Top activities and visits in the Barétous Valley

A land of livestock farming and traditions, the Barétous Valley is the most authentic of the Béarn valleys. It lies near Soule in the Basque Country, and also close to the Spanish border. You'll appreciate its magnificent snow-capped mountain landscapes and panoramic views from high altitudes. In its famous Pierre Saint Martin massif, you can try all sorts of unusual mountain activities, both in the winter resort and in summer, such as caving or rafting…

The most beautiful villages of the Barétous Valley

The Barétous Valley is very picturesque. Interestingly, a treaty was signed over 600 years ago between Spanish shepherds and those of the Barétous region. This agreement created a centuries-old custom: a traditional festival celebrating this mutual support, which still takes place today in July. The villages of the valley are particularly typical, notably:

• Lanne-en-Barétous and its 1000 years of history: Information panels, distributed throughout the village, tell you about this distant past…
• Aramits, a shepherds' village and its traditional cayolar: This village, birthplace of one of the famous three musketeers of the king, allows us to uncover a new facet of the history of Béarn, that of the fiefs of the Béarnese lords and the traditions linked to their younger sons… You will also discover an authentic cayolar, a stone shepherd's shelter, typical of Lower Navarre.
• Arette and the Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin: La Pierre Saint-Martin is a mountain range renowned among sports enthusiasts of all kinds. Its ski resort offers beautiful, well-equipped slopes. Its mountain passes present sporting challenges for cyclists. Its forests are a playground for hikers.

Hiking in the Barétous Valley

The Barétous Valley offers hikes of varying difficulty, accessible to all. At the Pierre Saint Martin summer resort, you can enjoy family walks in the fir forests, while more athletic hikers can tackle the mountain peaks and passes. Our favorite hikes in the Barétous Valley are:

• The Pierre Saint Martin summer resort: In summer, the slopes transform into meadows and wooded areas, crisscrossed by paths. The resort offers numerous services and activities throughout the year.
• The Bois de Gouloume: This is a walk around the Col de Bulgaran. It is easy and short, making it ideal for families with children.
• The Soum de Casteigts: This nearly 3-hour, 4km loop hike is very refreshing, as you will pass close to springs and water points.

Climbing mountain passes

The Barétous Valley boasts numerous famous mountain passes for sports enthusiasts. They are very popular with cyclists as there are climbs of all levels and difficulties. Here is a small selection:

• The Col de La Pierre Saint Martin: You'll reach this mountain pass, approximately 1700 meters in altitude, from Arette, over a distance of 25 km. The climb is challenging, with impressive elevation changes. It's the most difficult on this list.
• The Col d'Issarbe: It reaches an altitude of 1445 meters and is 18 km long. The starting point is Barlanes. A high level of fitness is required due to the significant elevation changes.
• The Col du Suscousse: It's a 22km climb, but the ascent to its 1216m altitude is easier than its two previous counterparts. While the gradients are sometimes steep, they are less pronounced!

Go Rafting and Canoeing on the Gave d'Oloron

Canoeing on the Gave d'Oloron is a very enjoyable family activity. It's accessible to all levels and requires little training. A canoe is a light boat that's easy to maneuver. Even children can manage it, as long as the current isn't too strong.

Rafting is a much more intense sport. It requires teamwork and excellent physical fitness. Families with teenagers will love it. But it's also a unique activity to do with friends. Some companies even offer it to their employees to build team spirit!

Go canyoning and caving in the Pierre Saint Martin Massif

Canyoning is a very different activity from rafting or canoeing! As the name suggests, you descend along canyons! It's a sport that adapts to all levels, from an active hike to climbing or rappelling. However, you will need to be in good physical condition, have good balance on rocks, and know how to swim.

The Pierre Saint Martin massif is also ideal for caving, with caves often nestled within canyons. You can even occasionally combine the two activities. In any case, do not venture out alone and hire a guide who will provide you with all the necessary safety advice.

Family visits in the Barétous Valley

The Pierre Saint Martin winter sports resort is located in the municipality of Arette. It is particularly well equipped, offers unusual services and activities and operates all year round, both in summer and winter.

The Verna Cave is a unique excursion that allows you to explore the depths of the Verna Earth, just like a speleologist. Professionals will guide you through its main tunnel and galleries for a truly immersive experience.

The Maison de Barétous is a museum that invites you to step back in time into the history of the valley! Its approximately 10 rooms showcase a beautiful collection of antique objects, helping you understand the importance of pastoralism in the valley and the lives of its inhabitants through the ages.

We hope that this walk in the authentic Barétous Valley has charmed you and made you want to visit it during your next holiday in Béarn.

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