In Arudy, the Circuit patrimoine des pierres explores architecture made of carved and engraved stone; the Chapelle Saint-Michel and the Musée d’Ossau offer their own cultural and historical highlights. If you are looking for accommodation for a stay in Arudy, you can make your choice based on the sights you want to explore: architectural history, museum collections, a family rally or time by the lake appeal to different interests.

Chapelle Saint-Michel: History and Views

The municipality of Arudy built the Chapelle Saint-Michel after the last plague epidemic, which lasted from 1652 to 1654. The chapel stands on Saint-Michel Hill in a green setting, above the Grotte Saint-Michel and below the Calvary with its three crosses. It offers 360-degree views.

For the Journées du patrimoine, the association responsible offered guided tours of the chapel. Group visits for ten or more people can be requested from the association.

Explore the Architecture on Foot

The Circuit patrimoine des pierres is a very easy, family-friendly 2.3-kilometre circular walk that takes about an hour. It showcases the varied architecture made of carved and engraved stone, designs of which have been documented since the 15th century. The route combines a manageable time commitment with a close-up look at Arudy’s architectural history.

The Musée d’Ossau

The Musée d’Ossau has been awarded the Musée de France designation and is housed in a former 17th-century lay abbey listed as a historic monument. It presents collections from the Parc National des Pyrénées, as well as material on palaeontology, archaeology, geology and ethnography.

The museum’s offerings are arranged across four levels. These include an archaeology gallery, areas devoted to the national park and temporary exhibitions, audiovisual content, and ethnography of the Vallée d’Ossau. The museum brings together a range of subjects, from archaeology and geology to national park collections and regional ethnography.

The Lake and Cave Area

At Lac Ducrest on Route du Bager in Arudy, visitors can fish and go for walks. A picnic area and a shady spot by the lake are also available. The site appeals to different interests from the architecture-focused walking route or the museum.

The Le Larroun trail leads close to the Grotte de Malarode. Excavations in the 20th century revealed that the cave was a prehistoric settlement. It is closed to the public and now serves as a habitat for various bat species.

Randoland with Children

Randoland is a fun family rally in the form of a treasure hunt, aimed at children aged 4 to 12. It focuses on discovering Arudy’s historical, architectural and natural heritage. The paper booklet for the rally is available from the tourist offices in Arudy, Laruns or Eaux-Bonnes. Check with your chosen office in advance to see whether it will be available for your visit.

Arudy offers visitors several options for planning their stay: an approximately one-hour walk focused on architecture, museum collections spread across four levels, and activities at Lac Ducrest. If you are interested in the Grotte de Malarode, bear in mind that the cave is closed; the Le Larroun trail only goes nearby.

Discover more destinations: Arcangues, Barcus, Accous, Montaut, Ossès, Bilhères, Itxassou, Saint-Pierre-D'irube.

Return to the overview of destinations: Pyrenees-Atlantiques.