Pic du Midi & Pont d'Espagne

The Bridge of Spain, but what is it?

It's the gateway to the Pyrenees National Park. At 1500 meters, this jewel of the Hautes-Pyrénées, one of the Grands Sites Midi-Pyrénées, has quickly become one of the region's must-sees (and we're proud of it).

Between its forests worthy of the Great Canadian North, the immensity of its valleys, its lakes and white waters, the Pont d'Espagne is a magnificent destination. Waterfalls, fir trees, peaks and lakes all come together to dazzle your eyes.

It's also a perfect starting point for hiking to several choice sites: Lac de Gaube, Petit and Grand Vignemale, Vallée des Oulettes, Refuge du Marcadau, Embarrat lakes....

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Lake Gaube, but how do we get there?

In the heart of the Pyrenees National Park, Lac de Gaube is the gateway to the highest peak in the French Pyrenees: the Vignemale.

After a magnificent 1h15 hike from the Pont d'Espagne, criss-crossing forests and waterfalls, or an ascent via the Puntas gondola and then the Gaube chairlift, discover this lake nestled at an altitude of 1725m. An invitation to take a waterside break awaits you up there!

On site, you'll have several options: take a stroll around the lake, take a siesta in the greenery, picnic by the turquoise water, have a drink at the lake's bar-restaurant, continue hiking to the Oulettes refuge (and beyond for the more motivated!).

Discovering the waterfalls

From the Raillère parking lot, just above Cauterets, the waterfalls walk takes you to the Pont d'Espagne after a 1h30 hike through the forest.

This well-signposted, easy and shaded walk (ideal in summer) takes you through 6 waterfalls before reaching those of the Pont d'Espagne: cascade da Mauhourat, cascade d'Escane-Gat, cascade du Ceriset, cascade de Pouey Bacou, cascade de l'Ours and cascade de Boussès.

Families and especially children will appreciate this walk in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park before venturing into the Marcadeau valley, Lac de Gaube or the Oulettes de Gaube refuge.