From the little train to the Col d'Arrémoulit via the lakes of Artouste and Arrémoulit

de fr

A tourist and walking route to the wonderful blue lakes of Artouste and Arrémoulit, then to a border pass offering a beautiful panoramic view of the upper Arriel Lake, the Palas and the Balaïtous.

Details

n°23716320
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.53 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 565 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 560 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,448 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,914 m
Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Photos

Lac Supérieur d'Arriel
Grand Lac d'Arrémoulit
Lake Artouste
Lac d'Artouste dam

Description of the walk

From Laruns, take the D934 towards the Col du Pourtalet to Gabas and then to the southern end of Lake Fabrèges. Turn left onto the D431 and head north to the upper car park at Fabrèges. From there, the Sagette cable cars take you to the Artouste resort, where you will find the lower station of the small train, one of the highest in Europe, which you will need to take to the upper station, the starting point of the hike.

(S/E) From the upper station, take the marked trail to Lac d'Artouste to the south-west. The trail climbs rapidly and joins a marked intersection before a bridge.

(1) Do not cross the bridge, leave the path to the Lac d'Artouste dam on your left and take the path to the Refuge and Lac d'Arrémoulit on the right at the sign.
Follow this trail around Lake Artouste on the right, along its left bank to its southern end.

(2) Then climb up the winding path until you reach a small lake crossed by the Gave de Soussouéou stream, then join the Lac d'Arrémoulit dam, ignoring the paths that branch off to the right towards the Col d'Arrious and then the Orteig pass at the two intersections you encounter on this climb.

Walk a few metres to the left on the small dam of the large Lac d'Arrémoulit, cross the small wooden bridge over the stream of the previous mountain stream and then reach the Refuge d'Arrémoulit.
See Practical Information.

The Lac d'Arrémoulit is absolutely splendid. On its opposite shore, you can see the Pic d'Arriel and the Petit Arriel (pointed peak). Once at the refuge, locate the pass in the south-east direction.

(3) Take the path that leaves from the refuge, marked by cairns to the south-east: this path is not shown on the IGN map but is clearly marked on OSM. Start by going around the large Lake Arrémoulit on the left, following part of its right bank. Then proceed from cairn to cairn until you go around a small lake on the left.
After veering slightly away from the large Lac d'Arrémoulit, the trail rejoins its eastern side. From there, climb south-east through the scree, following the cairns, then reach the Col d'Arrémoulit.

(4) After a contemplative break on the French and Spanish slopes, retrace your steps to the top station of the little train (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,914 m - Upper station of the Artouste mountain train
  2. 1 : km 0.4 - alt. 1,979 m - Crossroads between the refuge trail and the dam trail - Lac d'Artouste
  3. 2 : km 1.56 - alt. 2,010 m - Winding trail
  4. 3 : km 3.2 - alt. 2,271 m - Refuge d'Arrémoulit
  5. 4 : km 4.24 - alt. 2,446 m - Col d'Arrémoulit - Lacs d'Arrémoulit
  6. S/E : km 8.53 - alt. 1,914 m - Upper station of the Artouste mountain train

Notes

I have made a video with the names of the peaks, which describes the atmosphere of the route and shows the path and the crossing points.

Where can I book tickets?

Although there is a ticket office on site, it is advisable to book tickets in advance at the tourist offices in Laruns, Eaux-Bonnes, Gourette or any other resort in Ossau, or on the website, where you will find details of terms and conditions and timetables.
Buy an "Escapade" ticket for a day's hiking.
The cable car ride takes about 15 minutes. The journey on the little train between the two stations takes 55 minutes.
Please note that the return train departs at around 7.15 pm during the summer season.

What can we say about this hike?

The climb to the Refuge and Lake Arrémoulit follows a well-marked trail that is suitable for most people. The hike is of moderate difficulty and is already magical at this stage. If you stop there, the round trip is 6.42 km with an elevation gain of 395 m.

The climb to the pass is a little more difficult (above average). You need to take your time and take small steps.
From the refuge, follow the cairns. The path is intermittent and often disappears among the rocks, so the cairns guide your way.
Although there is no clearly marked path, the pass is nevertheless well frequented. It is the route that leads to Spain, to the Arriel Lakes and the Respomuso Refuge.

