Exploring Arette, Pyrénées Atlantiques, Aquitaine

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.

Three passes and two countries, all in a 25 km route, this is what this rich and colourful stage has prepared for us. From the beautiful Béarnaise houses in the village of Arette to the border crossing with Navarra through the karst landscapes of La Pierre Saint-Martin, a riot of colours and varied landscapes follow one another on a 1,400 m ascent. The "Tour" has its habits and a stage in 2015 saw a certain C. Froome, with "a supernatural performance", send the whole peloton for silence to finish first at the finish line. Some will say that electric assistance can make it easy to climb these beautiful slopes to 15% before the famous Col de Labays! This is a good excuse to put yourself in the shoes of a champion and reach the 1760 m altitude of the Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin in the best conditions.

Transhumance consists of moving herds on foot from the valleys to the high mountains during the summer. This ancient practice allows herds to graze in the summer and cultivate the valley lands. An ancestral practice, transhumance has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage since 2023.

A pass worthy of the Tour de France, as much for its size as for its accessibility... After a peaceful and agricultural valley, the very steady ascent through the forest takes us to a grandiose and high mountain setting on easier final slopes..

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.

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!

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.

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

"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.

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!

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.

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.

Log cabin village comprising 16 log cabins scattered in a park planted with trees and equipped with a swimming-pool, in a fenced and safe environment which is perfect for young children. Quiet and homelike atmosphere.

Stroll through the Calvary woods and discover a fun trail along a path fitted out and equipped with interactive and educational terminals dealing with the tree species present in the woods and the forest environment. If you are lucky, you will even be able to observe the local fauna! The start of this walk is located next to the pediment.

Hotspot wifi available during the opening hours of the Tourist Office as well as outside when the office is closed.

The House of Barétous in Arette offers an immersion into the identity of the Barétous Valley through its history, traditions, and specificities. Ten spaces present the underground network of Pierre Saint-Martin, the Cave of La Verna, the 1967 earthquake in Arette, a notable collection of ancient wooden and stone objects, shepherding, the history of the valley's men, and that of the Musketeers. Allow 1 hour and 30 minutes for a complete visit.

Relaxation area beside the “Le Vert” stream: fitness trail, picnic area with barbecues, discovery trail, games for children and area for playing boules. Picnic area facilities. Games area services

The Libarle-Laborde family farm is located in the hills above the village of Arette. For several generations, this family has been making artisanal farmhouse cheese from raw milk (ewe, cow and mixed). It's a cheese of quality, tradition and character, bearing the mark of the shepherd and the herd's diet. The flavors of our cheeses vary with the seasons. In summer, Joseph takes his flock of Basque-Béarnaise ewes and cows to La Pierre Saint-Martin. His days are filled with milking the flock twice a day, making cheese, watching over the herd on the estive and maturing the cheese. In July and August, Joseph welcomes you to his hut on Tuesday mornings: you can watch the cheese being made, visit the salting room and taste the different cheeses.

Family farm located in Arette in the Barétous valley, in the heart of the Bearn Pyrenees. I raise Blonde d'Aquitaine beef cows. Attached to cultural, ancestral and local values, I took up the torch in 2019! Good-natured by nature, I decided to share with you the good meat of the Blonde d'Aquitaine through fresh products, preserves and cured meats. Curious... bon vivants... don't hesitate to come and visit me to sample this unique and delicious taste! To be sure of meeting me, it's best to let me know you're coming.

Listed by Gaston Fébus in 1385, this building, one of the oldest of Arette, tells you the story of the millers of former days. Enter and be allowed rock by the noise of the claquet and ask to the miller be enjoyed a little his flour... Space of greenery in free access. Tables of picnic.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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?

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.

Newly taken over, the Bistrot "Les Pas Sages" offers you daily menus cooked with local products in the heart of the village of Sarrance at the entrance to the Aspe valley. You will also appreciate the homemade desserts menu which gives you a wide choice! As soon as the weather is fine, you can enjoy the terrace for a gourmet break with a view of the mountains and the Gave d'Aspe.

Panoramic view at 1450m altitude in Issarbe in the Barétous valley, allowing the discovery of the Basque and Béarn mountains from the outdoor terrace. Only drinks and sandwiches during the February vacations.

In the heart of the Haute-Soule mountains, not far from the famous kakueta gorges, the Xoko Huna restaurant is aptly named (the good corner, in Basque). Thierry offers traditional, exotic and local cuisine with daily menu and a la carte. Terrace with panoramic view. Quietly, in the hollow of a circus of hills, in a nest of greenery, the village of Haux offers you many possibilities of hikes... "A small inn in the Pyrenees, A path through the mountains to get there, A nice little dish by the fireplace, It's all there for the taking."

