this pass can also be an opportunity to take advantage of the beautiful view over the Barétous valley, observe the vast chain of the Pyrenees and simply dream about the next departure.

Appreciated by the contemplative cyclist and the runner in full physical condition, here is a loop for the aesthete not suitable for all legs. Certainly, "La Hourcère" or "La Taillade" will not impress many, but "Soudet" and "Labays" could start to generate interest. To all these offers, the "Susscous" comes to complete all these passes for 55 km of physical effort, complete and varied. The landscapes traversed meet all expectations on little crowded and traditional roads. When turning a curve, a small herd of three hundred sheep can appear under the uninhibited gaze of some “Aquitaine blondes”. These natural obstacles require caution, but they provide a great feeling of freedom and add a touch of charm and interest to this circuit that must be covered without a doubt, but well prepared.

Heads and tails, north and south, beeches and ferns...these are the opposites and contrasts that set this loop apart. Let's throw in shade and sunshine...you get the picture! One minute you're in the ridges with views over the valley then the next you're in a dreamy beech forest.

Explore the Barétous piedmont plateau by bike. This challenging loop takes you to the ridges for unobstructed views all around you! There are no technical sections, just gradual ascents and smooth descents.

Explore net hunting along a stunning route. The path starts beneath the chestnut trees and gradually rises to unveil stunning vistas as far as the Ayduc lookouts.

It must be said that the proposed route requires complete physical preparation or an electric bike equipped with the latest technology. Five passes to get through, 1465 m of total elevation gain in 55 km to complete a high-end loop. Freed from physical limitations and assured of adequate autonomy, the "e-cyclist" can fully enjoy the landscapes crossed by little crowded and popular roads as much as he wants. When turning around a curve, a small herd of three hundred sheep can appear under the uninhibited gaze of some “Blondes d’Aquitaine”. These natural obstacles require caution, but they provide a great sense of freedom and bring the charm and interest of this circuit without any doubt. A short detour through a "cayolar" after the Soudet pass is also an opportunity to bring a piece of "Ossau Iraty" cheese or simply to chat with a shepherd.

The tour of Lanne offers you to explore the panoramic hills of Barétous, between meadows and groves, between farms and villages. The circuit, therefore, gives pride of place to great landscapes, and must certainly be marked by long pauses for contemplation, from the Madeleine to the Pic d'Anie. But the heights are achieved with the strength of the calf, and the electric assistance will be largely justified to overcome some difficult slopes, it will be necessary to play with the cogs and increase your engine to meet the challenges that the road to the ridge demands. Anything, nothing is impossible in the land of the musketeer, the memory of the brave Porthos hangs over the landscape and will give you enough motivation. And on your arrival a tasting of good typical cheese awaits you!

This tour will take you pedalling up to the heights of Lanne-en-Barétous for the pleasure of the eyes. After a bit of warming up in the plain, the ascent up a beautiful path, with some small steep slopes, will be done comfortably. Then comes a loop over the most pleasant hills, between the fences of the meadows occupied by curious and carefree ruminants. The final part offers a very interesting descent on a wide track; it can be muddy in rainy weather. Then you just have to savour the return to the starting point.

This hike is your chance to enjoy views that couldn't be easier for you to reach: peaks in the north and the endless plain in the south! Walking on comfortable pistes gives the adventure an extra boost.

Large gîte for 12 people on the outskirts of the village of Aramits, in the heart of the Barétous valley, in unspoilt natural surroundings, surrounded by meadows and mountains. It's the ideal place for a get-together with friends or family. Fully renovated detached house in a former farmhouse. First floor: living room with wood-burning stove, dining room with fireplace, kitchen opening onto terrace. Upstairs are 4 bedrooms with double beds and 3 single beds in the last one, plus 2 shower rooms. The house is spacious. Outside, take in the views of the surrounding peaks from the green space surrounding the gîte, or enjoy the table soccer and ping-pong table. The Pierre Saint-Martin ski resort and the Issarbe Nordic area are a 30-minute drive from the gîte.

"5-room detached house (180m²) on 2 floors. Close to adventure park, hiking tracks, fishing; 300m from shops, 17km from sky resort of ""La Pierre St Martin"" and 19km from Spanish border. Sitting/living room with TV and DVD, open plan kitchen, dishwasher, freezer; laundry room with washing machine. 1 room with double bed, shower room, WC. 1st floor : 1 room with double bed; 1 room with double bed + single bed; 1 room with 5 single beds, bathroom and WC. Baby equipment, garden, terrace with garden furniture and plancha griddle, swimming pool with deckchairs (june from octobre), private parking space."

