Some 7km out of Gabas, the Pourtalet road passes the dammed Lac de Fabrèges, whence a télépherique swings up to the Pic de la Sagette (2031m) to connect with a miniature rail line that runs 10km southeast through the mountains to the Lac d'Artouste. Built in the 1920s to service a hydro-electric project which raised the lake level 25m, it was later converted for tourist purposes. Weather permitting, the train starts operating in early June and keeps going until late September. It's a beautiful trip, lasting about four hours, including time to walk down to the lake and back. Round-trip fares are €16; walkers may be able to negotiate one-ways. The first train leaves between 9 and 10am, but allow a half-hour for the télépherique (first departure 8.30–9.30am). Don't forget to take warm clothes, too, as you'll be at an altitude of over 2000m. In winter the same télépherique gives access to the small beginner-to-intermediate downhill ski centre on the northeast side of the Col de la Sagette.
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