Cauterets Travel Guide: Pont d'Espagne, Lac de Gaube & Skiing

DepartmentHautes-Pyrénées
Altitude~930 m
From Lourdes~45 min
Stay2–4 nights

Cauterets grew rich in the 19th century as a spa resort, and its main square and boulevards are still lined with ornate hotels and the old thermal buildings. Today it's a year-round mountain town at around 930 metres, on the edge of the Pyrénées National Park.

Pont d'Espagne and Lac de Gaube

A road climbs south from town past a chain of waterfalls, the Chemin des Cascades, to the Pont d'Espagne, where two torrents meet in a thunder of white water. From there a lift and a short walk lead to the Lac de Gaube, with the north face of the Vignemale (3,298 m) reflected in it.

Skiing

The Cauterets – Cirque du Lys ski area is reached by a gondola from town and has a reputation for good snow late into the season. Cross-country skiers head for the Pont d'Espagne Nordic area.

Thermal baths

The modern Bains du Rocher spa offers indoor and outdoor thermal pools, the perfect end to a day on the trails or the slopes.

Practical tips

Cauterets is about 30 km from Lourdes. Regional buses link the two.
Parking at the Pont d'Espagne is paid and fills early in July and August; shuttles run from town in summer.
Try the local sweets, berlingots, sold in shops around town.