GITE 2 : House adjoining another gite of type 5P, of 180m² on 2 levels. Near activities (Adventure Park, Paint Ball, hiking, fishing...), 300 m from shops, 23 km from the ski resort of La Pierre St Martin and 26 km from the Spanish border. Living room with TV + American kitchen + dishwasher + freezer, laundry room with washing machine, Ground floor: 1 bedroom with 2 beds in 90, shower room with WC, First floor: 2 bedrooms with 3 beds in 90 and 1 bedroom with 4 beds in 90, bathroom with WC. Baby equipment (cot), garden, terrace with garden furniture and plancha, swimming pool common to the 2 cottages, to share, with deckchairs, private parking.

Independent house located in the middle of the village of Arette, maximum 6 persons Close to activities (Adventure Park, Paint Ball, hiking, fishing ...), 100 m from shops, 23 km from the ski resort of La Pierre St Martin and Issarbe, 26 km from the Spanish border. Living room with TV, equipped kitchen, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, etc... outside laundry room with washing machine, 3 bedrooms on the first floor : 1 bedroom with 1 bed in 140, 1 bedroom with 2 bunk beds and 1 bedroom with 2 single beds - private parking - Minimum rental 2 nights all year round except for school vacations in February, July, August, Christmas and New Year: minimum 7 nights - Note: sheets provided - options: towels and end of stay cleaning

In the heart of the village, on the doorstep of the Basque Country and Spain, the Hôtel de l'Ours offers 15 rooms equipped with televisions and double glazing. Breakfast is served on the garden side, in the form of a full buffet. In the summer, you are in close proximity with events held in the village, as well as being near the place of departure for walking and mountain bike tours. In the winter, you are halfway between La Pierre St-Martin and the lovely resort of Issarbe, for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The hotel is a partner of the French bicycle touring federation, the Fédération Française de Cyclotourisme (washing, air in tyres for bikes) and motorcyclists are welcome! Telephone. Private car park, garden, terrace and bar. Free Wi-Fi in the bar. Animals admitted. Non-smoking hotel. French Chèques vacances holiday vouchers accepted.

Ride gently through the corners of the Pierre Saint-Martin massif on an electric or classic mountain bike, perfect your riding on enduro routes, enjoy wild All Mountain escapes in the mountains and valleys of Bearn, the Basque Country and Spain.. From the quiet walker curious to discover the charms of our Pyrenees to the sportsman eager to express himself on an exceptional playground, Pascal, Mountain Bike and Ski Guide Instructor, will know how to find the formula that suits you. With twenty years of experience and exploration of the territory, he will be happy to put his teaching skills, his love of the mountains and his passion for his sport at your service.

Gîte ideally located at the exit of the village of Arette, in the Barétous valley, along the road leading to the Pierre Saint-Martin ski resort and next to the owner's house (sheep cheese producer). As you enter the gîte, you enter the main room composed of a kitchenette (microwave, fridge-freezer, dishwasher), the living room and a sitting area with a black sofa, a flat screen and a fireplace (insert) to enjoy a pleasant evening by the fire in winter. Upstairs are the two bedrooms, one with a double bed and in the second one two single beds. A washing machine is at your disposal in the bathroom There is a small enclosed adjoining plot of land of 40 m² with a view of the mountains and a meadow.

Every afternoon during the ski season at La Pierre Saint-Martin. For a change of pace, don your snowshoes and head off with your partner to discover vast natural spaces. Oxygenation and contemplation will be the order of the day! Reservations required at the Tourist Office. The outing is guaranteed for a minimum of 5 participants and is supervised by a mountain leader. Ages 8 and over - snowshoes and poles provided (please bring hiking boots / après-ski). Thursday and Saturday afternoon outings in the Vallée d'Aspe!

Away from the madding crowd ! Close to main transport networks, the Auberge de l'Etable offers a countryside setting on the border between the Basque Country and Béarn, in the heart of the village of Montory. Convivial atmosphere rich in tradition and history, a unique, functional and adaptable place.

