Artouste Tourist train
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Artouste - by Carlos Cantero on Unsplash
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).
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
av. transport time:1h 30m
est. visit time:4h 15m
Start of Season 1:May, 18
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
MONDAY -
TUESDAY -
WEDNESDAY -
THURSDAY -
FRIDAY -
SATURDAY -
SUNDAY -
Max total number:3
Max number of adults:1
Min.child age:4
Max.child age:12
Price for family€60