Set in the French Pyrenees Mountains, the Petit Train d’Artouste is the highest narrow-gauge railway in Europe. Leaving from the Artouste Ski Resort above Laruns, the drive up is an exhilarating road of switch-backs and rocky outcrops. The tourist train takes you up to the Lac d’Artouste, which sits at nearly 2000m elevation. You will enjoy the gorgeous Ossau Valley, Pyrenean peaks, and wildlife such as marmosets.
Getting to the Train of Artouste
Artouste is situated about 1.5 hours south of Pau, about 12kms from the Spanish border, at around 1240m of elevation.
The 806 bus runs from Pau to Laruns, and the 806 bis bus runs from Laruns to Artouste.
The easiest way to get to Artouste is by car – there is free parking, as well as plentiful space along the lake to park a campervan if needed.
After Laruns, the road becomes winding and dramatic. Steep switchbacks, mountain towns where sheep are grazed and their milk used for cheese; and dams are dotted along the route.
Sitting on the edge of Lac de Fabrèges, the Artouste ski resort comprises of apartments, restaurants, and the gondola (telecabine) leading up to the ski lifts and the tourist train.
Once at Artouste, you will take the gondola (telecabine) up the mountain to the tourist train. It is included in the ticket price (only €25), and makes for a spectacular start to your journey.
The Petit Train d’Artouste Route
The tourist train leaves the station at the top of the gondola, just beyond the restaurant.
The seats are reversible, so no one sits backwards; and the train is pulled by a small diesel locomotive. The bright and merry colours of the train contrast with the greens, greys and browns of the beautiful landscape it winds through.
The train passes through a long tunnel to begin its journey, arriving on the other side of the hill and revealing the ski runs and amazing views across the Ossau Valley.
It then hugs the hill as it makes its way up to the station at Artouste Lake. The journey takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. You then get the same amount of time to enjoy the summit and hike up to the lake. The descent takes around 1 hour (quicker downhill).
The hike to Lac d’Artouste
The hike isn’t far, but it mostly involves climbing steps and uneven terrain. You climb around 70m in altitude, and can enjoy the man-made lake and views. We took a picnic of sandwiches and found a rocky outcrop from which to take in the view.
Those with mobility issues would likely find it impossible. But there is a basic restaurant where you can purchase food and drink and take in the views if the hike isn’t for you.
The Restaurants
There are basic cafeteria-type restaurants at Lac d’Artouste and at the ski-lift area. There are also multiple restaurant options in Artouste.
The Lac d’Artouste station offers wonderful views and basic sandwiches, coffees and snacks. The Restaurant Self Le Panoramique, at the top of the gondola, has a broader selection and an amazing terrace with a view across the mountains.
Restaurant at Lac d’Artouste 
Restaurant at Artouste Gondola / Ski Lift
Taking the Petit Train d’Artouste into the Pyrenees Mountains
The Train d’Artouste only runs from late May to early October, due to the climate in the mountains. You can book tickets online in advance, and use the e-tickets from your phone to gain access to the gondola and train.
I would recommend taking the earliest train (usually 10am), as you’ll see the most dramatic light changes across the valley, and it is one of the quieter sessions each day.
The Petit Train d’Artouste is one of the most breathtaking journeys in Europe. And while it’s not for those who are scared of heights, it is definitely worth the the ticket price and more!
The Pyrenees look like such a beautiful place, I’d love to visit!! Your photographs make it all come alive.
I had never heard of the Petit Train d’Artouste, but I fell in love with it while reading your blog post and watching your YouTube video. Those views look absolutely incredible and what a fun way to experience them! Thank you so much for putting this on my radar – I will definitely be checking it out for myself whenever I find my way back to France. Xx Sara
I might skip the gondola but everything else looks amazing! Such a pretty landscape, too!
Alas the gondola ride is required to get up to the train 😉
The views from the Petit Train d’Artouste are just spectacular! I’ve always wanted to see the Pyrenees, and I’m definitely putting this train tour on my itinerary. Thanks for the tips!
What a scenic overlook! This looks like a fabulous train ride. Thanks for sharing!
HI Hannah Loved reading all your information about the Petit Train d’Artouste – thx. Can you also advise how safe it is to leave belongings (suitcases etc) in your locked car in the carpark at Lac de Fabreges? (They would be out of sight, covered up.) Is there any security at the carpark at all, or not necessary?
Many thanks
Hi Helen, the carpark is large, uncovered, and there isn’t any security. The apartments and shops are all along one side (lake on the other), so the open nature of the carpark makes it overlooked which may be a deterrent. We didn’t have any issues when we parked there, but nothing is guaranteed.
You could try contacting the tourist office at Artouste to check if there is a luggage store in the area. Have a great visit!
Thanks so much Hannah. All you info is so helpful and your time appreciated.
Cheers Helen
Hi Hannah. Just one more question. We have a specific date in mind for doing this train trip – June 3rd this year, and would like to travel on the first train of the day 10am. So when would you advise booking this ticket? How soon in advance is this possible/ advisable, with a specific itinerary?
Many thanks
Helen
I would advise to book as soon as the departures come available online. Be sure to drive up to the gondola with plenty of time 🙂
Hannah, in your experience, do you have any idea when bookings usually open up? How far in advance?
Many thx, Helen ( fellow Kiwi, and also coincidentally with same surname!)
Hi Helen, it runs May – October, but it really depends on the season. Usually 2-3 months before they’ll advise / open bookings. Enjoy!
I took my family on this train nearly 20 years ago and have never forgotten the day – it was spectacular! I an now planning to take my youngest back there in June. The views were amazing and I felt as though I left a part of me up in the mountains.
Oh how wonderful to take your child back to a happy place of your past! I can’t wait to go again later this year! Have an amazing time!