4-room semi-detached house on 2 floors, (70m²), situated in peaceful countryside with mountain views, 8km from centre of Tardets and shops. Grd floor: sitting/living room with stove, fitted kitchen with freezer and dishwasher. 1st floor: 1 room with twin beds (+cot and baby equipment), 2 rooms with double bed, shower room, WC, washing machine. TV, payphone, courtyard, terrace with garden furniture, barbecue, garden, parking space.

The cayolar indicates, in the Basque language, the hut of the shepherd situated at high altitude. That of Aramits was reconstructed, stone by stone, from a hut situated previously in Pierre Saint Martin and is fitted out as those of formerly, used for the manufacturing of the cheese and the place of life of the shepherd hanging the mountain pasture.

Henri d'Aramitz was the king's musketeer and, incidentally, one of the heroes of Alexander Dumas' novel. He inherited from his father the secular abbey of Aramits, of which only a magnificent portico remains near the church. His pal Porthos was from the village of Lanne.

For the past 3 years, Coralie and Benoît have chosen to live at the pace of their Alpine goats in the heart of Aramits, the small village in the Béarn Pyrenees where Benoît grew up. Their cheeses - tommes, tommettes and the unctuous Barbalette, queen of raclette evenings - tell of the love they have for this profession. From spring to the depths of winter, their lactic cheeses come in delicate crottins, refined bûches, fragrant frais and creamy fromage blanc. On Mondays and Fridays from April to November, they open their farm: one hour to breathe in the local life, watch milking and savor their creations in a friendly, authentic atmosphere. Reservations required. Cheese sales all year round, Monday to Friday: 5pm-7pm.

The Aramits cheese factory is a cooperative that collects milk from around fifty shepherds from Barétous and Soule. Through the centralized production of cow, sheep or mixed cheese, this is an essential link to safeguard local know-how and maintain the economy in rural areas.

The Barétous Valley is the homeland of two famous King's Musketeers, Aramis and Porthos. The latter, whose life was idealized by Alexander Dumas, lived in the castle of Lanne. Athos, meanwhile, was born not far from Oloron Sainte-Marie. Only d'Artagnan did not come from Bearn.

The Barétous Valley is the homeland of two famous King's Musketeers, Aramis and Porthos. The latter, whose life was idealized by Alexander Dumas, lived in the castle of Lanne. Athos, meanwhile, was born not far from Oloron Sainte-Marie. Only d'Artagnan did not come from Bearn.

The Barétous Valley is the homeland of two famous King's Musketeers, Aramis and Porthos. The latter, whose life was idealized by Alexandre Dumas, lived in the castle of Lanne. Athos was born not far from Oloron Santa-Marie. Only D'Artagnan did not come from the Béarn.

There's nothing better than a viewfinder table to learn about and explore your surroundings. From the Aspe Valley to the Basque Country, this vista captures the piedmont plain and the high peaks.

A storm wiped out Aramits forests and the surroundings in 1941. An ingenious cable system enabled the uprooted trees to be transported to the saw mills. There's still a stake a few metres from the car park.

This park is the place for thrill-seekers and adrenalin junkies of all ages with 130 things to do. Treetop adventure, airbag, catapult and paintballing are just some of the fun things you can do before or after a trek!

Etape en Barétous in Aramits is an 80 m² restaurant with an interior courtyard for your meals. The restaurant offers generous, high-quality cuisine, using products selected from local producers. There's also a cosy corner with a wood-burning stove for reading or relaxing. A children's play area is located indoors. Wifi is available in this area. Come and discover a selection of exclusively local teas and drinks that I've specially selected for you. As an accompaniment, I also offer homemade pastries for perfect snacks.

Located in Lanne-en-Barétous, at the gateway to the Basque Country, our restaurant is at your service to help you discover a cuisine prepared using fresh, local produce. Our homemade dishes are available à la carte or on a menu: brasserie menu at lunchtime, restaurant menu in the evening? The bar is open every afternoon. It's the ideal place to enjoy a coffee or a drink with friends. Our bar offers a snack service in summer: dessert, ice cream, cold drinks? Our team will help you organize your project, for all types of events: room rental for company meals, restaurant privatization for birthdays, christenings, family celebrations, restaurant privatization for evenings?

Inn in the heart of the village, offering a hearty cuisine to satisfy all appetites. Specialities: trout, ham piperade (ham with traditionally-cooked tomatoes and peppers), duck breast with morel mushroom sauce, seafood platter, fresh foie gras salad with cep mushrooms, gourmet coffee. Terrace. Room accommodating up to 70 people. Reception groups, christenings, Communions.