A friendly, leisure and relaxation area at the foot of the mountains in Arette, on the banks of a stream, 200 m from the shops. Mobile homes for rent all year round. Campsite open all year round. 18 shaded pitches, 12 mobile homes, a 25-person group area, bike rental and washing area, laundry, 5 canvas shelters equipped with fridge, gas stove, barbecue and herb garden, table, crockery are at your disposal, as well as a boulodrome, a playground for your children... Animals are our friends. Here, for your pleasure, as a family or in a group, you can run, climb, jump, pedal, swim, walk on marked paths starting from the campsite, fish or simply take a siesta by the river, and enjoy many other outdoor activities depending on the season.

First bed and breakfast in an old building of Arette from 1617 having kept charm and tradition. Renovated by its owner in a Shabby Chic style The family suite can accommodate up to 4 people. It is composed of a bedroom with a bed in 160, an adjoining room with 2 beds in 90 and a bathroom with shower, basin and toilet. The suite overlooks the garden where you can admire the henhouse and its two chickens, as well as the Zen corner near a fountain. For your moments of relaxation, a large room will allow you to take your breakfasts as well as your snacks, but also to relax after a day of hiking. This room is composed of several sofas and coffee tables as well as a television set. Valérie will offer you generous and gourmet breakfasts and snacks, made with local products.

This apartment, classified 3 stars Furnished of Tourism, is located at the foot of the Pyrenees Béarnaises, in the valley of Barétous, in the heart of the village of Arette, 23 km from the ski resort of Pierre Saint-Martin. The departure of the shuttle bus that takes you to the resort (in winter) is just a few meters away. This 90 m² accommodation, close to the very welcoming owners, is on the 1st floor of a completely renovated house. It comprises two bedrooms, each with a 140 cm bed, a shower room, a large living/dining room and a separate kitchen. During the summer, you will be close to the activities offered in the village, but also close to the hiking and mountain bike trails. During the winter, you will be halfway between Pierre Saint-Martin and the charming resort of Issarbe for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

Base Aventure PEP is ideally located in the heart of the village of Arette, in a calm and peaceful environment, close to numerous hiking and mountain-biking trails, and 23 km from the Pierre Saint-Martin ski resort. 18 rooms: 2 rooms for 2 people, 15 rooms for 4 people, 1 room for 6 people, 1 dormitory for + 7 people. Base Aventure advantages: quality catering - entertainment on request - pelota court nearby - full bathroom facilities in each room of 4 - daily housekeeping - Wi-Fi access - room and sound system available on request for evening events.

This 2* apartment is located in the owner's house. It is pleasant and you will appreciate the proximity of shops and services: supermarket, pharmacy, restaurant... When the weather is nice, you will be close to the departures of hiking or mountain bike trails, Adventure Parc and its new Paint Ball, motor sports etc.... In winter, you will appreciate the shuttle that takes you to La Pierre Saint-Martin (on weekends and every day during the school holidays of Christmas, February and Easter).

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.

Arette is known for its karstic geology, its lapiaz which is the largest in Europe. The subsoil of this territory is full of underground rivers and chasms. On the surface agriculture and pastoralism have shaped the landscape. Around the village at the bottom of the valley gravitate meadows, hamlets and some isolated borders. Make this gîte your pied-à-terre to discover a valley full of riches and surprises. Independent house in the village with kitchen (microwave, TV, freezer, washing machine, sofa), 2 bedrooms (2 double beds), bathroom, WC, electric heating (extra charge) and terrace. Outside, you will find garden furniture with a barbecue.

A Gîte for all ! Labelled "Tourism and handicap" with a ground floor totally accessible, including a living room with bed in 1.40, independent kitchen, bathroom. On the first floor, a bedroom with a 1.40 bed and/or a bedroom with two 90 beds. Internet access, washing machine, dishwasher, baby bed and chair. Private courtyard/terrace/plancha/parking area. Independent house in the heart of the village of Arette, at the foot of the mountain, family site summer and winter. Ski resort of La Pierre Saint Martin at 20 km, hiking, biking, walking and Spain nearby. You will find in the village all the shops and services: butcher, bakery, grocery store, bars, restaurants. Doctors, physiotherapists, nurses, osteopaths. Adapted shuttle at 500 meters for the ski resort Mountain activities adapted all year round : Handiski, Ftt, Joëlette and electric VTT, Cimgos.