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Artouste Tourist train

Artouste, Laruns, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Description

The Petit Train d'Artouste is a narrow-gauge tourist railway situated in the French Pyrenees, not far from the Pic du Midi d'Ossau. The 10km line runs at 1900m altitude and provides access to the Lac d'Artouste (dammed) which can also be access through a hike. Speed is capped at 15km for safety reasons, so the journey is actually just over 50mins long. The train is reached thanks to a gondola leaving from the Artouste resort (a skiing domain during the winter) next to the Lac de Fabrèges. The practical info in this review is for the "Discovery formula" which includes both gondola and train return trips but before the last train of the day which leaves customers with about 1h30 free time around the Artouste Lake. There is also the option to buy one-way ticket or a gondola-only ticket.

Access & Transport

Driving directions from Pau: N134 to Gan and continue on D934 through Laruns until the Lac de Fabrèges and turn left on the D431 after the lake. The departure is in the Artouste mountain resort. The gondola / téléphérique starts from there and connects visitors to the Petit Train.

Instructions & Recommendations

You should arrive well ahead of time to the gondola (30-45mins) as the time on your booking relates to the train ride, which is after the gondola. Make sure to bring proper footwear, some snacks (and possibly a picnic), plenty of water, sun protection and rain/wind coat depending on the weather forecast. You may also want to consider booking in advance during the peak summer season (August).

Meta review

The attraction gets excellent review but is somewhat not very well known outside of the region. Visitors just love the breath-taking scenery and the fun train ride, cutting through the mountainside. The main negative comments relate to the diesel fumes, the length of the ride (for some) which is subject to regular delays, the fact that trains are often fully booked, the short amount of time available at the lake, and the price of the tickets.

Environmental & Social

Unfortunately, the train runs on diesel and the gondola requires a fair amount of power. Good for the community which is otherwise too dependent on winter ski tourism

Conclusion

The Petit Train Artouste is an ideal way to explore the Pyrenees without too much effort - ideal for families with younger children and seniors for instance. The ride isn't fast, but the path of the track is really impressive and the Artouste lake is perfect for a short hike.

Key positive

Very friendly high mountain activity for families

Amazing scenery

Key negative

Runs on diesel

Limited daily trains capacity

A little expensive

Suitability

Suitable for all ages. The gondola is not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility (unless the person is carried up the stairs whereas the train and gondola themselves are adapted)

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Operating hours are longer from early July to end August

av. transport time:1h 30m

est. visit time:4h 15m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:May, 18

Season 1

MONDAY09:15 - 18:30

TUESDAY09:15 - 18:30

WEDNESDAY09:15 - 18:30

THURSDAY09:15 - 18:30

FRIDAY09:15 - 18:30

SATURDAY09:15 - 18:30

SUNDAY09:15 - 18:30

Start of Season 2:Oct, 02

Season 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY -

WEDNESDAY -

THURSDAY -

FRIDAY -

SATURDAY -

SUNDAY -

Pricing
Discovery formula: gondola + return train ticket (before 17h00)
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€27
Adult
13 - 64
€27
Child
4 - 12
€19
Infant
0 - 3
€0
Family price
2 adults + 2 children is 84,00 €

Max total number:3

Max number of adults:1

Min.child age:4

Max.child age:12

Price for family€60

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