In 2026 the Artouste Train celebrated its 94th anniversary!
Created to transport the men and materials necessary for the construction of the dam of the Artouste Lake in 1920, it is from 1932 that the Train d'Artouste was exploited for tourist purposes.
Today it is the property of SHEM, Société Hydro-Electrique du Midi, a historic and major hydroelectric producer in the South-West of France and a subsidiary of Engie.
From the Fabrèges lake, a vertiginous ascent from 1250 m to 2000 m altitude, aboard the cable car, will allow you to admire an exceptional panorama with the Pic du Midi d'Ossau in the line of sight. Once at the top, take advantage of the view of the summits to take a photo break before boarding the mythical Artouste Train.
At a peaceful pace, on the mountainside, take advantage of the 50-minute ride to admire the view of the Soussouéou valley and the Artouste lake.
You will be able to observe marmots or admire the typical flora of this glacial valley. In the summer season, this valley becomes a high place of the ossalois pastoralism, take the opportunity to meet the shepherds and their herds.
From the station where the train arrives, a quarter of an hour's walk will take you to the Artouste lake and its impressive dam.
Hiking enthusiasts will be able to take on the Ossaloise mountains as far as the Arrémoulit refuge, or the more sporty ones as far as the Pic du Lurien.
The Artouste train can be accessed from the village of Laruns, 20 km away, or from the Col du Pourtalet. It travels 10 km along the mountainside at an elevation of 2,000 meters.
It takes an hour and a half of climbing. After these efforts, board the Artouste train for the return journey.
How do I take the Artouste train?
From Laruns, take the road toward the Artouste resort (about a 45-minute drive).
From the village of Fabrèges, take the Sagette gondola (10 to 15 min).
It takes you from an elevation of 1,250 m to 2,000 m and offers an exceptional panoramic view with the Pic du Midi d’Ossau in the distance.
Please note: The train time selected at the time of purchase corresponds to the train’s departure time.
To ensure you arrive on time for the train, we recommend arriving at the cable car station 45 minutes before departure.
At the top of the cable car station, board the train and set off on a 55-minute journey along the 10 km of track winding along the mountainside.
Once you arrive at Lac Station, it’s a 20-minute walk to Lac d’Artouste.
https://www.ossau-pyrenees.com/fr/le-train-dartouste
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