Site classification 11 octobre 2018 (≈ 2018)
Natural site classified for its picturesque interest.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Henry Russell - 19th Century Pyrénéist
Ranked this first waterfall among her rivals.
Origin and history
The waterfall of Ars (or Arse) is a natural waterfall of the Pyrenees, located in the Couserans in Ariège, at 1,380 meters above sea level. It is part of the regional natural park of the Ariegean Pyrenees and is located on the course of the Arse, a river taking its source at the foot of the peak of Turguilla (2,527 m) on the Franco-Spanish border. Its name, Ars or Arse, derives from the term Hars (or Hartz), meaning "mountain" in ancient language.
The waterfall consists of a 100-metre main fall, followed by a series of cascades forming a "hair" before a last fall. With a total height of 246 meters, it is considered one of the most imposing and picturesque of the Pyrenees. Pyreneanist Henry Russell, in the 19th century, placed her first among his rivals.
Accessible after 90 minutes of walking from Aulus-les-Bains via the D8, the waterfall is also integrated into hiking routes like the GR10. Since 2018, it and its valley form a listed natural site of picturesque interest, covering 1,500 hectares. Hiking can include a loop through the Guzet pond (1,458 m).