Traditional restaurant offering local cuisine. Bar and tobacco. Terrace on the river side or on the village side, bright and modern room.

In front of the “Truites du Haut-Barétous” fish farm, enjoy a traditional snack at any time or grilled meat (by order) to taste locally-produced meats. Set menus from €22, as well as snacks by the dish: €7

NEWS: The restaurant Chez Zélie offers takeaway meals to order on Sunday lunchtime. Reservation required within the week. Sunday lunchtime pick-up on site, remember to bring your containers. This establishment welcomes you in a modern and luminous setting with sober and soothing tones. The restaurant offers a local and traditional cuisine, based on a maximum of fresh and local products to honour the menu with traditional specialities. Meals are served either in the dining room or on the terrace. Also at your disposal: a post office as well as a deposit of bread and newspapers.

Away from the turbulence and close to the main roads, the Auberge de l'Etable is located in the heart of the village of Montory, at the limit of the Bearn and the Basque Country. You will find calm and relaxation there and will discover the richness in traditions of this region, in a country and convivial frame. You will discover its regional kitchen and its various specialities containing local products.

In the center of the small village of Barcus, in the heart of Soule, in a characterful maison de maître, you'll discover the plush comfort of this charming hotel-restaurant, its refined decor and hushed atmosphere. The Chilo restaurant is renowned for its gastronomy, and Pierre has passed on his passion to his son Arnaud, who has taken his place behind the stove. Our menus evolve with the seasons, and we place particular emphasis on products from our local suppliers. The cuisine is inventive, with a nod to local produce.

Spécialities: scallop and fresh liver, beetroot confit.

The Baratzegi restaurant (the restaurant of the Hotel de la Poste) welcomes you in a modern setting with the colors of Soule in the heart of the Basque Country. The restaurant offers you a quality cuisine, generous, made with products selected from local producers. Let yourself be charmed by the flavors of the country, for a gourmet break, a business meal, a family reunion, as a couple or as a family. Moments of pleasure and discovery to be savored in the warm and welcoming dining room or on the terrace in fine weather.

Fishing lodge, adjoining another lodge, on a farm (cattle breeding). On the raised ground floor : living/dining room (sofa bed for 2 persons, fireplace/stove), integrated kitchen area (washing machine, dishwasher, TV, microwave), 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. (2 double beds, 1 single bed), water closet, wc. Extra bedroom, garden furniture, barbecue. River nearby. Gîte on the farm. Poss. loc. sheets, towels. BABY ON BOARD. FISHING GITE.

The Aster is a very cosy apartment, created in 2011 in the village of Aramits. This cosy nest is fully equipped for 2 persons and decorated with taste. You can enjoy the fresh air on the semi-covered terrace or in the huge garden with a small stream running through it. The apartment is a little set back from the village, 5 minutes from the village centre. Shops and services (supermarket, pharmacy, petrol station, launderette). On Sunday mornings, you can even do your market on the central square! Aramits, next to the Basque Country, is a crossroads of activities: - in winter: downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing at the Pierre Saint-Martin or Issarbe (25 kms), at the Somport and Iraty. - in summer : accrobranche, walks, swimming pool, hiking, cycling for all levels... - in autumn : the shepherds' festival : 3rd weekend of September over 4 days. Short stay from 5 nights

Sandrine welcomes you all year round in a fully renovated 17th century home. In the heart of the village of Aramits, the Etape en Barétous gîte can accommodate up to 12 guests, from 1 night upwards. It has 4 bedrooms (including 1 dormitory), 3 bathrooms, 3 toilets, a large living-dining room with wood-burning stove, a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry room, enclosed bike room and enclosed garden along the stream. You can choose your formula, from overnight stay to full board (restaurant on site, homemade cooking using local, seasonal produce). In winter: access to the La Pierre Saint-Martin ski resort by shuttle bus (Line 551), 2 steps from the gîte: all season, 2 times / day and a 3rd rotation during the Christmas and winter school vacations (zone A).

