1
Cauterets – Raillere - Cauterets
Optional welcome in Argeles-Gazost (or elsewhere...) followed by a transfer to Cauterets (950m) to drop off your luggage at the hotel.
The hike begins on foot from the hotel, starting a slow journey back in time to the 19th century. Soon, you’ll leave the village and be charmed by the slightly old-fashioned but fascinating atmosphere. It's a unique blend of wild mountains adapted for thermal walks. A beautiful tree-lined path, with stone benches along the way, gently climbs into the mountain. Informational signs will tell you about the village's rich history. After a while, you’ll reach the former thermal building of La Raillere (1042m), once closed but now being restored, a good excuse for ice cream or coffee at a local bar terrace. Soon, the sound of the Lutour waterfalls will call. Passing by the thermal building of Griffons, which hosts hundreds of spa-goers each year, you’ll get a hint (or rather, a smell!) of the sulphurous waters that made Cauterets fworldwide famous.
A few more steps, and you’ll enter the beech forest towards the Lutour waterfall. From the bridge crossing the river, the waterfall, splitting into four streams, looks like a white octopus sprawled on the rocks. The mist in the air creates a marine-like atmosphere. Then, the path rises, testing your legs. It's time to embrace the challenge but pace yourself! At the viewpoint, you’ll catch your breath, admire the beech-spruce canopy, and start your way back. Some clearings will offer views of the rich Pyrenean flora. Finally, as the path turns, Cauterets will appear below, peaceful and beautiful. Don’t miss a stop to visit a local maker of traditional “berlingots” (candies).
Then, it’s time to head back to the hotel for a refreshing shower and exploring of the nearby Bains du Rocher thermal spa, a few steps from your room!
Activity Time
3h min. of walking.
Elevation
+250/-250m.
Transfer Duration
20 min approx. if transfer from Argeles-Gazost.
2
Cauterets - Pont d'Espagne - Embarrat Lakes - Cauterets (sporty option: the Round of the Lakes)
You can reach the Pountas-Pont d'Espagne parking lot either by public shuttle, with your personal vehicle, or via a private transfer (optional). Using the public shuttle requires specific ascent and descent times.
Classic route: Pont d'Espagne (1460m) is one of the key spots in the Pyrenees. Spanning over the rivers of Gaube and Marcadau valleys, it offers a special view of the milky waterfalls and the emerald-green water.
As you climb the wide Marcadau glacier valley, alternating between high meadows and granite cliffs, you'll warm up your legs before the real ascent begins. This is the perfect time to admire the centuries-old pine forests, catch a glimpse of a marmot hurrying to its sunbathing nap, or watch cows and izards grazing peacefully, unaware of human presence. When you reach the Cayan plateau, it's time to shed some layers. The real climb starts here! The path narrows and steepens, but it's a joy to continue.
The crowd is gone: only mountain dweller remain. And what a sight! Finally, nestled in a crater of gray and red stones, the peaceful, emerald lake of Embarrat (2076m) appears, a reward for determined hikers! If you're up for it (and your legs agree!), a second emerald lake lies just above, the second lake of Embarrat (2139m). Return via the same path. At the Cayan plateau, you can take a loop back to Pont d'Espagne along the right bank of the Marcadau river.
Long route option: This is the Round of the Lakes. You’ll climb to the highest point of the loop, Lake Pourtet (2422m), then cross over to Lake Nère (2345m), surrounded by beautiful granite scree and views of Vignemale and the Fache peaks. Stop at the stunning Wallon-Marcadau refuge (1900m), made of stone, glass, and wood. Then return to the Cayan plateau as on the classic route.
Afterward, unwind in the warm waters of the Bains du Rocher.
Activity Time
4 hours of hiking (add 2.5 to 3 hours for the sporty variant).
Elevation
+650m / -650m (add +300m / -300m for the sporty variant).
Transfer Duration
20 min approx.
3
Cauterets - Pont d'Espagne - Lake Gaube - Pont d'Espagne - Cauterets (Grand Hike variant: Refuge des Oulettes)
Ascend to the Pountas-Pont d'Espagne parking lot either by public shuttle, your own vehicle, or via a private transfer (optional). Using the public shuttle requires specific ascent and descent times.
Classic route: Follow the GR10 towards Lake Gaube. The trail starts a bit steep (don’t rush!). But don’t worry! The beauty of the ancient trees (beech, fir, scattered pines, mountain ash), the happy mix of shaded areas and sunlit clearings will calm your morning pace. Then, vast plateaus with twisted Scots pines will allow your gaze to drift far away, to the vertical limestone cliffs of Vignemale (800 meters of rock face!).
Suddenly, Lake Gaube (1725m) will appear, as an enormous lagoon-like mirror. You can relax on the terrace of the lake’s inn. If you want to continue your adventure, follow the GR10 along the right side of the lake and rest under the pines of the south beach.
Return to Pont d'Espagne via the same route.
Here, two options are available:
- You can wait for the shuttle to Cauterets.
- Or, take the GR10, which becomes the famous Waterfall Path. It lives up to its name! Roaring waterfalls, giant natural mist sprays, dark pools surrounded by moss-covered cliffs, all shades of green from the chlorophyll, and colorful flowers everywhere! But beware! The trail requires attention and strong legs, as it’s rocky in places. Don’t overestimate your strength, even on the descent.
Sporty variant: This follows the same route as the classic until the southern end of Lake Gaube, where you’ll continue on the GR10 towards the Oulettes de Gaube Refuge (2151m). You’ll pass the Pinet hut, overlooked by the Esplumousse waterfall. Gradually, the forest disappears, replaced by meadows trampled by cows (Blondes d’Aquitaine), sheep, and sometimes horses. In the dark rocky scree, the thin silhouette of an izard reminds you that you've reached high mountain territory. The call of marmots will punctuate your hike, or perhaps the sight of a royal kite or a peregrine falcon. Suddenly, the overwhelming face of the Vignemale will appear, and you'll understand the true majesty of a mountain. At the foot of this giant, you can rest and refresh yourself on the terrace of the Oulettes Refuge.
Return to Pont d'Espagne, with the same options as the classic route.
Final relaxation in the warm waters of the Bains du Rocher.
Activity Time
3 hours of hiking, 4h15 if returning on foot to Cauterets (add 2h15 for the sporty variant).
Elevation
+265m / -265m, or -565m if descending to Cauterets (add +435m / -435m for the sporty variant).
Transfer Duration
Around 40 minutes (only 20 minutes if returning on foot via the Waterfall Path).
4
End of the stay.
After breakfast, end of the stay at the hotel or, depending on the option, transfer back to Argeles-Gazost or another location.
Transfer Duration
25 min approx.
