Le Petit Train Artouste to Lacs de Carnau

Lyndon and Jennifer Jolley

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This is a great excursion along the upper Ossau Valley, deep into the mountains and valleys surrounding the Artouste Reservoir. The route starts from the main car park at the ski station of Fabrèges where you take the cable car up to the station d’Artouste-Fabrèges, from where you take the highest narrow guage railway in Europe to just below Lac d'Artouste. The train takes about an hour and is open, so remember your camera and wrap up warm because you are quite high and even on a sunny day it can be cool sitting on the train. The walk proper starts from the end of the train track and takes you up to the lake over the dam and then on to a couple of smaller lakes at 2,200m on the opposite side of the valley to the station.

You return the same way but don't forget the time of the last train down; it is a five-hour walk back down to Fabrèges if you miss it. Throughout the whole route you have breathtaking views of the Pyrenees on both the French and Spanish sides; it is a super day out and great for both young and old.

France - South West France - Aquitaine - Pyrenees Atlantiques

Features

Birds, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Lake/Loch, Mountains, Public Transport, Restaurant, Toilets, Waterfall
3/27/2010 - Sharon Cooper

This is a stunning area to explore. The train at Artouste does get quite busy in summer, so it may be necessary to book in advance and do ensure it's a clear day to make the most of the views, and you may be lucky enough to see some marmottes.