In the heart of the Barétous valley, 15 mn' from Oloron Sainte Marie, 50 mn' from Pau, 25km from the ski resort of La Pierre Saint Martin, Claire welcomes you to her 2 guest rooms for a warm and authentic break in the Musketeers' valley. Our 2 rooms have independent access, each with a queen-size bed (160cm), a shower room and separate toilet. TV, wifi and welcome tray are available. Breakfasts and meals are served in the yellow house or outside. Secure parking is available on the estate.

Bed-and-breakfast in a fine, renovated 18th century Béarn house, with a large wooden gallery, located in the heart of the village of Aramits, 30 minutes from the ski resort. Accommodates 1 to 4 persons. Breakfast and bathroom linen included. Wi-Fi access. Private area for guests on the ground floor with living room, flat screen TV, shower room with toilet and kitchen (self-catering option). On the first floor, 2 en suite bedrooms, one with a 140 cm wide bed and the other with two 90 cm beds. Shared area: covered terrace and gardens. Private outdoor car park for cars, closed garage for motorbikes, bicycles and skiing equipment. Self-catering rental possible for 4 persons. Personalised welcome for motorcyclists. Shops in the immediate vicinity: Post Office, Dispensing Chemists, hairdresser, garage, Supermarket (cash machine, laundrette, petrol pumps), cafes/tobacconist and restaurant.

Located in the heart of the village of Aramits, this furnished holiday home is a renovated and well-equipped house mixing the charm of the old and the modern. The main room has a pleasant living room with its stone wall. On the first floor there is a bedroom with a double bed and a bathroom/toilet with a large walk-in shower. On the first floor there are two other bedrooms, one with a double bed and the second with a single bed and an independent toilet. On the other side of the street (not very busy) a fenced outdoor space has been created with barbecue, sunbathing for pleasant moments with the family and to have your meals. The shops are within walking distance and on Sunday mornings, you can even do your market on the village square! A few meters away there is a shuttle bus to the resort of La Pierre Saint-Martin. Spain and beaches at 1h30.

Calm and peaceful, in the shade of mature oaks, the Barétous-Pyrénées **** campsite is a family business of recognised high-quality. Ideally located in the heart of the valley beside the village of Aramits, which can be visited on foot. Established in an area removed from the campsite, the 11 chalets, including 1 for persons with reduced mobility, form an independent and very quiet “village”. You, of course, have access to all of the campsite services: snack bar, swimming pool, games, etc. In order to round off your stay, the campsite provides a well-being area (sauna/hammam and spa) in complete privacy (from 1 to 4 persons maximum) with massages possible on reservation. In the summer: heated swimming pool and paddling pool, snack bar, children’s workshops (6-12 years), introduction to and discovery of walking, hire of hybrid bikes and mountain bikes. In the winter: TV room...

Parking area located in the heart of the village of Arette, near the point of departure for walking and mountain bike tours and the various different events offered during the summer. In the winter, the pickup point for the bus to La Pierre Saint-Martin is a few metres away. At your disposal, 10 parking spaces. Free on-site services: refuse emptying area and water point. Reservations not possible. Connection to the power supply not possible. Chemical toilet emptying wastewater emptying container facilities. Unlimited parking time

The Labrit*** is a beautiful recent apartment for 4 persons of 80 m² arranged and decorated for the pleasure of the eyes and the vacations! The apartment is located in the owner's house, not overlooked. You can access it from the parking lot by stairs, along the D133 road. You can enjoy the fresh air on the terrace or in the huge garden with a stream running through it. The apartment is a little bit behind the village, which you can reach in 5 minutes on foot. Shops and services (restaurant, supermarket, pharmacy, petrol station...) On Sunday morning, you can even do your market on the central square ! Aramits, a pretty little Béarn village at the gateway to the Basque Country, is a crossroads of activities: downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing at Pierre Saint-Martin or Issarbe (25 kms), tree climbing, walks, hikes, cycling, mountain biking, swimming pool at 3 km ...

Gite fitted in a beautiful restored barn. Ground floor: Garage, laundry room (washing machine, shower), wc. And. (attic). Living room (colour TV), kitchenette (dishwasher, microwave, fridge-freezer), mobile phone available. 3 bedrooms. (1 double bed, 1 bed 160, 2 single beds), s.d.b. Wc. Extra electric heating. balcony. Enclosed garden, garden furniture, barbecue. Ping-Pong. Open car park, close to a river. Typical barn located in a pretty village in the Barétous valley, a valley separating the Béarn from the Basque Country. Mountain leisure activities nearby (paragliding, rafting...).