Aire de Arette
Équipements et services
Description
Tourisme
Arette (Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France)
Arette is a rural commune in Haut-Béarn, located in the heart of the Aspe Valley, between plains and Pyrenean massifs. The village serves as a gateway to wild yet accessible mountain landscapes. There is a discreet local life, traditional houses and services for hikers and skiers. Its geographical position makes it a convenient base for exploring the nearby Pyrenees National Park.
Heritage and architecture
The center of Arette preserves traces of sober Béarnaise architecture: stone houses, slate roofs and facades with simple proportions. The parish church, situated in the heart of the village, structures the urban space. The surrounding hamlets bear witness to a rural history linked to livestock farming and transhumance routes.
Nature and landscapes
The landscape is dominated by the slopes of the Pyrenean massif, with a strong presence of forests, summer pastures and rivers. The Pic d'Anie stands out on the horizon and defines the area's silhouette. The valleys offer changing panoramas depending on the season, from the bright green of summer to lingering snowfields in spring.
Outdoor activities
Arette is a starting point for many hikes and family walks; several trails lead to the mountain passes and pastures. In winter, the proximity of the La Pierre Saint‑Martin resort provides access to ski slopes and snow routes. Along the Gave d'Aspe, fishing and riverside walks are popular.
Gastronomy and local products
The culinary tradition is rooted in the Béarnese terroir. You will find rustic dishes and mountain cheeses, including Ossau‑Iraty, which is a regional reference. Small inns offer simple cuisine focused on local products and artisanal charcuterie.
Not to be missed
- La Pierre Saint‑Martin — ski resort and access to Pyrenean ridges.
- Pic d'Anie — emblematic summit visible from the valley, popular with hikers.
- Gave d'Aspe — banks and trails for walks and fishing.
- Arette village center — traditional houses and parish church.
- Ossau‑Iraty — tasting the local cheese in shops and markets.
