CYCLING

There are numerous “classic” cycling climbs located near to Arette in the French Pyrenees.  The following have all featured in the Tour de France or Vuelta, and in the case of the first four, can easily be tackled from Arette.
For each of these four climbs a Strava route has been provided.

Routes that start/end in Arette

Col de Soudet (40 miles; 5,180 feet)
Col de Marie Blanque via Col d’Ichere (47 miles; 6,000 feet)
Port de Larrau (50 miles; 6,240 feet)
Col d’Aubisque (82 miles; 7,650 feet)

Note: Some of these climbs have quite significant gradients!
If you’re interested in cycling, you can easily rent bikes from our local bike shop.

HIKING

Just steps from the chateau, you can take different hikes in the foothills of the Pyrenees.
Here are some apps and websites that can help you find the routes that are best for your abilities: https://www.alltrails.com/

If you would like a guided tour, we recommend Bureau Montagne Vallée d’Ossau.
You can contact them directly to arrange a hiking tour

BEACHES

Here are 3 beach locationswe recommend for day trips:

Our location gives you the best of the beaches and the mountains.

•La Grand Plage Biarritz (1:53min) – perfect for early morning surfing.
•Capbreton Beach (1:52min) – a relaxing spot to have fun with your family on the beach.
•Saint Jean – de – Luz (1:55min) – ideal for delicious lunch and lazy afternoon on the beach.

If you need beach towels, we can lend you those for the day.
Please ensure you return the same quantity you were given.

Skiing

Another wonderful benefit to our location are the nearby ski resorts.
There are challenging and family friendly ski resorts located nearby Chateau Forest and they also offer a variety of activities and restaurants as well.

Here are three you can check out to see what they have to offer:

•www.lapierrestmartin.com (33min.)
•www.artouste.fr (2:05min.)
•www.ville-bagneresdebigorre.fr  (1:55min)

After a fun day in the snow, come back and warm up by the fire or in our wood fired hot tub (please let us know in advance so the water will be the perfect temperature).

FOOD & WINE

When you are in France, there is no shortage of good food or wine.
There are a variety of cheeses made here in the nearby village of Aramits and the surrounding area. Many places offer cheese tasting so you can find your favorite.

There are also local wineries nearby so you can sample
the different options grown here in the Pyrenees.

We are researching the best options and we will update you soon.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

Throughout the Vallee d’Asp, Valle d’Ossau, Valle de Baretous, Bearn Pyrenees and of course Arette, you will find a variety of historic, natural and architectural sites reflecting the the history and heritage of this special part of France.

Here are few that you might find interesting:

• Artouste Train – near the ski station, this is the highest train in Europe. The views are breath-taking and there is plenty to see including local animals and hiking: Artouste.fr

• Grotte de la Verna – for adventurous folks who enjoy exploring caves: Laverna.fr

• Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary – located in Lourdes. A major Catholic pilgrimage site visited by millions. The Grotto of Massabielle (Grotto of the Apparitions) where, in 1858, the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to a local woman.

• Thermal Baths of Salles-de-Bearn – this thermal spa town offers a variety of treatments and the town is idyllic for shopping the boutiques or grabbing a quick lunch at one of the local cafes.