Cauterets > Cauterets-Pont d'Espagne > Lourdes
45 km / 1h15
Today will be gentle, peaceful and revitalising. After an exploration of the Garden of Eden of the Pyrenees that is Pont d'Espagne we head for Lourdes for an unusual experience. And if you can get up early you can start the day with a relaxing session in the soothing waters of the Bains de Rocher spa centre in Cauterets.
Your itinerary
Cauterets > Cauterets – Pont d’Espagne • 7 km / 17 mn
Leave Cauterets to the south, towards Cauterets – Pont d’Espagne (7k / 17mn)
Cauterets – Pont d’Espagne > Lourdes • 38 km / 58 mn
Leave Cauterets – Pont d’Espagne, pass through Cauterets village, take the RD 920. Continue for 10 k to the village of Soulom. Take the direction of Lourdes (18.5 k).
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Cauterets
" Chateaubriand, Victor Hugo, Beaudelaire, Debussy… All the high society came here, it became a centre for the Romantics. "
This small mountain spa town welcomed Chateaubriand, Victor Hugo, Beaudelaire, Debussy… All the high society came here, it became a centre for the Romantics. Follow in their steps along the Boulevard Latapie Flurin and admire the sculptures and monumental doorways dating from the Belle Epoque period.
www.cauterets.com
The National Park centre
For a better understanding of the area visit The National Park centre for information on the Isard, the countryside, water and walks. There are tactile markers to explain the walking trails of the valley.
Cauterets - Place de la Gare
The ancient bus station
" An astonishing building, totally in wood. "
An astonishing building, totally in wood, and located at the entrance to the town. It is actually the Norwegian pavilion from the Universal Exhibition in Paris of 1889.
Berlingots
" Nowadays four shops in Cauterets continue to make and sell these sweets. "
At the beginning of the 19th century the local doctors recommended that those coming for the spa waters should suck sweets to take away the sulphorous smell of the waters. So the berlingot was invented! Nowadays four shops in Cauterets continue to make and sell these sweets.
The Lutour and Cerisey waterfalls
Head towards Pont d'Espagne, there are a succession of thundering waterfalls along the roadside, the journey itself is a real show. Firstly stop at La Raillère where the Lutour waterfall is signposted, cross the footbridge and there it is in the forest. Then continue to Pont d'Espagne, the Cerisey falls can be seen from the road, if you approach you will most certainly be drenched in spray.
La Raillère • 2.5 km after Cauterets, towards Pont d’Espagne.
Cauterets Pont d'Espagne
" The Marcadau valley offers easy walks in a sublime setting of mountain pines, flowery meadows with towering rocky peaks all around. "
The Garden of Eden of the Pyrenees
As you reach the Puntas parking area you have already crossed into the National Park and the site of Cauterets / Pont d'Espagne, one of the most visited sites in the Pyrenees National Park. It is a fabulous area, full of life, which water crashing from all directions. The Marcadau valley offers easy walks in a sublime setting of mountain pines, flowery meadows with towering rocky peaks all around. One can take the chairlift to Lac de Gaube, a beautiful turuoise lake beneath the mighty Vignemale, the highest mountain in the French Pyrenees, the setting of the lake is pure magic.
Parking at Puntas • 7 k after Cauterets • www.cauterets.com
Relaxation at the Bains de Rocher spa centre
" Some soothing relaxation ina lovely refined setting. "
Before starting your day or at the end of it treat yourself to some soothing relaxation ina lovely refined setting. Huge windows, fine embroiderd curtains, floors in jade, mosaics, glass pearls... the outdor lagoon with its bubbling waters is a great spot to relax, in all weathers, at all times of the day as the waters are at 38C.
2 hour pass. Massges by reservation • Cauterets • www.bains-rocher.com
The Sanctuary in Lourdes
The sanctuary is the area around the grotto where Bernadette saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary. They are on the river bank and it is the area where people come to pray, there are three basilicas.