On the north-western side of the pass, as on all north-facing slopes, you may encounter snowfields.
In principle, from mid-July onwards, there is hardly any left, but this varies from year to year.
The refuge warden will be able to provide you with further information.

Finally, there are no exposed or aerial passages on this hike.
Throughout the climb, this route offers magnificent views overlooking the lakes.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 7 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.9 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
coconut18
coconut18

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 23, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The Artouste train is an incredible experience, but it's very dizzying! The magnificent views continue until you reach your destination. Then a short climb takes you to Lake Artouste, which you follow along the right bank. At this point, I turned right at the end of the lake to climb up to Lake Arrious, which is very different, smaller but very pretty. There, I took the famous Orteig passage, which is known for being difficult and dizzying. In the end, this passage is more impressive than difficult. It's mainly a quarter of an hour of steep climbing along the rock face with a chain, but you can do it by taking it slowly. After the passage, you reach the magnificent Arrémoulit lakes. I didn't climb up to the Arrémoulit pass because I had to think about the descent, and I preferred to take it easy. I went back down to Lake Artouste, where I settled down to wait for the 7:15 p.m. train back. I was able to settle down behind the dam, where there was hardly anyone, and I was treated to a parade of marmots! A magnificent hike in every way, but only for experienced walkers and best done in sunny weather.

Machine-translated

Véronique Haensler
Véronique Haensler

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 30, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike, but you need to take the early train to Artouste because the trail is in full sun. The view of Artouste is fabulous and Lake Arrémoulit is paradise. The Arrémoulit refuge is currently undergoing renovations and is therefore closed.

Machine-translated

Domy40
Domy40

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike, with magnificent weather. Allow an extra quarter of an hour when it's hot to recover a little. The train ride back is really enjoyable and the scenery is so beautiful 🤩 Hike on 26 July 2024.

Machine-translated

LEFRANC Sylvie
LEFRANC Sylvie

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 05, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Superb hike, well marked, with beautiful panoramic views.
There is not much to add to the previous reviews... because everything has already been said.

Machine-translated

Britanicus100
Britanicus100

Thank you all for your comments.

Machine-translated

Marlou12
Marlou12

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 07, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike, accessible and well signposted.

Machine-translated

Pégourié
Pégourié

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 03, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb walk, beautiful weather despite the grey skies in Laruns. So many rhododendrons in bloom! Magnificent lakes.
Work in progress at the refuge, which is closed: the noise means we have to move a little further away for our picnic.
Due to the timing of our 5pm train (low season timetable) and not knowing how difficult it would be, we didn't attempt the return via the Orteig pass, but in the end we would have had time.

Machine-translated

mainbrise
mainbrise

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 21, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike completed on 21 July 2023
Lake Arrémoulit is magnificent. Its crystal-clear (but very cold) waters are perfect for swimming.
Large stone slabs allow you to slip into the water safely.
It is best to use the less frequented ones on the other side of the lake, away from the refuge.
The final climb to the Col d'Arremoulit requires careful steps on a scree slope dotted with cairns to guide you.
This is the least interesting part of the hike. However, the view from the pass allows you to admire the Balaitous and Lake Arriel below.
The descent on the way back offers a beautiful view of the large Lake Artouste.
Please note that the Arremoulit refuge is closed for renovations throughout the 2023 season and possibly even in 2024.
For the return journey, thanks to the many seats available, I was able to take the 6.15 pm train despite my Escapade ticket, which actually requires a departure at 7.15 pm.

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

Walking Lac du Lurien

Visorando Member
↔7.12 km ↗+958 m ↘-958 m ◔4h 45 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Laruns (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
This is a fairly challenging hike in terms of elevation gain, but offers varied landscapes. This little-visited lake is a haven of peace and ideal for a picnic with family or friends.

