In May, Cauterets rediscovers its vitality: nature is reborn, the mountains awaken and the village, with its thermal baths, walks and panoramic views, offers the ideal setting for enjoying spring in the heart of the Pyrenees. Let’s immerse ourselves in the month of May in Cauterets, when nature reclaims its rights and the mountains can be explored in a whole new light.
walks in cauterets
at the pont d’espagne
The Pont d’Espagne is an exceptional natural site located 7km from the village, right in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park. It has the honour of being one of the Grands Sites Occitanie. It’s also the starting point for a number of legendary walks that are not to be missed during your visit to Cauterets.
The Pont d’Espagne waterfall
When you’re out and about in this unique part of the Pyrenees, there’s not a place you’ll want to miss. Just a 5-minute walk from the car park, discover the famous Pont d’Espagne waterfall.
- Car parking is available for cars, motorbikes and camper vans.
- Dogs not allowed except at Lac de Gaube via chairlift only and as far as the Plateau du Clot, kept on a lead.
Lake Gaube
Departing from the Pont d’Espagne car park, this walk, which is accessible to all, offers a relaxing moment on the edge of the lake, with a view of the Vignemale, the highest peak in the French Pyrenees.
It takes around 2? hours to walk there and back along the GR10. The path starts just before the Pont d’Espagne waterfall.
This is a stony walk, so it’s best to be well shod and have poles for added comfort.
Refuge des Oulettes
As you continue your hike beyond Lac de Gaube, you’ll get closer to the Vignemale. If you go as far as the Oulettes refuge, you’ll be at the foot of the glacier.
It’s a 1 hour 45 minute walk from the lake and 450 metres of ascent.
This tour requires a good level of walking ability.
The Marcadau Valley
From the Pont d’Espagne car park, you can explore the superb Marcadau valley, heading towards the Plateau du Clot and then the Plateau du Cayan, ideal for a short lunch break.
The Clot is accessible by pushchair and wheelchair via the tarmac path.
Once past the Cayan plateau, follow the signs for the Refuge du Marcadau.
It’s a 2? hour walk along a beautiful path. On arrival at the refuge, a magnificent panorama awaits you.
La fruitière
Heading towards Pont d’Espagne, a few kilometres from the village, on your left you’ll see the road leading to La Fruitière. You can also get there via the Chemin des Pères de Cauterets or the Raillère, which takes around 3 hours 20 minutes round trip. A wild site in the heart of nature, where you can enjoy walks in the fresh air and sumptuous scenery, even if you’re accompanied by your faithful four-legged friends.
Lac d’Estom: from the car park, it’s around a 4-hour round trip through the heart of the splendid Lutour valley.
Lake Ilhéou
Lac d’Ilhéou is situated in the Cambasque valley a few kilometres from Cauterets.
Starting from the Cambasque car park, allow around 3? hours for the round trip. This walk is accessible to all. There may still be a little snow at the end of the route, so good shoes and walking poles are highly recommended.
This walk is available with your dog on a lead.
All the walks at higher altitudes are still snow-covered and can present risks for novice hikers. We recommend that you go with a mountain guide, who will show you other magnificent walks so that you can hike in complete safety.
walks accessible from the village
There are many walks around the village for all ages and abilities. All the walks are currently accessible, except for the Cabaliros walk for safety reasons.
Have the walks and activities whetted your appetite? Are you looking for accommodation?
Thematics
