Nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees, the common Arette is located in the Barétous valley, bordered on the west by the Aspe valley and east by the Basque valley of the Soule. Village of 1200 inhabitants, Arette is part of the territory of Nagorno Béarn and has preserved its traditions and traditional economy. Farming and pastoralism are the economic pillars of the town with logging and tourism. Arette, it is also the ski resort of La Pierre Saint Martin located 23 km from the village.
Strongly marking the memories, the earthquake of August 13, 1967 destroyed the village in about 80%. This sad event has significantly shaped the history of the town.
Barétous Valley is also known as the birthplace of the Musketeers, an elite French Guard, honored by Alexandre Dumas. Several sites to track the life and adventures that inspired the Musketeers Dumas.
Land of pastoralism, land border, the Barétous is an emblem of cooperation between peoples with the Treaty of the Junta of Roncal or Tribute of three cows, oldest peace treaty in Europe. This peace treaty is renewed each year since 1385, July 13 to Col de la Pierre Saint Martin, where French and Spanish meet to agree on the use of pasture.
