Arette is a charming village in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, nestled in the heart of the Barétous Valley in the French Pyrenees. It's a destination for both winter sports enthusiasts, thanks to the nearby ski resort of La Pierre Saint-Martin, and those looking to explore the rugged beauty and unique culture of the Béarn region.
Understand
[edit]Arette has a dramatic history, most notably the major earthquake in 1967 that reshaped the village. As a result, you'll see a mix of modern, post-quake buildings alongside traditional stone houses that survived the event. This gives the village a unique architectural character.
Located in the historic province of Béarn, Arette has a strong cultural identity, with influences from both Gascony and nearby Basque traditions. The local economy revolves around agriculture (especially sheep farming for the famous Ossau-Iraty cheese) and year-round tourism.
The Tourist Office (Office de Tourisme) can provide maps, and information on hiking trails and local events.
Get in
[edit]By car
[edit]The easiest way to reach Arette is by car. It is accessible via the D918 and D132 roads from Oloron-Sainte-Marie, which is the nearest large town.
By plane
[edit]The closest airport is Pau Pyrénées Airport (PUF), about 60 km away. From there, you would need to rent a car or take a taxi.
By train
[edit]The nearest train station is in Oloron-Sainte-Marie, with connections from Pau and Bayonne. From Oloron, you will need to take a bus or taxi to Arette.
Get around
[edit]The village of Arette is small and easily explored on foot.
To explore the surrounding Barétous valley or to get to the La Pierre Saint-Martin ski resort, a car is highly recommended. The mountain roads are scenic but can be winding and steep.
See
[edit]- Église Saint-Vincent-Diacre. The village church, which was heavily damaged in the 1967 earthquake and subsequently rebuilt.
- Traditional architecture. Wander through the streets to see the surviving pre-earthquake Béarnaise stone houses, often featuring steep slate roofs.
- Barétous Valley scenery. The drive or walk around the village offers stunning views of the Pyrenean landscape.
Do
[edit]- Skiing and winter sports. The main draw in winter is the La Pierre Saint-Martin ski resort, about 20 km up the mountain from the village. It offers a range of slopes for all levels.
- Hiking. In the summer, the area is a paradise for hikers, with numerous marked trails ranging from gentle valley walks to challenging mountain ascents.
- Cycling. The roads around Arette, including the climb to La Pierre Saint-Martin, are popular with road cyclists and have been featured in the Tour de France.
- Caving (spelunking). The Pierre Saint-Martin massif is a world-famous caving destination, with some of the deepest cave systems in the world. Guided tours into some of the more accessible caves are available.
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]The local cuisine is hearty and rustic, typical of the mountains. Look for restaurants serving garbure (a thick cabbage and vegetable soup with preserved duck), local trout, and dishes featuring lamb or duck.
- L'Auberge de l'Ours, a local restaurant known for its traditional regional dishes.
- Restaurants at La Pierre Saint-Martin offer convenient options after a day on the slopes, often with great views.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- 1 Refuge Jeandel, La Pierre Saint Martin, 64570 Arette. Altitude 1670 m. Dormitory accommodation from €18; half-board from €42.50. Staffed in summer.
Go next
[edit]- Oloron-Sainte-Marie. A historic town with a beautiful cathedral, about 30 minutes away.
- Spain. The border is just at the top of the pass at La Pierre Saint-Martin, leading into the Spanish region of Navarre. The Roncal Valley on the Spanish side is also beautiful to explore.