The Gateway to the Pyrénées National Park
At 1,500 metres above sea level, this jewel of the Hautes-Pyrénées, recognised as one of the Grands Sites of Midi-Pyrénées, has become one of the region's must-visit attractions.
With its forests reminiscent of the Canadian wilderness, vast valleys, pristine lakes and rushing mountain streams, Pont d'Espagne is a destination of outstanding natural beauty. Waterfalls, pine trees, mountain peaks and crystal-clear lakes combine to create breathtaking scenery.
Booking & Prices
Book your pass and enjoy easy access to the lifts
No Souci Card discount
Even in summer !
Do you have the No Souci card? Head straight to the lift—no need to stop at the ticket office, even in summer!
- Up to 30% off on weekdays
- Up to 15% off during holidays & weekends
- Still no checkout required
Lac de Gaube
The iconic landmark of the Pyrenees
In the heart of the Pyrénées National Park, Lac de Gaube is the gateway to the highest peak in the French Pyrenees, the Vignemale.
The Chemin des Cascades
Walk from Cauterets to Pont d’Espagne
From La Raillère car park, just above Cauterets, the Chemin des Cascades takes you to Pont d’Espagne in around 1 hour 30 minutes through beautiful forest trails.
Vallée du Marcadau
Land of mountaineers
The Vallée du Marcadau is accessed via a narrow, winding road that offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Hikers and mountaineers are especially drawn to this valley for its hiking trails and iconic peaks.
Food & accommodation
Where to stop for a coffee or spend the night?
Practical information
Everything you need to know about Pont d’Espagne
Opening dates & times
The site is open year-round (parking charges apply), but the lifts run during the following periods:
- 9am–5pm, 8–10 May 2026
- 9am–5pm daily, 14 May – 27 September 2026
Parking
Parking is available at the Puntas car park (charges apply). Tickets can only be purchased on site. Parking is included with the Lac de Gaube pass, available to book further up this page.
Alternatively, you can park in the village, where shuttle buses run between Pont d’Espagne and the Cauterets bus station.
Camping & campervans
Overnight parking for campervans is not permitted in the car park. A dedicated area is available on Avenue de la Gare in the village of Cauterets.
Wild camping is allowed more than one hour’s walk from any road access, between 7pm and 9am. Tents must only be pitched after 7pm and taken down before 9am, so make sure you’re up early if you don’t want to be woken by a rather stern park ranger 😁
It all depends on how far you want to go!
From the Puntas car park via the GR10 trail, the hike to Lac de Gaube takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes and is considered moderately difficult. There is some uphill climbing, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
If you'd like to continue beyond the lake, you can head to the Refuge des Oulettes, located around 6 km further on. The route involves approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes of additional hiking and 420 metres of elevation gain.
If you'd rather avoid the climb, you can take the Puntas gondola followed by the Gaube chairlift, reaching Lac de Gaube after just a short walk. The chairlift ride takes around 20 minutes, and Pont d'Espagne passes can be booked further down this page.
And after your adventure, why not unwind at the Cauterets thermal spa?
Absolutely! You can easily reach Pont d'Espagne from Cauterets via the Chemin des Cascades.
This is an ideal family-friendly walk: pleasant, shaded and easy to follow.
Starting from La Raillère (in Cauterets), famous for its thermal baths, the trail follows the river through the valley. Along the way, you'll discover six beautiful waterfalls: Cascade de Mauhourat, Cascade d'Escane-Gat, Cascade du Ceriset, Cascade de Pouey Bacou, Cascade du Pas de l'Ours and Cascade de Boussès.
The route is approximately 10 km long and usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on your pace.
The Puntas gondola and the Gaube chairlift are accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. The Puntas car park is also equipped with the necessary facilities and accessible infrastructure.
As Pont d'Espagne lies within the Pyrénées National Park, certain restrictions apply.
Dogs are permitted, provided they are kept on a leash, on the following routes:
- The trails linking the Puntas car park to Chalet du Clot.
- The path connecting the upper station of the Gaube chairlift to the Hostellerie du Lac de Gaube.
- The Ilhéou trail between the boundary of the Pyrénées National Park core area and Refuge d'Ilhéou.
Dogs are also allowed on the Puntas gondola.
If you'd like to visit with any animal other than a dog (a cat, an iguana, a Tyrannosaurus rex, etc.), you'll need special authorisation from the Pyrénées National Park.