Walking Three peaks of the Massif d'Arrious: Lac d'Arrious, Arriel, Petit Pic d'Arriel

Visorando Member
Les 3 pics du Massif d'Arrious : Arrious, Arriel et Petit Pic d'Arriel
↔13.81 km ↗+1,582 m ↘-1,582 m ◔10 hrs ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Laruns (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
This loop in the Ossau Valley offers a wide variety of peaks, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, aerial passages and remarkable 360° views. It is a challenging hike due to its significant elevation gain and passages where you need to use your hands, but it is not one you will forget. It adds difficulty and also enjoyment to the traditional loop by passing through the famous Passage d'Orteig, the Pic d'Arrious and the cliffs of the Barre d'Arrious!You will be following in the footsteps of Henry Russel, who climbed the Arriel via the normal route in July 1874 and gave a faithful account of his ascent in the Bulletin de la Société Ramond, under the title "Explorations pyrénéennes" in October 1874.Writing a description yourself forces a certain amount of humility, as his style, always generous, often lyrical and sometimes emphatic, commands respect! All this with the limited technical means of the time!

Walking Arremoulit refuge

Visorando Member
Refuge de l'Arremoulit
↔14.35 km ↗+1,258 m ↘-1,252 m ◔7h 40 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Laruns (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
This round trip hike requires a fairly good level of fitness. Long distance and steep gradient. Returning via Lake Artouste greatly reduces the difficulty. This hike is magnificent. Throughout the climb, you will have the high peaks in your sights. The trails are varied: you will cross forests, summer pastures with herds of cattle, streams and, early in the morning, you may even see some izards (a type of wild goat).

Walking Pic d'Arriel via the north-west route and Petit Pic d'Arriel loop

Visorando Member
Pic d'Arriel par la voie Nord-Ouest et Petit Pic d'Arriel en boucle
↔13.36 km ↗+1,449 m ↘-1,451 m ◔7h 55 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Laruns (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
This loop in the Ossau Valley offers a wide variety of peaks, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, aerial passages and remarkable 360° views. It is a challenging hike due to its significant elevation gain and passages where you will need to use your hands, but it is sure to leave a lasting impression.You will be following in the footsteps of Henry Russel, who made the ascent in July 1874 and gave a faithful account of it in the Bulletin de la Société Ramond, under the title "Explorations pyrénéennes" in October 1874.Writing a description of it yourself requires a certain amount of humility, as his style, always generous, often lyrical and sometimes emphatic, commands respect! All this with the limited technical means of the time!

Walking Along the Gave de Brousset from Soques

Association / Club / Walk leader
Le long du Gave de Brousset depuis Soques
↔4.21 km ↗+178 m ↘-181 m ◔1h 45 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Laruns (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
A round trip along the Gave de Brousset, offering superb views of the surrounding mountains. The route is often shaded. If you are not sensitive to the cold, you can swim in the river.

Walking Batcrabère Lakes

Visorando Member
Lacs de Batcrabère
↔12.69 km ↗+794 m ↘-794 m ◔5h 55 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Arrens-Marsous (Hautes-Pyrénées)
The Batcrabère lakes are nestled in a cirque at the foot of a rampart formed by the Balaïtous, which rises to 3,144 metres, the Pic Palas (2,974 metres) and the Pic d'Artouste (2,816 metres). You are entering a national park: please respect the regulations https://www.pyrenees-parcnational.fr/fr/... https://www.parcsnationaux.fr/fr/des-dec...

Walking Larribet refuge

Visorando Member
Refuge de Larribet
↔9.94 km ↗+579 m ↘-579 m ◔4h 30 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Arrens-Marsous (Hautes-Pyrénées)
The climb to the Larribet refuge is a pleasant hike. The first part of the route is marked by pastoralism, as evidenced by the numerous rock shelters (toues). From the refuge, there is a magnificent view of the Balaïtous and Palas mountains. In 45 minutes, it is possible to continue along the path to the Batcrabère lakes.

Walking The lakes of Rémoulis

Visorando Member
Les lacs de Rémoulis
↔12.48 km ↗+612 m ↘-612 m ◔5h 20 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Arrens-Marsous (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Starting from the Ancienne Maison du Parc south of the village of Arrens Marsous, this is a lovely walk to the Remoulis lakes, passing through the Bedout pine forest, Lac de Suyen and Labassa. On the way, there is a view of the Doumblas waterfall. Throughout the hike, there are superb views of the Arrens valley.

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.