Petit Train d’Artouste

Unique train in the French Pyrenees

The Petit Train d'Artouste near Laruns is a special train in the Pyrenees. This train track in France was built for the construction of a dam, but is now used for tourists. You drive straight through the Pyrénées National Park. It's a completely different ride than a regular train. The view is special, just like the end point.

The train ride starts near Laruns, a small village in the mountains near the Spanish border. It starts at an altitude of 1,240 meters and then climbs to an altitude of 1,920 meters. It is the second highest train in France; only the Tramway du Mont-Blanc is higher. The route is 10 kilometers long. A ride takes almost an hour (one way).

Je rijdt door de bergen met opvallend vaak een afgrond naast je. Al vinden de meeste mensen het niet eng. Een van de mooiste stukken is de groene vallei van Soussouéou. Ook passeer je de toppen van Lurien (2.826 m) en Palas (2.974 m). Het eindstation is het stuwmeer, waar je goed kunt wandelen. Om dan uren later de trein terug te pakken.

The Petit Train d'Artouste in its landscape. ©Corno van den Berg

The origin of Petit Train d'Artouste

A lot of material was needed for the construction of a dam in one of the mountain lakes. This is to generate electricity. That is why these special train tracks were constructed. The turns at the Train d'Artouste are much sharper, making it more like a roller coaster. Although the speed is a lot lower logically. In fact, you can look around at your leisure.

The little train was built around 1924 to transport the many building materials through the mountains. After the construction was completed, special wagons were built to take tourists. It is a fun excursion, also for children.

Enjoying the landscape from the train. ©Corno van den Berg

What does Train d'Artouste ride look like?

You first take the cable car in Laruns, until you reach the train. The price of the cable car is included in the entrance ticket. Then you can choose your seat. I first sat down at the very front, in order to be able to see the locomotive as well as the route. On the way back I sat more in the back to be able to take good photos and videos. The choice is yours what you want.

A diesel locomotive pulls the wagons up the mountain. Initially you go through a 350 meter long tunnel and you come out on the other side of the mountain. There are shelters in bad weather so that you are dry. I left with rain and took the route back hours later with sun.

Artificial Artouste Lake

When you arrive at the terminal you still have to walk a bit. Although it is more climbing via dozens of steps. The path ends at the dam with a huge reservoir behind it. From there you can easily explore the lake.

The Artouste reservoir. ©Corno van den Berg

Hiking at the reservoir

Various hiking trails lead into the mountains from the reservoir. For example, you can walk to Refuge d'Arremolit, a mountain hut near a mountain lake. This is more than 3 kilometers away at an altitude of 2,273 meters. The walk to the mountain hut takes an hour. You can also walk for half an hour to Passage d'Orteig and then walk back from there. Then you are on the road for a total of about 2 hours.

A hiker at the Artouste reservoir. ©Corno van den Berg

When does the Train d'Artouste run?

It depends on the weather, especially due to the melting of the snow. Usually the train starts running at the end of May, although it can also be early June. The last train usually runs at the end of September, although sometimes it also runs at the beginning of October. It is best to check the timetable online or on site.

More information on official website and here

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