The grotto, it is here that the heart of Lourdes beats, in this grotto, the site of the 18 Apparitions. In the opening where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared, a statue has been left.
The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, smooth and white, perched on a rocky outcrop above the grotto.
The Basilica of the Rosary, in the lower part, it is decorated by superb Venitian mosaics created by G.D. Facchina, who alos decorated the Opera Garnier in Paris.
The Basilica of Pius X is underground beneath the esplanade and can accommodate 20000 people.
The sanctuaries are situated in the lower town on the river banks. Best to park in the higher town and reach them on foot. There are seven points of entry. We suggest the Port Saint Michel, which opens on to the esplanade and has the best view. Open from 5.30am until midnight.
www.lourdes-infotourisme.com
The torchlight procession
" Each evening thousands of pilgrims gather to walk with flaming torches behind a statue of the Virgin Mary. "
To be experienced once in a lifetime
From Cauterets it is down to Lourdes for a most unusual experience. Each evening thousands of pilgrims gather to walk with flaming torches behind a statue of the Virgin Mary. The crowd is dense, the ambience joyous and spontaneous. It is a moving spectacle, everybody is singing in praise of the Virgin Mary. Whether a believer or not one can feel the energy. Join in if you wish.
Every day from april to October, at 9pm (length 1h30). One can buy torches at the entry to the sanctuaries.
www.lourdes-infotourisme.com
The Pyrenees Animal Park
" A selfie with the adorable marmots is a must! "
Located in Argelès-Gazost between Cauterets and Lourdes. It offers a superb way of looking at the natural world of the Pyrenees. Set across a green and rocky hilside you can share the intimate life of the animals, from the great carnivores - bears, wolves and lynx to the smaller ones - martins, otters and stoats, not to mention the mountain species - vultures, deer and Isard.
The visit lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours. Within the park is a restaurant, a bar, a shop, and 3 picnic areas.
60 bis avenue des Pyrénées - 65400 Ayzac-Ost • www.parc-animalier-pyrenees.com
Evening and night in Lourdes
The Hautes-Pyrenees holiday shop proposes you a small selection of very favorite accommodations in Lourdes and surroundings. For more choices, contact directly the Shop to 05 62 56 70 00.
Mix and Match
Combine with "On the road to Madiran".
A one-day adventure in the foothills of the Pyrenees exploring an intimate vineyard.
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Worth the detour
" The hardest thing is to choose. "
A gourmet stop at the Refuge de Sens, chocolate maker and tea rooms
The hardest thing is to choose amongst all the delicious patisseries and crepes, not to mention the chocolates...
7 rue Richelieu-Galerie des Princes – 65110 Cauterets
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Favourite places
- Hôtellerie du lac de Gaube
Sit on the terrace in this magical setting, above the lake and facing the mighty Vignemale, trout and other local produce.
Cauterets – Pont d’Espagne, lake of Gaube – 65110 Cauterets
+33 6 74 51 56 28
- Hôtellerie du Pont d’Espagne
Opposite the waterfalls of Pont d'Espagne, try their delicious Cepe omelette or other local delicacies.
Cauterets – Pont d’Espagne – 65110 Cauterets
+33 5 62 92 54 10
The front facade, covered with pots and pans is most intriguing. A very popular venue for the locals who love its creative cuisine.
3, rue du Fort – 65100 Lourdes
+33 5 62 94 31 43
The restaurant is located on the bank of the lake of Lourdes. Completely open to the exterior, with its pretty shaded terrace, the place exudes calm and serenity. You will enjoy local dishes, gourmet ice creams and crepes.
Chemin du lac, Lac de Lourdes – 65100 Lourdes
+33 5 62 46 34 48
- Pizzeria Da Marco at Lourdes
A rustic and cosy place, a large selection of pizzas, even as dessert!
45, rue de la Grotte – 65100 Lourdes
+33 5 62 94 03 59
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